The HP Photosmart Plus B210 Review

In a world saturated with advanced, multi-function printers, choosing the right device for your home or office can be overwhelming. The HP Photosmart Plus B210 aims to balance affordability, reliability, and quality, catering primarily to home users and small offices with moderate printing needs. In this in-depth review, we delve into common issues users face, offer practical solutions, and summarize the overall value of the Photosmart Plus B210.

Why Users Experience Problems with the HP Photosmart Plus B210

Like many inkjet printers, the HP Photosmart Plus B210 is not without its challenges. Users have reported several recurring issues, often hindering their printing experience. Here are the most common reasons problems might arise with this device:

1. Wireless Connectivity Challenges
   The B210, touted for its wireless capabilities, can sometimes struggle to maintain a stable connection. Users frequently experience problems connecting to Wi-Fi networks, leading to failed print jobs or the printer appearing as “offline.” The device’s reliance on older wireless standards and occasional firmware bugs further complicate matters, especially in homes with complex or crowded Wi-Fi environments.
2. Ink Cartridge Recognition
   A notable frustration among HP Photosmart Plus B210 users is the printer failing to recognize compatible cartridges. Even genuine HP cartridges can sometimes trigger “cartridge missing” or “cartridge problem” alerts. Such issues are often rooted in dirty or misaligned cartridge contacts, outdated firmware, or the use of third-party ink.
3. Paper Jams and Feed Errors
   Paper handling is another weak point for the B210. Users complain of frequent paper jams or the printer pulling multiple sheets at once. This can generally be attributed to using improper paper types, overfilling the input tray, or residue build-up on printer rollers.
4. Print Quality Degradation
   Over time, users may notice smeared outputs, color fading, or streaks on printed pages. These issues stem from clogged printheads, depleted ink cartridges, or using low-quality paper. Moreover, infrequent use of the printer can accelerate printhead clogs, leading to poor output.
5. Slow Printing Speeds
   Compared to modern printers, the B210’s printing speed is relatively slow, especially when printing color documents or high-resolution photos. This is an inherent limitation of the hardware and is further aggravated when the printer is handling large, complex files or when operating wirelessly from a distance.

Instruction: How to Fix Common HP Photosmart Plus B210 Problems

While the HP Photosmart Plus B210 exhibits some common issues, most can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting. Below is a step-by-step instruction guide to address the primary pain points:

1. Resolving Wireless Connectivity Issues
   • Ensure your printer and router are within a reasonable distance to optimize signal strength.
   • Reboot both the printer and your Wi-Fi router.
   • Navigate to the wireless settings on the B210 and reconnect to the correct network, ensuring you input the correct password.
   • Check for firmware updates via the HP website and install any available updates to address known connectivity bugs.
   • If using a computer, remove and reinstall the printer software to ensure a fresh connection. Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor utility for automated troubleshooting.
2. Addressing Ink Cartridge Problems
   • Turn off and unplug the printer, then open the cartridge access door.
   • Remove all cartridges, gently clean the copper contacts with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of distilled water.
   • Allow the contacts to dry fully before reinserting the cartridges into their slots. Make sure they click into place securely.
   • Plug in and turn on the printer, and check if the problem persists.
   • For non-genuine cartridges, switch to HP branded ones if recognition issues continue.
   • Update printer firmware to the latest version, as this can improve cartridge compatibility.
3. Preventing and Clearing Paper Jams
   • Use only paper within the recommended weight and size range, and avoid overloading the input tray.
   • Fan the stack of paper before loading, and ensure the paper-width guides are snug but not tight.
   • If a jam occurs, gently remove the paper from the rear access panel or input tray, ensuring no scraps are left inside.
   • Wipe the paper rollers with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust or debris, which can hinder proper feed.
4. Restoring Print Quality
   • Run the built-in printhead cleaning utility from the printer’s control panel or software suite.
   • Print a test page to check for improvement; repeat the cleaning cycle as needed, but no more than twice consecutively.
   • Replace low or empty ink cartridges with fresh ones to ensure optimal color output.
   • Only use high-quality paper designed for inkjet printers to minimize smudging and fading.
   • If the printer has been sitting idle, print a few pages regularly to keep the printhead in good condition.
5. Optimizing Printing Speed
   • Print documents in “Draft” mode for basic text, which is faster than “Normal” or “Best” settings.
   • Connect to the printer using USB instead of wireless for large files to minimize lag.
   • Close unnecessary background applications on your computer when printing large documents.
   • Keep the printer firmware and drivers updated for efficiency improvements.

Conclusion

The HP Photosmart Plus B210 remains a reliable and versatile all-in-one printer for home users and small offices, especially those who require quality photo and document prints without excessive volume. While it does encounter a fair share of common issues — primarily related to connectivity, ink cartridges, paper handling, and print quality — these problems are typically manageable with regular maintenance and adherence to HP’s guidelines.

The B210’s wireless capabilities, touchscreen interface, and support for mobile printing make it a user-friendly choice for technophiles and casual users alike. However, users must be prepared for basic troubleshooting to ensure smooth operation, especially as the device ages or is used in demanding environments. Overall, with the right care and attention, the HP Photosmart Plus B210 delivers satisfactory performance and remains a solid investment for those seeking a balance between cost and quality in their printing needs.