Product Reviews

There have been a number of multifunction devices (MFDs) released during the past few months, most of which, such as the HP LaserJet 3150 (reviewed issue 67, p165), now include invaluable network access. HP's OfficeJet G85 is just such a a device that can also handle network sharing, but this feature will require the addition of a JetDirect print server - adding around £200 to the cost. The top of the line OfficeJet G95, which costs £659, includes the print server as standard.

HP's OfficeJet G85 is based on the DeskJet 970Cxi print engine. Recent multifunction devices have suffered from poor print quality so it's reassuring to note that this print engine is also found in our current A-Listed colour inkjet, the HP PhotoSmart 1100 (see Labs, issue 67, p132).

Initial impressions of the OfficeJet G85 were good. The unit is solidly built and despite the typical beige box appearance it still manages to look quite stylish. Features wise, the OfficeJet G85 offers printing, flatbed scanning, fax and copy functions with connectivity through parallel cable for Windows NT 4 or USB for Windows 98 and Windows 2000. HP hasn't skimped on features either with a 150 sheet in-tray, 125 speed-dial memory, 125-page fax memory, 30-page automatic document feeder and a feature to block 'junk' fax numbers.

The OfficeJet G85's photo-printing capability was immediately apparent. Using HP's Premium Plus gloss photo paper our high resolution image test produced near identical results to the A-Listed PhotoSmart 1100, with only a slight additional graininess setting them apart. At five minutes, 41 seconds it was also impressively fast, being three minutes quicker than the Photosmart 1100 for this test. Printing onto standard quality inkjet paper wasn't quite so striking, producing far less vivid colours with much more grain, although the results were still comparable.

Text quality was also good, producing sharply defined text with only a hint of blur around the edges. At six minutes, 22 seconds for our 25-page text document - an impressive 3.9ppm - it was only 0.8ppm slower than HP's quoted 4.7ppm for best quality black printing. For a multifunction device this performance is even more notable,

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being only 1.5ppm slower than the super-fast Lexmark Z52 Color Jetprinter (reviewed issue 70, p170) while displaying similar quality results. This performance was maintained with our five-page DTP test, which was completed in five minutes, 42 seconds while still producing solid blacks and sharp text.

Scanning a full-colour photo produced far less impressive results. Using the handy Scan To button on the front control panel, where the image is scanned directly into an installed software program such as Paint Shop Pro, the image on screen appeared distorted and grainy with washed-out colours. Setting scan quality to its maximum at 600dpi using HP's Director software failed to improve matters substantially, making the OfficeJet G85 unsuitable for detailed graphic work.

However, copying was up to the high standards set by the printer tests, with standard document copying using the Director software for quality settings producing crisp results even when scaled. Where the OfficeJet G85 really excelled was with colour photograph copying. The DeskJet 970Cxi engine's photo-printing ability really shone through, producing a near faultless copy on the highest quality setting in a staggering time of just four minutes, 53 seconds using HP's gloss photo paper.

HP's Director software is used to control all of the functions of the OfficeJet G85 from a desktop managed by a single, intuitive interface. Much of the OfficeJet G85's functionality can also be controlled from the unit's front panel, which is also well designed with only some of the more advanced options unavailable through this control method.

As an all-in-one solution, the OfficeJet G85 is certainly an attractive alternative to separate components. Print quality is excellent, giving good results in text and graphics as well as superb photo quality printing - certainly comparable to the £329 PhotoSmart 1100. Fax functions and superb copying all add to the package with the only real letdown being below-standard scanning quality. The AcerScan Prisa 620UT (see Labs, issue 66, p124) at £109 would provide better results if scanning was your primary requirement.

Overall though, the OfficeJet G85 produces impressive results for a reasonable outlay, and if scan quality isn't high on your agenda it will certainly give you the same quality as separate units adding up to roughly the same cost, while also saving on desk space. You'll also get approximately 830 pages out of the black cartridge and 450 from the colour, making it cheap to run. On the downside, you'll need the extra print server to get full network connectivity.

HP has managed to produce a well-priced all-in-one solution that doesn't sacrifice on print quality or features, and should slot perfectly into the average office environment.