The HP Envy 4500 is a thermal inkjet printer designed for home and small office use, offering color printing, copying, and scanning functionalities. It utilizes thermal inkjet technology and is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. The printer ships with HP 301 black and tri-color ink cartridges and can be set up via CD, or directly from the manufacturer’s website. This article details the installation process based on available documentation.
Unboxing and Component Verification
The HP Envy 4500 printer package includes several components essential for initial setup. These include the printer itself, a power cord, a setup guide and associated documentation, HP 301 black and tri-color ink cartridges, and an installation CD for older computer systems. Upon receiving the printer, it is important to verify that all listed components are present. The documentation advises removing all packaging materials and protective tapes from the printer, paying attention to any internal stickers or tapes that may need removal. The printer should be placed on a stable, flat surface with sufficient surrounding space for access during setup.
Connecting the Power
After unboxing, the next step involves connecting the printer to a power source. The documentation highlights the importance of locating the power button on the printer before proceeding. Pressing the power button initiates the startup sequence, allowing the printer to initialize and prepare for subsequent setup steps. Upon powering on, the printer emits a subtle hum as its internal mechanisms activate, and indicator lights illuminate, signifying readiness for the next phase of installation.
Installing Ink Cartridges
With the printer powered on, the installation process proceeds to ink cartridge installation. The HP Envy 4500 is supplied with HP 301 black and tri-color ink cartridges. The documentation does not provide specific instructions on how to install the cartridges, only that they are required for producing prints.
Software Installation
The HP Envy 4500 offers multiple software installation options. Users can install the software from the included CD-ROM (for systems equipped with a CD/DVD drive). Alternatively, the software can be downloaded and installed from the HP website at www.hp.com/ePrint/ENVY4500.
For Windows 8 users, the installation process involves right-clicking on an empty area of the Start screen, selecting “All apps” from the app bar, clicking the printer’s icon, and then selecting “Help.” For Windows 7, Vista, and XP, users should navigate to Start > All Programs > HP > HP ENVY 4500 series > Guide.
Mac users with OS X Lion or Mountain Lion can access help by clicking on Help > Help Center, then selecting “HP ENVY 4500 series” from the Help Viewer window. For OS X v10.6, users should click on Help > Mac Help and select “HP ENVY 4500 series” from the pop-up menu.
The documentation also mentions a “ReadMe” file containing information on HP support, operating system requirements, and recent printer updates. Electronic Help can be installed during the software installation process, providing access to product features, printing information, troubleshooting guidance, and user support resources. Technical information, including regulatory notes and compliance declarations, is also available within the Electronic Help section.
Printer Specifications and Capabilities
The HP Envy 4500 is a thermal inkjet printer capable of color printing, copying, and scanning. It does not support faxing. The printer has a maximum duty cycle of 1000 pages per month, making it suitable for small to medium printing volumes. It utilizes two print cartridges and does not offer all-in-one multitasking capabilities. The processor frequency is 360 MHz.
The printer achieves a black and white print speed of 8.8 pages per minute in normal quality on A4 or US Letter size paper. The maximum print resolution is 4800 x 1200 DPI, ensuring detailed and sharp prints. The printer features wireless connectivity, enabling printing from mobile devices and tablets.
Operating System Compatibility
The HP Envy 4500 printer is designed to be compatible with various operating systems, including Windows and Mac. The documentation specifically references compatibility with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, OS X Lion, OS X Mountain Lion, and OS X v10.6. However, the documentation does not provide a comprehensive list of supported versions within each operating system family. Users are advised to consult the HP website or the printer’s documentation for the most up-to-date compatibility information.
Additional Resources
The documentation references several additional resources for users seeking further assistance. These include the HP ENVY 4500 User Guide (c03784120.pdf, 2.42MB) and the HP ENVY 4500 Setup Poster (c03787847.pdf, 3.09MB), both available for download. The documentation also points to online resources for electronic help, troubleshooting, and user support.
Legal Information
The HP ENVY 4500 Manuals are copyrighted by Hewlett Packard, and customers agree to the applicable license or other agreement from HP. The documentation also notes that users may have additional statutory rights under their agreement with the product seller, which are not limited by the factory warranty. A Swedish language section indicates that additional statutory rights may apply. Similarly, an Italian language section references regulatory information and compliance declarations.
Conclusion
The HP Envy 4500 printer offers a range of features suitable for home and small office printing needs. Installation involves unboxing, connecting the power, installing ink cartridges, and installing the software either from a CD or via download from the HP website. The printer is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and offers wireless connectivity for convenient printing from various devices. Users can access additional support resources, including user guides and electronic help, to assist with setup and troubleshooting.

