Digital Trends

HP 1100D

November 9th, 2003 | by Rob Curtis

Testing

All tests were timed with a stopwatch.  Timing started when the click-to-print button was clicked and stopped when printing was complete and the completed document on the output tray.

The first round of tests for the 1100d were to time the printing of a typical 10-page MS Word document (black text, no graphics).  We used typical office inkjet printer paper.

MS Word Test 10 Page document results

You may notice something peculiar about the fast normal and normal times - the normal print quality is faster.  We redid this test 3 times using the same document and the elapsed times (for fast normal and normal) were all within 1 to 2 seconds of what's reported here.  We're not sure what to attribute this to so perhaps HP can provide some insight. 

The 1100d is very fast in all modes.  Quality ranged from good to excellent depending on the mode selected and all modes present crisp black text with no fading, or hollow spots. 

Second round testing involved printing a 12-page PDF document that contains images, graphics and color/black text provided by HP as a sample document. 

Adobe PDF 12 page graphics/text document

The draft quality in this round of testing was truly draft.  The images all had slight banding evident.  Fast normal mode presented better graphics with richer colors and the text in both modes was crisp and sharp.  The difference in the normal and best modes is best seen in the quality of complex graphics.  The color in best mode was richer and contrast and saturation seemed better, other wise they were very comparable. 

Third round testing involved printing of color photos. HP included a Sample photo CD that contained 8x11 images that were used in this test.  Print media was HP Premium Photo Glossy Paper.  

Photo Printing

We were quite surprised at how well the 1100d handled photo printing.  The quality was right on but the elapsed time was very good.  The best of both worlds!  All edges were crisp and smooth with no jaggedness and there was no evidence of ink blurriness or bleed.  We asked several other people to examine the print for quality and color and all expressed favorable reviews.  The print was viewed under incandescent and fluorescent lighting with no visible change of quality. 

Phase two of three-round testing involved printing a family photo on 8x11 print media.  Print media was HP Premium Photo Glossy Paper.

Photo Printing

Again, the 1100d performed admirably.  The print ejected in just over 3 minutes and the quality was very nice.  As in the above test, no imperfections we found and it is indeed suitable for framing.