HP cp1700

HP printers are known for their all-round quality and versatility, and the cp1700 is no exception. A host of extras are available as options, such as a duplex unit, second 250-sheet paper tray, JetDirect print server and PostScript-compatible version. There's even a special driver available for designers printing from AutoCAD.

However, in the base configuration we tested, there's still a lot to the cp1700. It's a beast of an inkjet, being the heaviest and featuring the widest footprint of all the A3 printers on test. But, as the input and output trays are both at the front, it's shorter in depth than the Canon and Epson. This has the additional advantage that paper can be laid flat, avoiding paper curl.

The sturdy build quality suggests the cp1700 can handle the rigours of office printing, and HP quotes a maximum duty cycle of 5,000 pages a month. An odd feature is the infrared port, which seems a strange inclusion for a machine geared toward designers.

The cp1700 employs MIDS (Modular Ink Delivery System), which is HP's jargon for describing its separate ink cartridge system. The cartridges themselves are expensive but last far longer than their competitors, resulting in a cost per page of only 1.9p for mono and 3.4p for colour, while the replaceable print heads last for 24,000 pages for colour and 16,000 for black.

The print engine uses the four-colour HP PhotoREt III system, which, while not up to the standard of the new PhotoREt IV technology, produces very good results, as our tests testify. Photo output on Premium Glossy paper was superb, although it was a step down from the Epson and Canon. While excellent at first glance, close inspection revealed some graininess. Results everywhere else were equally good, but didn't blow us away. Thanks to the pigment-based black ink, one area where the HP excelled was printing text, producing dark blacks and crisp letters.

The decent image quality was matched by a fair turn of speed, comfortably outrunning the Epson and Lexmark. It was the fastest at text, coming in at 5.5ppm, and was able to produce an A3 photo in under five and a half minutes, with an A4 photo appearing in just under three and a half minutes.

In typical HP fashion, the cp1700 is an excellent mix of quality and speed. It's not the best in either area, but it's not far off. Add the low running costs, sturdy construction and a plethora of options and HP has a comfortable award winner on its hands.