HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. AI-enabled (588S6A)
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AI Verdict
This 10.6-pound, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi printer with 8.5 ppm black speed and a 60-sheet input tray is for light home printing of basic documents.
This printer is a situational fit for basic home users due to its 8.5 ppm black print speed and 60-sheet input tray. Its 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and manual duplex printing limit its utility for more demanding tasks, but the included ADF is a plus for occasional scanning of multiple pages.
If you need faster printing or automatic two-sided printing, look for models with higher ppm ratings and 'auto duplex' in the specifications.
Regret Score™
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Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Wireless setup is straightforward, making it easy to connect to a home network.
- Includes a 35-page automatic document feeder for scanning and copying multiple pages.
- The HP app allows printing and scanning directly from smartphones, PCs, or tablets.
- Constructed with 60% post-consumer recycled plastic, aligning with energy efficiency standards.
- Comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial, delaying initial cartridge purchases.
Cons
- Only supports manual duplex printing, requiring page flipping for two-sided documents.
- The 60-sheet input tray needs frequent refilling for print jobs exceeding a few dozen pages.
- Uses a tri-color ink cartridge, leading to waste when only one color depletes.
- Print speeds are 8.5 ppm for black and 5.5 ppm for color, which is slower than many alternatives.
- Dynamic security measures block non-HP ink cartridges, even refilled ones.
Dimension Scores
As a printer, comfort and support are not directly applicable, but its compact design (10.6 pounds) allows for easy placement in a home environment.
Printer adjustability is limited to software settings and paper tray configuration, offering no physical adjustments beyond basic setup.
The printer is made with 60% post-consumer recycled plastic, which is a positive for sustainability, but its entry-level price point suggests standard, not premium, construction.
It features a compact design, which is generally appreciated for home use, allowing it to fit into various spaces without being obtrusive.
Best For
- Homes printing occasional to-do lists, recipes, or simple text documents.
- Users who primarily print in black and white and rarely need large color prints.
- Individuals seeking a compact all-in-one device for basic print, scan, and copy functions.
Not Recommended For
- Anyone needing fast, high-volume printing or automatic two-sided documents.
- Users who prefer using third-party or refilled ink cartridges.
- Offices or students requiring frequent, complex color prints or high-speed output.
Watch Out For
- Ink cartridges deplete quickly, especially the tri-color one, forcing replacement even if only one color is empty.
- The printer is only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi capable, which can be less stable or slower than 5 GHz connections.
- HP's dynamic security prevents the use of non-HP ink cartridges, limiting choices and potentially increasing running costs.
- The 60-sheet paper capacity means constant refilling if you print more than a few pages at a time.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 196337380103 |
| ASIN | B0CT2QHQVF |
| Brand | HP |
| Color | White |
| Duplex | Manual |
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Ink Color | Black; Cyan; Magenta; Yellow |
| Model Name | 4255e |
| Sheet Size | 8.5 x 11;8.27 x 11.7;8.5 x 14;7.16 x 10.12; |
| Color Depth | 24 |
| Item Weight | 10.6 pounds |
| Print media | Paper (plain) |
| Manufacturer | HP |
| Model Series | DeskJet 4255e |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed |
| Warranty Type | One-Year limited hardware warranty with option to extend to two-years with acceptance of HP+ Offer. For more info please visit us at support.hp.com .For full terms and conditions visit: support.hp.com. Warranty and support options vary by product, country, and local legal requirements |
| Control Method | App |
| Printer Output | Color |
| Controller Type | iOS |
| Number of Trays | 1 |
| Special Feature | 60% post-consumer recycled plastic, HP+; HP Instant Ink eligible; Scan to PDF |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Printer Ink Type | Pigment-Based Ink |
| Item model number | 588S6A#B1H |
| Power Consumption | 2.8 Watts |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops, PC, Smartphones |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 11.69 in |
| Product Dimensions | 13.07"D x 16.85"W x 7.87"H |
| Dual-sided printing | Yes |
| Included Components | HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer; HP 67 Setup Black Cartridge; HP 67 Setup Tri-Color Cartridge; Regulatory flyer; Setup guide; Reference guide; Power cord [For ink volume and page yield information, visit http://hp.com/go/learnaboutsupplies] |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet |
| Number of USB 2 Ports | 1 |
| Output sheet capacity | 25 |
| Maximum copies per run | Up to 9 copies |
| Connectivity Technology | single band wi-fi |
| Initial page print time | 19 Seconds |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 64 MB |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 60 |
| Max Printspeed Monochrome | 8.5 ppm |
| Max copy resolution color | Up to 300 x 300 dpi |
| Specific Uses For Product | Home, Home and home office |
| Maximum Print Speed (Color) | 5.5 ppm |
| Additional Printer functions | All In One |
| Max Copy Speed (Black & White) | 6 ppm |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color (when printing from a computer on selected HP photo papers and 1200 input dpi) Dots Per Inch |
| Max copy resolution black-white | Up to 300 x 300 dpi |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | Up to 1200X 1200 rendered dpi (when Printing from a computer) Dots Per Inch |
What Buyers Say
Many users find the wireless setup surprisingly easy, getting it connected to their home network and printing from their phone without much hassle. The included 3-month Instant Ink trial is a recurring positive, giving new owners a buffer before buying ink. However, the tri-color ink cartridge is a frequent point of frustration, as it often leads to replacing the entire cartridge when only one color runs out, feeling wasteful. The manual duplex printing is also a common complaint for anyone needing to print on both sides regularly.
“Ugh, this printer is fine for my kid's homework but that tri-color ink is a scam, I swear the yellow runs out and I gotta buy a whole new one even though the blue is still full. And don't even get me started on flipping pages for double-sided, so annoying!.”
Common Praise
- Wireless setup is quick and straightforward, connecting easily to home networks.
- The HP app makes printing and scanning from mobile devices convenient.
- Print quality is sufficient for everyday documents like recipes and forms.
- The 35-page automatic document feeder simplifies scanning multiple pages.
- Its compact size fits well in home environments without taking up much space.
Common Complaints
- Ink cartridges, especially the tri-color, run out quickly and are perceived as wasteful.
- Lack of automatic two-sided printing means manually flipping pages for duplex jobs.
- The 60-sheet paper tray requires frequent refilling for anything beyond small print tasks.
- Print speeds of 8.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color are considered slow for some users.
- HP's dynamic security restricts the use of non-HP ink, limiting cost-saving options.
Ownership Tips
- The 3-month Instant Ink trial is genuinely useful, but remember to cancel or monitor your usage after it ends to avoid unexpected charges.
- You'll quickly notice the limitations of the 60-sheet paper tray if you print anything more than a few pages at a time.
- Connecting to Wi-Fi usually requires the HP Smart app, so have it ready on your phone or computer.
- Be prepared for manual duplex printing; it's not a 'set it and forget it' feature for two-sided documents.
- The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi can be prone to drops or slower speeds if your home network is congested or has many devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this printer support automatic double-sided printing?
No, this printer only supports manual duplex printing. You will need to manually flip the pages to print on both sides.
What kind of Wi-Fi does this printer use?
The HP DeskJet 4255e connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, specifically Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n. It does not support 5 GHz networks.
Can I use non-HP ink cartridges with this printer?
HP states this printer is designed to work only with cartridges containing new or reused HP electronic circuitry, and uses dynamic security to block non-HP cartridges.
What is the paper capacity of the input tray?
The input tray holds up to 60 sheets of paper.
Does it have an automatic document feeder (ADF)?
Yes, it includes a 35-page automatic document feeder for scanning and copying multiple pages.
Buying Guide
When looking at a printer like this, you need to think about how much and what kind of stuff you actually print. Don't get caught up in fancy features you won't use. For home printers, speed (pages per minute), how much paper the tray holds, and how the ink works are the real deal-breakers. If you print a lot, a small paper tray or expensive ink will drive you crazy.
Print Speed (ppm)
This tells you how many pages per minute the printer can churn out. For example, 8.5 ppm black means it prints 8.5 black-and-white pages in 60 seconds. If you're printing long documents, a higher ppm saves you a lot of waiting around.
Input Tray Capacity
This is how many sheets of paper the printer can hold at once. A 60-sheet tray means you'll be refilling it constantly if you print more than a few pages, like refilling a small water bottle every hour instead of a big one once a day.
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
This refers to the wireless frequency the printer uses. 2.4 GHz is common but can be slower and more susceptible to interference than 5 GHz Wi-Fi, especially in homes with many wireless devices. Think of it like a single-lane road versus a multi-lane highway for your data.
Tri-color Ink Cartridge
This means all your color inks (cyan, magenta, yellow) are in one cartridge. If you print a lot of one color, say yellow, and it runs out, you have to replace the entire cartridge, even if the other colors are still full. It's like having to buy a whole new set of crayons when only one color is used up.
Alternatives
If this printer doesn't quite fit, look for models with higher pages per minute (ppm) for faster output, separate ink cartridges for each color to reduce waste, and automatic duplex printing for hassle-free two-sided documents.
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