The HP Officejet Pro 8500 wireless all-in-one inkjet printer is a near-perfect solution for small businesses and home offices hunting for a device that can print, scan, fax, copy in record time, all with high-quality results. This printer sets the bar high in terms of all the features it manages to pack into a relatively small footprint: autoduplexing, 802.11b/g, a 3.45-inch touch screen, 50-sheet automatic document feeder, and a legal-size scanner are only some of the extras this machine has to offer. Some will balk at the $399 price tag, but spend half an hour with the Pro 8500 and we’re sure you’ll want one of your own. (Source: CNET)

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this printer. Please take a minute and share your thoughts. Thanks!

— CNET Rating: 4 Stars —

The good: Autoduplexer; automatic document feeder; easy to use 3.4-inch LCD touch screen; painless 802.11b/g wireless setup; industry-leading print speeds; excellent quality prints.

The bad: Lacks autodial fax buttons, Bluetooth, and a dual paper input tray.

The bottom line: The HP Officejet Pro 8500 wireless makes a convincing inkjet argument for offices with a high volume of prints. With a function touch screen, multiple networking options, and an astoundingly fast print speed, it makes perfect sense to give this workhorse an Editors’ Choice award. (Read the full CNET review)

— PCWORLD Rating: 4 Stars —

Pros: Fast print and copy speeds; Cheap inks; lots of features

Cons: Very expensive purchase price; Slow scan speeds

Bottom Line: A small office that wants it all can get it here: features galore, including really cheap inks. (Read the full PCWorld review)

— Consumer Ratings: 3 Stars —

A positive comment from Amazon.com:

Another Opinion

Recent reviews of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8500 Wireless were critical of noise, vibration, and ink usage. Here are what I have discovered since installing this printer.
1. On most surfaces the noise from the printer is minimal. Movement of the plastic gears on HP, Canon, and Epson are not silent. Perhaps newer versions of the 8500 by HP will address this minor concern.
2. The printer vibrates slightly compared to a laser printer, but not to the extent that it is objectionable. Perhaps HP can reduce or eliminate this in future models but probably by increasing the weight of the printer. Most users, I suggest, would not want a heavier printer.
3. Ink usage is part of the printer expense “game” but with HP you can continue to print in B&W even if any or all of the color cartridges are empty [Verified by HP Support] That may not be the case with some recent offerings from Epson or Canon, although I personally prefer Espon and Canon printers for color prints.
4. The ink cartridges are dated, but they will continue to function even after the “expiration” date. HP prints a date on the ink package, but it does not prevent the cartridge from working. As a matter of fact, ink will remain usable in a SEALED packet for an extended period without concern. This date code is not a rip-off by HP anymore than other companies who print a freshness date.
5. It is certainly less expensive to order color prints online than to purchase OEM ink and paper. For those with a digital camera who need a quick print now and then the quality of the HP is excellent.
6. Setup is easy. I would only add a note to the directions for Step 7 to input your choice of language and then follow the touch screen directions as the printer processes alignment. The directions are not clear on that one point, and you could wait for 30 minutes wondering why it hasn’t competed alignment of the print heads. Check this out if you purchase this printer.
7. I am punctilious concerning most purchases and, at least in this case, I feel that this printer is an outstanding VALUE even when other offerings from Canon, Brother, and Epson may be less expensive. I have seen printers on sale for less than $50, but the thin plastic housing and the print quality reflect the price. We wanted Print / Copy / Scan / Fax, although we will seldom use the FAX function. (I will only connect the FAX as needed).
8. Follow the directions CAREFULLY and install precisely and you will enjoy owning this printer.

A negative comment from Amazon.com:

My HP Officejet Pro 8500 has unacceptable high pitch noise

If it wasn’t for the high pitch noise, I would give this printer 5 stars – it really is a terrific printer.

I have decent hearing and I use it in a quiet home environment. The printer is making a constant non-stop high pitch noise when it is on, even when not printing. The noise comes where the power cable connects to the back of the printer. No matter where I place the printer in my home office which is 10 x 13 feet, I hear the noise. It is absolutely driving me crazy and I can’t stand it any longer (it’s only been two days to give you an idea of just how annoying the noise is to me).

Not everyone can hear the high pitch noise. I think it depends somewhat on how good your hearing is. For me, it is really a nuisance. I am not happy about it because I really liked the printer, it made great quality print outs and the ink is cheaper than toner.

To make sure it wasn’t just my printer, I went to 3 different large box retail stores, and all of the HP 8500 display models were emitting the same high pitch noise. I could even hear the high pitch noise in one store despite having loud TV’s blaring in the background. I will be returning this printer. No matter how great I think the printer is, it cannot overcome this major problem in my opinion. Surprisingly, only one other person has mentioned this in their reviews.

I did an Internet search and found a couple of similar complaints with this particular model. I guess most people do not hear high pitch noises.

(Read all Amazon.com user reviews)