HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e review: an affordable wide-format 11×17 printer

      HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e

      MSRP: $359.99

      "HP's OfficeJet Pro 9730e efficiently handles wide ledgers, foldable brochures, and 11x17 photos, albeit with some compromises to maintain an affordable price."

      Pros

      - Wide-format printing capability up to 11 x 17 inches

      - Fast printing and copying speeds

      - USB printing for direct access

      - Two 250-sheet paper trays

      - Cost-effective ink

      Cons

      - Inconsistent quality in photo prints

      - Occasional issues with paper feeding

      - Borderless printing requires photo paper

      The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e is a speedy, wide-format multifunction printer that efficiently tackles large tasks at a reasonable price. When standard letter-size paper isn't enough, this tabloid printer can copy, scan, and print on media up to 11 inches wide and 17 inches long. Tabloid prints are double the size of letter paper, making them ideal for brochures or informational guides. However, performance and value are critical components of a good printer. I evaluated the OfficeJet Pro 9730e for its speed, quality, usability, and long-term supply costs to determine if it's the right 11x17 printer for your needs.

      Specifications:

      Dimensions: 22.9 x 18.4 x 15.2 inches

      Weight: 42.9 pounds

      Print Speed: 22 ppm (black), 18 ppm (color)

      Copy Speed: 18 cpm (black), 13 cpm (color)

      Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi

      Scan Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi

      Ports: Hi-Speed USB, Ethernet

      Paper Capacity: 500 sheets (2 x 250-sheet trays)

      Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac (dual band)

      Design:

      With its two large paper trays, the OfficeJet Pro 9730e can continuously print throughout the day. Initially, I expected it to be large due to its wide-format capabilities, but its size and weight were still surprising. The dimensions measure 22.9 inches in width, 18.4 inches in depth, and 15.2 inches in height. Extending the front output bin for tabloid paper increases the depth to 33.2 inches. Its weight of 42.9 pounds and bulkier design explain HP's recommendation to have two people handle the unboxing.

      HP successfully integrated two 250-sheet trays that can accommodate a range of paper sizes from 3x5 photo paper to 11x17 ledger sheets. The OfficeJet Pro 9730e features a large flatbed scanner and an automatic document feeder (ADF) on top, with a USB-A port on the front left for convenient walk-up printing. This sturdy model can consistently produce copies and prints over extended periods. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen simplifies operation, and it can tilt up to 44 degrees, enhancing visibility from both standing and seated positions.

      Printing Performance:

      The OfficeJet Pro 9730e delivers fast results for color documents. With a speed of 22 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 18 ppm in color, even lengthy documents are prepared in no time. I encountered a few paper jams, indicating that the feeding system may not be as durable as that of pricier models. Fortunately, the front panel allows for easy roller access, facilitating simple jam clearance.

      Draft mode reaches a swift 34 ppm without compromising readability, although I did experience some paper feed issues at this speed. The first page takes approximately 12 seconds to print, resulting in longer waits for single prints. While it falls short of competing with a 35 ppm laser printer like the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw, the OfficeJet Pro 9730e offers a lower price point while enabling much larger prints. This opens up opportunities for vibrant folded brochures, menus, signs, and flyers.

      Large prints are also suitable for showcasing images, and high-quality wide-format photo printers typically utilize a broader range of inks for superior results. HP asserts that the OfficeJet Pro 9730e produces P3 color that is “true-to-screen” despite its standard four-color ink setup. While prints overall were good, with bright and vivid photos, there were occasional color accuracy issues. On plain paper, some prints exhibited low contrast, and I noticed oversaturation on photo paper.

      Inconsistencies in saturation and contrast can be a concern for photography enthusiasts like myself. I believe HP's algorithm may be adjusting colors to achieve a P3 range with its inks. Occasionally, while a print may look appealing, it deviates from the original image too much.

      Borderless prints necessitate the use of photo paper, although full-page images can be printed on plain paper by overriding the paper mismatch warning. Care is needed here, as the print may come out slightly damp.