INTRO
This is not so much of a review of the printer itself as it is review of the connectivity of another device that has (at least for me) proven to be a great mobile companion to the TR.
MODELS
The HP deskjet 450 comes in 3 models: a base model, one with a long lasting fast charging battery, and one with bluetooth.
All come with AC adapter and a proprietary battery. The battery can be used for several hours in case you find yourself in a situation where there is no access to power.
I originally ordered the C8111A base model, as my need (ok, desire) for Bluetooth is only of late.
THE CARD
The nice thing, however, is that all come with a CF slot and all have Bluetooth “capability”. The Bluetooth functionality comes by way of the HP Bluetooth Printer Card (C8249A). If you dont get the WBT, you can always pick up the card from HP.com or other online stores. In my research the prices didnt seem much different so I just ordred it striaght from HP.
The cost for the card is about $90+ which is pretty expensive. However, after installing the internal BT module in my TR and getting a BT mouse, having a BT printer was a must and seem to round out the system.
INSTALLATION
All you get is the card itself and a FCC statement in damn near every language on the planet. I had to dig for the pdf file that explains the install from HPs website.
This file if very helpful but I would ignore the part about the 3Com drivers.
I have found that the easiest way to set this up is actually thru the XP Control Panels “wireless link” icon, and NOT bluespace. This setup gives you the option if wheather or not the device (the printer) needs authentication. You can say no or yes and enter “0” for the code number. Thats what worked for me.
Once “wireless link” has found the device, you need to click on the services tab and check the box for “Printing”. XP will then attempt to install drivers. Point to your install disk and its business as usual.
After the install, the printer will be connected to the BTH00x port “Virtual Printer Port for Bluetooth”.
TESTING
I have tried sending small files from my T610 to large graphics from the TR via bluetooth and its hasnt missed a lick. The dj450 has some of the best graphics I have seen for a printer this small.
Ive tested the system with all items off, booted everyting up and sent a job to the printer. For the most part it works great. There have been a couple of times I would send a file and it would take a minute to recognize the printer, and would give me a “This document failed to print” message. However I just waited a few more seconds and the printer kicked in and the message went away.
I guess the bottom line is expect some delays.
CONCLUSION
All in all a great printer and a great companion to the TR. The internal Bluetooth in my TR (which I would assume would also work great with the Sony Bluetooth Dongle) connects to the HP Bluetooth printer card without a hitch. Im sure some of the other BT devies would work as well.
I would recommend this to a TR owner who does alot of travelling and might need to do some printing, color or black.
