Comprehensive review of the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 wireless all-in-one printer

Description

A Professional Look at the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer

I’ve had the chance to put the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer to the test, and let me just say, this machine has been an interesting addition to my workspace. From its sleek design to its range of capabilities, it certainly stands out, but it’s not without a few quirks. This review dives into its performance, features, and areas where it could use improvement, all based on my firsthand experience with it.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my eye was the compact yet professional appearance of this printer. It’s not overly bulky, measuring 15.35″ x 18.26″ x 9″, which makes it fit comfortably on my desk without dominating the space. The 17.9-pound weight isn’t too unwieldy either, making it manageable to reposition when needed.

The LCD touchscreen is a particularly nice touch, adding a modern feel to an otherwise classic design. The interface is intuitive, and navigating through options like scanning, copying, and faxing is straightforward. However, I noticed that the screen’s responsiveness could sometimes lag, which was mildly frustrating during busier moments.

Performance and Features

This machine boasts automatic two-sided printing, which quickly became one of my favorite features. It’s a real time-saver when managing larger projects and helps reduce paper waste by up to 50%, which I appreciated. Additionally, the scan-to-email functionality was a game-changer. Sending documents directly to clients or colleagues without needing to download files first is incredibly convenient.

The print speed impressed me, especially for black-and-white documents, which can reach up to 30 pages per minute. While color printing is slower, the quality makes up for it. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution produced sharp and vivid results, whether I was printing a simple report or high-resolution images. However, the 225-sheet input capacity could feel limiting during heavy use, requiring frequent refills.

Positives

There are several winning points that make this printer stand out:

• Mobile printing capabilities allow me to print directly from my smartphone or laptop without dealing with tangled cords.
• HP Instant Ink compatibility ensures I never run out of ink, and the subscription plans are surprisingly affordable.
• Dual-sided scanning and copying save not only time but also effort, especially for multi-page documents.
• Cost-effective color printing makes it a great choice for small businesses or home offices operating on a budget.
• Wide media compatibility means I can use it for envelopes, card stock, glossy photo paper, and more.

Negatives

While the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 has many strengths, there are some areas for improvement:

• The touchscreen responsiveness could be better, as it occasionally felt sluggish.
• It’s designed to work only with HP cartridges, which might deter users who prefer third-party options.
• Noise levels during operation were higher than expected, particularly when printing large batches.
• The manual feed tray can be finicky and sometimes struggles with thicker media types.

Competing Products

Comparing this printer to others in its range, the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 and Canon PIXMA TR8620a come to mind. The EcoTank, for instance, offers superior ink efficiency, as it uses refillable tanks instead of cartridges, which can lead to lower long-term costs. However, the upfront price of the EcoTank is considerably higher than the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978.

The Canon PIXMA TR8620a, on the other hand, shines in its photo printing capabilities, producing studio-quality images. But in terms of business-oriented tasks like scanning and duplex printing, the OfficeJet Pro 6978 takes the lead with its speed and versatility.

For someone who needs a balance of affordability, performance, and functionality, the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 is a solid choice, although it’s not the most ideal option if photo-heavy projects are your priority.

Value for Money

When it comes to cost-efficiency, this printer holds its ground. Considering its robust feature set—like voice control compatibility with Alexa, Ethernet and wireless networking, and automatic duplexing—it offers great value for its price point. While it doesn’t have the ink-saving abilities of some of its competitors, the Instant Ink service somewhat compensates for this by keeping ink costs predictable.

That said, the requirement to use original HP cartridges could be a drawback for those who are budget-conscious. If you’re someone who prefers to cut corners with off-brand cartridges, this printer might end up feeling restrictive.

Final Thoughts on Everyday Use

Whether I was printing a stack of client contracts or scanning a double-sided document for archiving, the OfficeJet Pro 6978 proved to be a reliable and efficient companion. Its versatility makes it an excellent fit for both home offices and small business environments, especially for users who need a device that can handle a mix of tasks.

While it’s not without its quirks, like the occasional screen lag and operational noise, the overall experience has been positive. If you’re looking for an all-in-one printer that combines performance, ease of use, and affordability, this model is definitely worth considering.

Additional information