HP PhotoSmart 325 Compact Photo Printer

Printer would only print in monochrome colors; the whole print would be all magenta, cyan, yellow, etc. Put in a brand new cartridge with the same results. Seller needs to test the printers before shipping to verify they work as described.

I was strongly considering buying this printer - until I saw my friends prints she made with it. Im usually a fan of HP but I really feel they took a step backwards with the photosmart series. The only real drawback to this printer is the fact that it only uses a tri-color cartridge. Yup, there is only cyan, magenta, and yellow. No black! The way this printer makes black (or shades of grey for that matter) is by combining all 3 colors to form a composite black. This causes the prints to seem washed out and lacking dark contrast (not to mention using a large amount of ink). If you have any sort of darkness, shading, or greys in there, they will be represented poorly. Dont believe me? Go to a local store, ask to see the examples, and compare it to other printers.

I have had this printer many years prior, and when my last bargain photo printer gave up the ghost I decided to return to what was best. Easy to use, excellent color and clarity, top quality for the money.