This printer was fast in CNET Labs' tests, delivering text at 6.68 pages per minute (ppm) and an 8x10-inch photo at 0.52ppm--a tad ahead of the HP Business Inkjet 1200d's text speed and more than double its photo-printing pace. A home photo inkjet such as the Epson Stylus Photo R320 prints text at an aching 1.9ppm but creates photos at about the same rate as the HP 6840.
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Click here to learn more about how CNET Labs tests printers.
HP's estimated ink costs are low at 8 cents per color page or 4 cents per printed page of black ink. Small-office users will appreciate the 6840's automatic ink backup mode that lets you make emergency prints if one ink cartridge runs dry; this would result in black text composed of three color inks or color graphics printed in grayscale. Many other inkjets will simply stop printing completely if the appropriate cartridge goes empty.
The HP Deskjet 6840 is backed by a standard one-year warranty. You can double that time for $30, extend the plan to three years for $35, or secure four years of support for $50--low-cost extensions. All warranty upgrades include next-day exchange service for $50. Free phone support via an 800 number is available 24/7, as is instant Web chat with a tech-support representative. HP's Web site contains extensive service and support options as well as pre- and post-purchase advice via Web chat. You'll find all of these options on one handy page once you specify your product.
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