HP 902 Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridge (Black XL + CMY)
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AI Verdict
This is a set of individual HP 902 ink cartridges (Black XL + CMY) yielding 750 black pages and 315 color pages, designed for specific HP OfficeJet and OfficeJet Pro printers.
This ink cartridge set is a situational fit because it provides consistent quality and reliability for specific HP printers, and the individual color cartridges are a practical feature. However, the high cost and recurring reports of defective cartridges or short lifespan make it a less straightforward recommendation.
If ink cost is a primary concern, investigate printers that utilize ink tank systems or offer lower cost-per-page subscriptions.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Individual color cartridges allow replacement of only the depleted color, potentially reducing waste compared to tri-color cartridges.
- Engineered to work with compatible HP OfficeJet 6954, 6958, 6962; HP OfficeJet Pro 6968, 6975, 6978 printers for consistent output.
- Black cartridge yields approximately 750 pages, offering more prints than standard black cartridges.
- Produces crisper, more saturated print-outs compared to off-brand inks, as reported by users.
- 82% of HP ink cartridges are manufactured with recycled plastic.
Cons
- Ink cartridges are expensive, with users frequently citing high costs as a major drawback.
- Multiple reports of defective cartridges, including some not being full upon installation or failing to print certain colors like cyan or magenta.
- Some users report cartridges not lasting long, with ink appearing to be gone after minimal use.
- Printers sometimes fail to recognize new cartridges, requiring troubleshooting steps or leading to error messages.
- HP printers may not function with non-HP cartridges, limiting cost-saving alternatives for users.
Dimension Scores
Installation is generally reported as easy, and the individual cartridges reduce the hassle of replacing all colors when only one is empty.
Ink cartridges offer no adjustability in their function or physical properties.
While some users report defective or leaking cartridges, many others find them reliable and free from leaks compared to refilled alternatives.
The cartridges have a standard, functional appearance typical of printer ink, with no particular design elements that stand out positively or negatively.
Best For
- Users with compatible HP OfficeJet 6954, 6958, 6962; HP OfficeJet Pro 6968, 6975, 6978 printers who prioritize print quality.
- Individuals needing to replace only specific color cartridges rather than an entire tri-color unit.
- Those who print documents with a higher proportion of black text, benefiting from the 750-page black yield.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious users seeking the lowest cost per page for printing.
- Users who frequently experiment with non-HP or refilled ink cartridges.
- Individuals with very high-volume color printing needs, given the 315-page color yield.
Watch Out For
- Some users received color cartridges that were not full when installed, leading to premature depletion.
- Reports of defective cartridges, such as a cyan cartridge not working at all despite troubleshooting, or only printing in pink and black.
- Printers occasionally display error messages like 'one or more cartridges are damaged or missing' even with new, genuine HP cartridges.
- Ink cartridges are described as 'horribly expensive' by multiple users, with the cost being a significant point of frustration.
- Users report that cartridges 'didn't last long,' with ink seemingly gone after printing as few as 40 copies.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B01HCP9K10 |
| Brand | HP |
| Color | Black/Cyan/Magenta/Yellow |
| Ink Base | Water |
| Ink Color | Black/Cyan/Magenta/Yellow |
| Model Name | 902 (T0A39AN#140) |
| Page Yield | 825 |
| Item Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Hewlett Packard |
| Special Feature | Up to 2x more prints |
| Item model number | T0A39AN |
| Compatible Devices | Printer |
| Product Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Compatibility Options | OEM |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
User feedback reveals a strong divide: many appreciate the consistent print quality and reliability of genuine HP ink, especially compared to off-brand options, but a significant number express frustration over the high cost and recurring issues with defective or prematurely depleted cartridges. Some users reported color cartridges not being full upon installation or failing to print specific colors, leading to wasted money and printing disruptions. The individual color design is a plus, but it doesn't always outweigh the expense or the reported quality control problems.
“I swear, these things cost more than gold! My printer wouldn't even recognize the yellow one, just kept saying 'damaged' even though it was brand new. HP needs to chill with these prices and make sure the ink actually works when you buy it.”
Common Praise
- Easy installation into compatible HP printers.
- Produces clear and sharp print-outs.
- Reliability and consistent performance compared to cheaper, non-HP alternatives.
- Individual color cartridges allow replacement of only the depleted color, saving some ink waste.
- Print-outs are described as crisper and more saturated than with off-brand inks.
Common Complaints
- The cartridges are 'horribly expensive,' making printing costly over time.
- Multiple reports of defective cartridges, including some not being full or failing to print correctly (e.g., only pink and black).
- Cartridges 'didn't last long,' with some users experiencing very low page counts before depletion.
- Printers sometimes fail to recognize new, genuine HP cartridges, leading to error messages and troubleshooting.
- HP printers often block the use of non-HP cartridges, forcing users to buy the more expensive original ink.
Ownership Tips
- The actual page yield for color cartridges can feel lower than the stated 315 pages if you print a lot of graphics.
- Keeping a spare set on hand is almost a necessity, as a cartridge can unexpectedly run out or be defective, halting printing.
- The cost accumulates quickly, especially if you print frequently, making the printer itself feel like a loss leader for ink sales.
- Printer firmware updates can sometimes cause issues with even genuine cartridges, requiring reinstallation or troubleshooting.
- The black XL cartridge does last noticeably longer than the color cartridges, making it a better value per page for monochrome printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which HP printers are compatible with the 902 ink cartridges?
These cartridges work with HP OfficeJet 6954, 6958, 6962; and HP OfficeJet Pro 6968, 6975, 6978 printers.
What is the approximate page yield for these cartridges?
The black cartridge yields approximately 750 pages, and each color cartridge (cyan, magenta, yellow) yields about 315 pages.
Can I refill these HP 902 ink cartridges?
While technically possible, refilling is not recommended as it often leads to quality and stability issues compared to OEM or new compatible cartridges, and may damage your printer.
What should I do if my printer doesn't recognize a new HP 902 cartridge?
Try removing the new cartridge, reinstalling the old one, waiting 10 minutes, then re-installing the new cartridge. If that doesn't work, try shutting down the printer for 10 minutes, reconnecting power, and then installing the new cartridge.
Why are these HP ink cartridges so expensive?
Users frequently complain about the high cost of HP ink, with some suggesting it's due to HP's control over the cartridge market and printer firmware that discourages third-party alternatives.
Buying Guide
When buying ink, you're essentially buying the fuel for your printer. For HP printers, using genuine HP ink like these 902 cartridges is often necessary to avoid compatibility issues and ensure consistent print quality. You need to consider not just the upfront cost of the cartridges, but the cost per page you'll incur over time, especially for color printing. Individual color cartridges mean you only replace the color that runs out, which can be more economical than a single tri-color cartridge if you use colors unevenly.
Cartridge yield (approx.): 750 pages black, 315 pages per color
This tells you roughly how many pages you can expect to print before needing a replacement. A higher number means you buy ink less often. For example, 750 black pages is a decent amount for text documents, but 315 color pages can go quickly if you print photos or colorful graphics.
Individual ink cartridges (Black XL + CMY)
Unlike older systems with one cartridge for all colors, individual cartridges let you replace only the cyan, magenta, or yellow when it's empty. This prevents you from throwing away a cartridge with unused ink, saving you money in the long run if you don't use all colors equally.
Compatible with HP OfficeJet 6954, 6958, 6962; HP OfficeJet Pro 6968, 6975, 6978
This is crucial – ink cartridges are specific to printer models. Always double-check that the cartridge number matches your printer's requirements, otherwise, it simply won't fit or function, regardless of brand.
Alternatives
If the cost of these cartridges is too high, look for printers designed with integrated ink tanks that you refill with bottles, or models that offer subscription-based ink services for a fixed monthly page count.
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