Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: HP DeskJet 2742e vs Canon PIXMA TS3420 – Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right printer for your home or small office can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the HP DeskJet 2742e and the **Canon PIXMA TS3420**. Both offer basic printing functionalities, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of both printers to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Setup

Both the HP DeskJet 2742e and the Canon PIXMA TS3420 boast compact designs, making them ideal for space-constrained environments. The HP DeskJet 2742e features a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a black and grey color scheme. It’s a lightweight model, making it easy to move around. The Canon PIXMA TS3420, on the other hand, boasts a more traditional printer design with a white and grey finish. It’s slightly heavier than the HP model but remains compact overall.
Setting up both printers is a breeze, thanks to straightforward instructions and user-friendly interfaces. Both models come with a CD containing drivers and software, but you can also download the latest versions from the respective manufacturer websites.

Printing Features and Capabilities

Both printers offer a range of printing functionalities, catering to basic home and small office needs.
HP DeskJet 2742e:

• Print Technology: Inkjet
• Print Resolution: Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
• Print Speed: Up to 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) black, 5.5 ppm color
• Paper Handling: 60-sheet input tray, automatic document feeder (ADF)
• Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, HP Smart app
• Additional Features: Borderless printing, photo printing

Canon PIXMA TS3420:

• Print Technology: Inkjet
• Print Resolution: Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
• Print Speed: Up to 7.7 ppm black, 4.0 ppm color
• Paper Handling: 60-sheet input tray
• Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Canon PRINT app
• Additional Features: Borderless printing, photo printing

As you can see, both printers offer similar print resolutions and speeds, with the Canon PIXMA TS3420 slightly edging out the HP DeskJet 2742e in terms of black print speed. However, the HP DeskJet 2742e boasts an automatic document feeder, which is a valuable addition for users who frequently scan or copy multi-page documents.

Print Quality and Cost

Both the HP DeskJet 2742e and the Canon PIXMA TS3420 deliver decent print quality for everyday documents and photos. Text documents appear sharp and crisp, while photos exhibit vibrant colors and good detail. However, both printers struggle with complex graphics, as the ink smudging can be noticeable at times.
When it comes to ink costs, both printers rely on individual ink cartridges. While HP’s ink cartridges are generally known for their affordability, the Canon PIXMA TS3420 offers slightly cheaper ink options. However, it’s important to note that ink costs can vary depending on usage patterns and ink cartridge prices, which can fluctuate over time.

Connectivity and Mobile Printing

Both printers offer a range of connectivity options, including USB and Wi-Fi. This allows you to print from multiple devices, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets.
The HP DeskJet 2742e comes with the HP Smart app, which offers a user-friendly interface for printing, scanning, and managing the printer from your mobile device. The Canon PIXMA TS3420 features the Canon PRINT app, which provides similar functionalities. Both apps allow you to print photos directly from your smartphone or tablet, as well as access a variety of cloud printing services.

Additional Features and Considerations

The HP DeskJet 2742e has a slight edge over the Canon PIXMA TS3420 in terms of additional features. The automatic document feeder allows you to scan or copy multi-page documents with ease. It also offers a dedicated fax function, which is not available on the Canon PIXMA TS3420.
However, the Canon PIXMA TS3420 boasts a larger paper capacity, accommodating up to 100 sheets of plain paper compared to the HP DeskJet 2742e’s 60-sheet capacity. This can be a significant advantage for users who frequently print large volumes of documents.

The Verdict: Which Printer Should You Choose?

Choosing between the HP DeskJet 2742e and the Canon PIXMA TS3420 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the HP DeskJet 2742e if:

• You need an automatic document feeder for scanning or copying multi-page documents
• You value a dedicated fax function
• You prefer a printer with a more modern design

Choose the Canon PIXMA TS3420 if:

• You prioritize a larger paper capacity
• You’re looking for slightly cheaper ink cartridges
• You prefer a more traditional printer design

Choosing the Right Printer: A Final Word

Both the HP DeskJet 2742e and the Canon PIXMA TS3420 are solid choices for budget-conscious users seeking basic printing functionalities. However, by carefully considering your specific needs and comparing their features, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your printing requirements and budget.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: Are these printers compatible with Mac computers?
A1: Yes, both the HP DeskJet 2742e and the Canon PIXMA TS3420 are compatible with Mac computers. You can download the necessary drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
Q2: Can I print wirelessly from my smartphone?
A2: Yes, both printers support wireless printing via their respective mobile apps: HP Smart for the HP DeskJet 2742e and Canon PRINT for the Canon PIXMA TS3420.
Q3: What is the estimated cost per page for these printers?
A3: The cost per page can vary depending on factors like ink cartridge prices and printing frequency. However, both printers are generally considered to be cost-effective options for everyday printing needs.
Q4: Can I print photos with these printers?
A4: Yes, both printers offer photo printing capabilities. They produce decent quality photos, especially when using high-quality photo paper.
Q5: How do I clean the printheads on these printers?
A5: Both printers have a built-in printhead cleaning function that you can access through the printer’s control panel or the accompanying software.