HP Deskjet 3940 Review: A Reliable Entry-Level Printer for Home Use

When it comes to affordable and user-friendly home printers, the HP Deskjet 3940 often comes up as a classic choice for students and small home office setups. Though not the newest model on the market, this printer has a legacy of offering essential printing functionalities without the hefty price tag or complicated setup. If you’re considering the HP Deskjet 3940 or looking for insight into its strengths and limitations, this comprehensive review is here to help.

Why Users Experience Problems with the HP Deskjet 3940

Like many entry-level printers, the HP Deskjet 3940 isn’t without its share of common issues. Understanding these challenges can help users make the most out of the device or determine if it fits their needs.

1. Ink Cartridge Issues: One of the most frequent complaints revolves around ink cartridges. The Deskjet 3940 uses two separate cartridges (black and tri-color), and users sometimes report problems with cartridge recognition, streaky prints, or rapid ink depletion. These issues are often linked to either improper cartridge installation, use of non-genuine cartridges, or the natural drying out of ink due to infrequent use.
2. Paper Jams and Feed Problems: This printer has a compact design, which sometimes contributes to paper feed issues. Users encounter jams, skewness, or the printer grabbing multiple sheets at once. Dust in the feed tray or the use of damaged or incompatible paper sizes typically causes these problems.
3. Print Quality Concerns: Given the Deskjet 3940’s budget-friendly nature, its print resolution (up to 1200x1200 dpi for black and 4800x1200 optimized dpi for color) isn’t as sharp as higher-end models. Faded prints or misalignment may occur, especially as the printer ages or if the printhead isn’t regularly maintained.
4. Connectivity and Compatibility: The Deskjet 3940 connects via USB, and while installation is straightforward, newer laptops and desktops may lack the required port or drivers, especially for modern operating systems like Windows 10/11 or macOS. This can lead to frustration during setup.
5. Speed and Noise: As a low-cost inkjet printer, the Deskjet 3940 isn’t known for its speed or quiet operation. Print speeds hover around 16 ppm for black and 12 ppm for color, but real-world performance may be slower. The printer can also be somewhat noisy during operation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting and Optimizing the HP Deskjet 3940

Despite its age, the HP Deskjet 3940 can deliver reliable service with proper care and a few troubleshooting steps. Follow this guide to address the most common issues and ensure optimal performance:

1. Addressing Ink Cartridge Problems:
   • Use Original HP Cartridges: Always opt for genuine HP cartridges to avoid recognition or quality issues. Refurbished or third-party cartridges may save money but can cause more frequent errors.
   • Proper Installation: Gently remove and re-insert cartridges to ensure they are seated correctly in their slots. Listen for a firm click.
   • Clean the Cartridge Contacts: If recognition issues continue, power off the printer, remove the cartridges, and clean their copper contacts with a lint-free cloth and a dab of distilled water.
   • Print Regularly: To prevent ink from drying out, print a test page at least once every two weeks if you don’t use the printer often.
2. Solving Paper Jams and Feed Issues:
   • Use Good Quality Paper: Always use flat, clean, undamaged paper that matches the recommended specifications (plain A4 or Letter size for best results).
   • Clean the Feed Tray: Dust or debris can disrupt the paper feed. Use compressed air or a clean, dry brush to clear the tray regularly.
   • Align the Paper Guides: Make sure the adjustable paper guides in the feed tray are snug against the edges of the paper stack without too much pressure.
   • Remove Jams Properly: If a jam occurs, turn off the printer and gently pull the paper out in the direction of the paper path. Avoid tugging or forcing, as this can damage internal components.
3. Enhancing Print Quality:
   • Perform Printhead Cleaning: Use the printer’s software utility to run a printhead cleaning cycle if you notice streaks or faded areas in your prints.
   • Align the Cartridges: The Deskjet 3940 offers a cartridge alignment process post-installation or when prompted by the software. Following this ensures the best color accuracy and print clarity.
   • Adjust Printer Settings: For important documents or photos, select higher print quality settings in the print dialog. Be aware this may use ink more quickly.
4. Connectivity & Driver Compatibility:
   • Update Drivers: Visit the HP Support website to download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system. For older models, you may need to use generic or legacy drivers and run the installer in compatibility mode.
   • Acquire a USB Adapter: If your computer lacks a standard USB port, invest in a USB-C to USB-A adapter to ensure connectivity.
   • Verify USB Cables: A faulty or loose USB cable can cause intermittent communication issues between the printer and computer.
5. Noise & Speed:
   • Place on a Stable Surface: Ensure your printer sits on a flat, stable desk or table to minimize vibration and noise.
   • Print in Draft Mode: For less critical prints, select ‘Draft’ mode in the print settings menu to speed up output and reduce ink usage.

Conclusion

The HP Deskjet 3940 remains a viable budget printer for users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality. While it’s not built for high-demand environments or professional photo printing, its small footprint, straightforward operation, and widely available cartridges make it a solid choice for home users who print occasionally. Understanding its common pitfalls—such as cartridge recognition, paper jams, print quality fluctuations, and compatibility issues—equips users to troubleshoot most problems without professional help.

For those willing to perform periodic maintenance and use recommended supplies, the HP Deskjet 3940 can serve reliably for years. However, if printing demands grow or if seamless connectivity with modern devices is paramount, it may be worth considering newer models in the HP lineup. But for students, everyday home printing, or as a backup device, the Deskjet 3940’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness are tough to beat.