Deep Dive 6 - Exploring the differences between the HP DesignJet T730 A0 versus the DesignJet T830 A1/A0 MFP

11 July 2022

The HP DesignJet T730 A0 (36”) is a large format printer manufactured by Hewlett Packard (HP). The HP DesignJet T830 MFP is it’s sister printer, available in both A1 (24”) and A0 (36”) size and offers printing/scanning and copying – effectively it’s a T730 with an integrated stacker sitting on top.

Typically, buyers have medium print volumes and wish to print off plans/line drawings/designs up to A0/36” size, and might use software such as AutoCAD. The added capability of also being able to print A3/A4 prints via the sheet feeder is also a useful feature for many businesses. Both models are also Wi-Fi enabled and have their own LAN. 

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, building control, small copy shops, transportation and more…

The key difference between these two models is that the T730 Series is only available in A0 size and is a printer only. The T830 offers both A1 and A0 sizes, and can print/scan/copy. Both have a more robust build than the T200/T600 ranges below them, both are built for print volumes of 100 prints per month (at this rate, the parts that wear and tear with use will last approximately 5 years). The build quality of the T730 and T830 models are virtually identical except for the scanning function. The ink is shared for both these models and cartridges are manufactured in larger 130ml and 300ml sizes

Both printers sit on their own stand and can be easily wheeled around when required, with a useful media bin to catch the prints. Both the T730 and T830 models 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) or the T600 series models. For this reason, you can look at the T730 and T830 models generally as having greater longevity and better 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 T730 and T830 models are compatible for both Windows and Mac Users, the HP Click software will offer additional advantages over and above the normal driver. 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 T730 and T830 models ticks the box for most users:

• Both include their own stand, roll cover and A3 & A4 sheet feeder (manual)
• Both are Wi-Fi enabled with their own LAN
• At 100 prints per month the parts that wear and tear with use will last approximately 5 years
• Choice of ink cartridge sizes (130ml/300ml)
• Print speed 25 secs/A1 page
• Single long-life Print Head
• Simple and Easy to use - very intuitive
• 2 years manufacturer’s warranty (except the T830 A1 which has just 1 year warranty)

Key Optional Extra’s

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

You can also purchase a USB 3.0 Gigabit LAN adapter

Warranty Money-Saving Tip!

You can also 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 T730 and T830 models

The DesignJet T730 is an A0 (36”) printer only

The DesignJet T830 provides you with an option for A1 (24”) or A0 (36”) and offers an all-in-one Printer/Scanner/Copier.