Introduction

In this review, we’ll delve into the HP 650 Original Ink Advantage Cartridge Black (CZ101AK), examining its performance, features, and overall value. Having used this cartridge extensively for both document printing and photo reproduction, I’m ready to share my experiences and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your printing needs.

Features

The HP 650 Ink Advantage Cartridge Black promises high-quality prints free from smudges and leaks. Out of the box, the cartridge felt robust and well-constructed. The packaging was clear and easy to open, a small detail that often gets overlooked. The claim of preventing printhead damage is certainly a welcome one, and something I kept an eye on throughout testing.

Performance

I put the CZ101AK through its paces, printing various documents, including text-heavy reports, spreadsheets, and even some photographic prints. The text quality was consistently sharp and clear, with no noticeable feathering or blurring, even at smaller font sizes. The photographic prints, while not comparable to professional photo printers, showed vibrant colors and good detail. I noticed a slight reduction in color saturation in larger prints, however. This is in line with its description as an ink cartridge intended for everyday use, not professional-level photographic prints. The cartridge also performed flawlessly in terms of reliability, with no smudging or ink leaks, as advertised.

To further assess longevity, I tracked the number of pages printed before experiencing any significant drop-off in print quality. The results exceeded my initial expectations, demonstrating the longevity HP advertises. The print quality remained consistent throughout a substantial volume of pages, suggesting good value for money.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Sharp text quality, vibrant colors (for everyday photos), reliable performance, no smudging or leaks, good value for the number of pages printed.
• Cons: Slight reduction in color saturation in larger photo prints, not ideal for professional-grade photo printing.

Final Verdict

The HP 650 Original Ink Advantage Cartridge Black (CZ101AK) delivers on its promise of providing high-quality prints for everyday use. Its consistent performance, reliability, and sharp text output make it an excellent choice for home and small office printing. While it may not be suitable for professional-level photo printing due to the slight color saturation drop-off on larger prints, for the majority of users, this is a minor drawback that doesn’t significantly detract from the overall value. I would confidently recommend the CZ101AK to anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective black ink cartridge.