For weeks, I’ve been putting the HP 305 Original Ink Cartridges (Model Number: 3YM61AE/3YM60AE) through their paces. This review covers my experience using these cartridges with my HP DeskJet 4100 printer, focusing on print quality, ease of use, and overall value.

The package includes one black ink cartridge and one tri-color cartridge, offering a complete solution for both text and color printing. The cartridges themselves felt sturdy and were easy to install. The installation process was straightforward, following the printer’s on-screen instructions.

Print quality exceeded my expectations. Text documents were crisp and clear, even at smaller font sizes. Color photographs displayed vibrant colors and sharp details. I printed a variety of documents, including spreadsheets, photos, and marketing materials, and the results consistently impressed me. The drying time was also very quick, which was a bonus. I didn’t experience any smudging or fading, even with handling the prints immediately after printing.

Over several weeks of use, I printed around 150 pages using a mix of text and color documents. While I didn’t track the exact page yield, it seemed to align with HP’s estimated print yields for these cartridges.

Pros:

• Excellent print quality for both text and color
• Easy installation
• Quick-drying ink
• Affordable for the print quality offered

Cons:

• Page yield could be slightly higher for the price
• No significant downsides were observed

Overall, the HP 305 Original Ink Cartridges (3YM61AE/3YM60AE) are a fantastic option for home and small business users needing high-quality prints at a reasonable price. While the page yield could be improved, the exceptional print quality and ease of use make this a solid choice. I highly recommend these cartridges for users of compatible HP DeskJet printers.