HP Officejet Pro 8600 — Multipurpose but Basic

David Blakey
Sep 1, 2018 · 3 min read
HP Officejet Pro 8600

Everyone has their fair share of printer troubles. At times, we’re too caught up with the brand that we forget about printer qualities that really matter. There are also times when we focus on the printer’s appearance that we forget to pay attention to its specs.

Enter HP Officejet Pro 8600 — a printer that will give you the best of both worlds. On one hand, you recognise the trusted HP brand and what it stands for in the field of computer and printing technology. On another hand, you’re getting a printer with multiple functionalities including scanning, photocopy, WiFi connectivity and direct printing from a memory card or stick.

HP Officejet Pro 8600 All-in-One Printer

Disclaimer: This printer model has newer versions like the Officejet Pro Plus and the Officejet Premium e-All-in-One printers. While the newer models have upgraded specs, this article will only cover the first version released by HP under this printer series.

Many people have good things to say about the earliest HP Office Pro 8600 N911a model, but some buyers may beg to disagree. Below are points to consider before buying this printer. Weigh the pros and cons and be mindful of what works for you:

  1. Functionalities

As already mentioned, this model is dubbed as an all-in-one printer capable of more than the usual economy, standard and high quality printing modes. As far as photocopy and scanning are concerned, the printer’s flatbed can accommodate letter-sized and A4-sized papers.

In lieu of a USB cable, you can directly print documents, pictures and whatnot directly from your smartphone or laptop through the printer’s WiFi connectivity feature. Cloud printing is also possible if you have an HP ePrint account.

Other ways to print directly sans cable: 1) memory card or USB stick, which you can directly insert through built-in slots, and 2) Apple AirPrint. To print through PC, you need to install an original program supplied by HP. This would enable you to update the printer’s driver, firmware and base software regularly.

Downside: except for regular printouts, the printer cannon accommodate legal-sized papers for scanning and photocopy purposes. Any document larger than A4 cannot be scanned or photocopied in its entirety.

2. Command Center

HP Officejet Pro 8600 has a touch screen command interface. The size of a small smartphone, the interface is less than 3 inches wide.

The touch screen can be used in conjunction with HP apps such as Web Apps and BizTree forms. However, due to limited screen size, it’s better to forego the use of apps for this printer model. Applications are better suited to upgraded versions — Pro Plus and Pro Premium — which both have a bigger touch screen interface.

3. Paper Handling

Putting aside its flatbed limit, HP Officejet Pro 8600’s feed tray can hold up to 500 paper sheets (but only if you add a second tray). This makes it an ideal printer for bulk prints and continuous printing, scanning or photocopy activities. Document feeder is automatic. Otherwise known as the automatic document feeder (ADF). This model has a duplexer that facilitates back-to-back printing.

4. Price

If you stick to the basic model, not the Pro Plus or Premium versions, you can purchase an HP Officejet Pro 8600 that’s not more than $200. This is probably the cheapest price you can get in the market, provided you approach the manufacturer and not a third party seller.

Some buyers tend to confuse the first model with Plus and Premium and they end up paying more than $600 — considered a fairly large amount and a price that not everyone is willing to pay.

Choose Wisely

Buyers need to have a clear of idea of why they want to purchase this printer in the first place. Overall, the features may be outstanding, promising a job well done, but its size can be too bulky for those operating on a limited space.

If the bulkiness does not bother you, then proceed. All things considered, HP Officejet Pro 8600 is a versatile printer that can be used at home or in the office.


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