The print driver is also over-simplified you need the Advanced settings for things as basic as paper size or maximum resolution

The TWAIN scanner interface is similarly over-simplified, and only provides predefined resolution choices that don't include 150dpi, which is one of our standard test resolutions. Incredibly, this includes paper size, which is a basic setting for anyone who needs to print photos, particularly as the Envy range has full support for borderless photo printing, unlike HP's Deskjet range. It tidies away too many common options in the unfriendly Advanced section. In this case the interface in the Envy 4500 print driver is far too simple for an MFP aimed primarily at family users. Slightly dubious interface design for both scanner and printer elements of MFPs is something that's sadly familiar in HP's devices. However, it's worth noting that tri-colour cartridges can have some hidden costs in that you have to replace the whole cartridge if you run out of any one colour of ink. This is balanced out by a low colour cost of 5.75p per page, which gives you a reasonable mixed black and colour cost of 9.8p. Mono print costs are a surprisingly high 4p per page, even using HP's high-yield XL cartridges. The input tray is captive in the base, and when loaded with A4 paper the front panel can't be closed. Neither compromise is unreasonable for the price, but the paper handling is perhaps a little too basic. It takes black and tricolour ink cartridges, rather than the individual tanks found on more expensive printers, which means you'll need to replace your colour cartridge as soon as you've drained one of its colours, rather than replace colours separately based on your usage. Its monochrome display isn't touch sensitive either.

Once set up, you begin to see where HP has made some savings to produce the Envy 4500 at its price. Best printer 2023: The best inkjet and laser printers to buy

Hp envy 4500 scanner software