Deep Dive 4 - Exploring the differences between the HP DesignJet T650 versus the DesignJet Studio printers

07 July 2022

The HP DesignJet T650 and Studio A1/A0 printers are large format printers manufactured by Hewlett Packard (HP).

Typically, buyers are similar, as they want to print off plans/line drawings/designs and might use software such as AutoCAD. However, they want a low-cost print solution (and have the added capability of also being able to print A3/A4 prints with useful automatic switching between the roll feed and sheet feed).  

While the buyer/end user may be operating in the AEC sector (Architects, Engineering, Construction) they may equally belong to other types of businesses such as garden designers, interior designers, general planners, logistics planning and more… or they could be private individuals with a particular current project or ongoing hobby such as planning a wedding, family tree/genealogist, templating for craft projects etc.

The key difference between these two models (whether you choose either an A1 or A0 model) is that the Studio Series is a designer model created in stunning clean white lines with a choice of a steel or wood-effect finish to match your decor, and comes with a slightly increased price versus the T650 standard model. Added to which the Studio Series offers HP’s first net carbon neutral printer which follows the core principles of https://www.carbonneutral.com/the-carbonneutral-protocol to reduce greenhouse gas. Other than this, both printers, technically speaking, are virtually the same in every respect.

Both printers are Wi-Fi enabled and sit on their own stand which can be easily wheeled around when required, with a useful media bin to catch the prints. Both the T650 and Studio models use the same ink and offer a 1GB memory. This is more than adequate for most applications unless you have either particularly complex drawings (possibly with lots of layers) or very large files to print where you might need a PostScript printer – the memory is also nearly double that of the entry level T230 and T250 models (which only have 512MB). For this reason, you can look at the T650 and Studio models generally as having greater longevity and better future proofing for the business.  

Typical print volumes for both models should be around 50 prints per month (at this rate the parts that wear and tear with use should last approximately 5 years – or at 100 prints per month the parts will wear and tear with use at around the 2.5 year mark). This aspect is important because while the T650 and Studio models offer a low hardware cost, the ink cartridge capacity (80ml, 38ml, 29ml) matches the small print volumes. This effectively means the ink cartridges are smaller, with a lower buy price, but the cost per ml of ink is greater than if you purchased a 130ml or 300ml ink supplied with other, more expensive, DesignJet models).

We would also recommend, whichever model you choose, that you use the free HP Click software, which will allow you to print multiple files all at once. While the T650 and Studio models are compatible for both Windows and Mac Users, all Mac Users need to install the HP Click software in order to print. All printers include a free set of starter inks and automatic cutter and will allow you to print on media up to 280gsm in weight. The printers also offer a single long life printhead.

The new design of the front panel is extremely intuitive and user-friendly, offering useful video-quality instructions on how to change inks/paper/printheads and also offers a true print preview before you print so that it makes it very simple and easy to use for anyone in the office! 

Key reasons why the T650 and Studio models ticks the box for most users:

• HP’s first net carbon neutral printer (Studio series only)
• Designer white model with choice of steel or wood-effect finish (Studio series only)
• Space saving - designed to fit into small offices and sit on top of it’s own stand. Stand/media bin included FOC in the box
• Offers A1 & A0 models
• Both include their own stand, roll cover and automatic A3 & A4 sheet feeder
• Built for print volumes of 50 prints per month (at this rate the parts that wear and tear with use will last approximately 5 years)
• Small low-cost inks (but higher per ml cost)
• Print speed 26 secs/A1 page for A1 models or 25 secs/A1 page for A0 models
• Single long-life Print Head
• Simple and Easy to use - very intuitive
• 2 years manufacturer’s warranty
• Wi-Fi enabled

Key Optional Extra’s

You can purchase a spare spindle for ease of swapping over different types or sizes of media.

Warranty Money-Saving Tip!

You can also extend your free manufacturer's warranty to 3, 4 or 5 years cover. This will lift the 'best effort response' provided normally with the manufacturer's warranty to a next business day onsite response. This is actually the cheapest way of covering your printer longer term, but be aware that the extended warranties must be purchased within the first 90 days of purchasing the printer, otherwise you lose the opportunity to take out this cover. 

Key Differences between the T650 and Studio models

The DesignJet Studio offers HP’s first net carbon neutral printer, offered in a Designer White colour, with choice of steel or wood-effect finish and with a new/minimalist design on the legs and media bin (the media bin can also slot back into the printer).

The DesignJet T650 offers a dark grey finish, with standard design stand/media bin.