HP Smart Tank 5103: Wireless Ink Tank Printer

Category: Home Use

Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, USB
Printing Technology: Inkjet
Special Feature: Scan To E-Mail, Email Print, Epeat Qualified, Lightweight, Refillable Ink Tank
Color: white
Model Name: ST 5103 + 100 sheets Photo Paper
Printer Output: Color
Maximum Print Speed (Color): 5 ppm
Max Printspeed Monochrome: 12 ppm
Product Dimensions: 17.11"D x 10.21"W x 22.86"H

Overview & First Impressions

The HP ST 5103 is an inkjet printer designed for home use, promising high-volume printing at a low cost. It boasts a compact design and comes with a generous amount of ink included – enough for up to 6,000 black or color pages. The inclusion of 100 sheets of photo paper is a nice bonus for those who also want to print photos.

Setup & Ease of Use

HP has made setup a breeze with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface. Connecting to Wi-Fi was straightforward, and the printer recognized my devices quickly. The HP Smart app is intuitive and allows for easy printing, scanning, and copying directly from your smartphone.

Print Quality & Performance

The ST 5103 delivers surprisingly good print quality for an inkjet printer in this price range. Text is crisp and clear, and photos have vibrant colors with good detail. The maximum print speed of 12 ppm for black and white documents is adequate for everyday printing needs. However, the color print speed of 5 ppm might be a bit slow for those who frequently print large color documents.

Ink/Toner Efficiency & Cost

The biggest draw of this printer is its ink efficiency. With two years of ink included out of the box, you can save significantly on running costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. Refilling the ink tanks is easy and doesn't require any specialized tools.

Features & Functionality

The ST 5103 offers a solid set of features for its price point. It prints, copies, and scans, supports borderless printing, and has both Wi-Fi and USB connectivity options. The ability to scan directly to email and print from your smartphone are convenient additions.

Noise & Power Consumption

The ST 5103 is relatively quiet during operation, making it suitable for home offices or shared spaces. Power consumption is reasonable, especially when considering the high-volume printing capabilities.

Durability & Maintenance

The printer feels well-built and sturdy. The refillable ink tanks are designed to be durable and minimize mess. Regular cleaning of printheads and occasional maintenance checks will ensure optimal performance over time.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
Low running costs with included ink for two years
Good print quality for text and photos
Easy setup and user-friendly interface
Compact design
Wi-Fi and USB connectivity options
Mobile printing capability via the HP Smart app
Cons:
Color print speed is relatively slow
Limited paper handling capacity

Pricing & Value for Money

The HP ST 5103 offers excellent value for money, especially considering the amount of ink included. It's a budget-friendly option that delivers impressive print quality and low running costs, making it suitable for families and individuals who print frequently.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

The HP ST 5103 is a solid choice for home users who need a reliable, high-volume printer without breaking the bank. Its low running costs, good print quality, and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment.

Buy on Amazon