Deep Dive 2 - Exploring the differences between the HP DesignJet T630 and T650 A1 printers

05 July 2022

The HP DesignJet T630 and T650 printers represent one step up from the entry level T230 and T250 Large Format Printer A1 printer models, manufactured by Hewlett Packard (HP).

Typically, buyers want to print off plans/line drawings/designs and might use software such as AutoCAD. They want a low-cost print solution with the capability of being able to print up to A1 in size (using paper rolls up to 24” width), to make drawings more readable and legible. They will also be 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, jigsaw makers 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.

Users aren’t normally so compromised on space (as those who opt for the entry level T230/T250 printers), so are happy that both of these printer models include a media stand/bin in the box, which means that the printer will sit on its own stand with a useful media bin to catch the prints. The stand also provides added portability, allowing it to be moved easily between offices, homes or building sites.

Usually, most users don’t have massive print volumes - hence why they don’t want to spend too much on an all-singing, all-dancing printer which has lots of bells and whistles. (This aspect is important because while the T630 and T650 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).

Both the T630 and T650 models are Wi-Fi enabled 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 T630 and T650 models as having greater longevity and future proofing for the business.  

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 T630 and T650 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 T630 and T650 A1 models ticks the box for most users:

• Low hardware cost when compared against the rest of the HP DesignJet portfolio (except standard T230 and T250 models)
• 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 size roll printing + includes an automatic A3 & A4 sheet feeder
• Roll cover included in T650 A1 model (optional extra for the T630 A1 model)
• 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)
• Single long-life Print Head
• Simple and Easy to use - very intuitive
• Wi-Fi enabled

Key Optional Extra’s

HP have made 1 optional extra for the T630 A1 printer being the roll cover which currently sells at £75+VAT (as at July 2022 pricing). This option stops dust and debris being pulled into the printer - which is an absolute ‘must-have’ for a building site). It’s worth noting that this is option is included as standard for the T650 A1 model. You can also purchase a spare spindle for ease of swapping over different types or sizes of media.

Warranty Money-Saving Tip!

You can extend your free manufacturer's warranty to 2, 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 T630 and T650 models

The DesignJet T630 has 1 year manufacturer’s warranty – whereas the DesignJet T650 offers 2 years manufacturer’s warranty.

The print speed on the T630 is 30 secs/A1 page – whereas the DesignJet T650 offers a slightly faster print speed of 26 secs/A1 page. The T650 includes the roll cover as standard, whereas with the T630 this is an optional extra at £75+VAT (as of July 2022). In essence, the extra cost of the T650 primarily relates to the added roll cover + extra 1 year manufacturer's warranty cover that you'll receive.