A Really Old Deskjet Printer

This is the HP DeskJet 100. This is an obsolete model but it still gets the job done. At a selling price of $20, it is cheap and very affordable. It is also very portable. It is about as big as a shoebox when folded so space is not an issue. It is also very easy to setup. Once you setup the installer that comes with it, which normally you just have to execute the “install.exe” file, you are already good for printing.

You can easily download the drivers you need for this from the net, as I am sure it still comes with the 3.5” floppy installer. I understand that most computers now do not have the 3.5” floppy option. It has a paper tray, which could hold about 50 pages so be sure you do not put a lot of paper, as it will jam the paper entry.

It uses the parallel port as your main interface.

It is able to print B/W as well as color. It is also able to print on bonds as well as glossy surfaces. It is also able to print on envelopes. Be sure to use the envelope slot when printing envelopes. Stacking them in the paper tray will cause problems for you.

This printer is very easy to use and you will not even have to use a manual as it only has two buttons. Once you have already installed the printer drivers in your system, to use it, just press the “On” Button, which is the largest one. Then you have the change cartridge button. The printer must be turned on when you change the Ink cartridge. When you click on the change cartridge button, the printer-head, the one holding the cartridge will move to the center. Gently open the front panel by pulling along the sides. Take note that the printer comes with two cartridges, black and colored. So be sure to replace the colored cartridge with the black one when you are printing text, as it will use up all the colors.

If you want to print documents, all you have to do is make sure three things: that the printer is connected to your computer via the parallel port, there is paper on the tray, and that the printer is turned on. Once you press “print’ on the computer, you can leave the rest to the printer. Just wait a few seconds, or a few minutes if you printed many pages. Easy, isn’t it?

Once you run out of ink, it is very easy to replace or refill the cartridges. If there are no any suppliers available for cartridges, you may opt to refill them in ink refilling stations which costs a lot less than replacing the cartridge. There are also stores, which sell refilling kits so you can refill them yourselves. Be careful though as it can be very tricky. You are supposed to force the ink inside at printing end of the cartridge while sucking out the air at the other side. Be sure to suck air first before pushing the ink in, as it will cause problems if you do it the other way.