Many printers claim to be all-in-one, but few match the level of customisation that the HP Envy 4520 offers to users.
Having sampled the product, it’s clear that this includes how to connect to different device, how to prolong cartridge life and how to refill depleted cartridges.
The HP Envy 4520 measures in at 44.5 cm across 12.5 cm high and is under 36 cm deep.
Essentially, it’s designed to fit into a family sideboard or entertainment unit and is barely noticeable when not in use while the installed touchscreen helps free the printer from multiple and often unnecessary buttons.
In short, this is an affordable printer for consumers who do not want to spend too much on a device that may only be used sporadically.
One of the main features of the device is its connectivity options, apart from the standard Wi-Fi connectivity it can be connected via Apple AirPrint (provided the printer is connected to the internet).
You can also connect your mobile device via Wireless Direct which is HP’s equivalent of Wi-Fi Direct, so your compatible device does not need to be directly connected to the same network.
Other connectivity options include Google’s Cloud Print and Android device direct printing, with adjustments it is also possible to print from most devices running Windows 8, Windows 10, 10 Windows RT, Windows Mobile, iOS and even Blackberry devices.
Despite the plethora of wireless connectivity options, this is still a budget printer and sacrifices have been made.
There is no direct SD card slot and it is not possible to connect a USB drive direct to your printer - you will need to follow the traditional route of connecting these to your PC or laptop before printing.
The HP Envy 4520 is a solid performer and comes with a 100-sheet input tray that is concealed within the device - it also has adjustable slider settings to accommodate A4, A5 and A6 paper sizes.
The output tray is located directly below the display and can hold up to 25 sheets at a time, which is generally more than enough for most home print jobs.
Furthermore, it also contains a scanner under the lid, although there is no auto-feeder for multiple scan jobs.
The device prints at a relatively high speed for a home device registering roughly nine pages per minute for a black only full text page and almost three pages per minute for a full colour sheet.
All print jobs are of an extremely high quality given the relatively low price of the device. It can produce text print pages of the same quality as laser printers and full colour images are of the same standard.
If you are looking for an up to date printer with multiple connection options and you do not mind only using a touch screen interface.
Then you would do well to look no further than the HP Envy 4520 for $NZ89 RRP.