Comparison of Compact Photo Printers
Photo printers are a great tool for those who love pictures and want high quality prints of their digital photography. One of the problems though is that printers are usually too large and clunky to be taken anywhere without exuding tons of effort. Enter compact photo printers, these smaller versions feature the same outstanding capabilities as their larger cousins but are much easier to transport.
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HP Photosmart A646 Compact Printer
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The HP Photosmart A646 Compact Printer is one of the highest-reviewed compact photo printers on the market. This printer can print photos at 5-by-7 inches, 4-by-6 inches and even 4-by-12 inch panorama shots. With great photo quality and plenty of editing features you will end up with professional-quality prints every time. This printer includes easy-to-install software for computer printing. The biggest downside is that it prints a bit slower than similar photo printers.
Canon Selphy CP760
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The Canon Selphy CP760 was designed for those who want quick and painless photo prints without sacrificing quality. The biggest advantage of the Selphy CP760 is the plug-and-play feature, meaning you can plug it into most PCs and be able to instantly use it to print photographs. As of March 2010, these printers came in at just under $100, making them a great bargain for the level of detail this printer is capable of.
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HP Photosmart A826
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The HP Photosmart A826 is less of a printer and more of a complete photo kiosk like those you see at some stores. According to technology site CNET.com, this is the best photo printer to use by itself without a computer due to the whopping 7-inch touch screen. With great organizing and editing options, this printer is one of the best on the market. The biggest downside is that as of March 2010 it cost a staggering $250, making it the most expensive compact photo printer in this comparison.
Canon Selphy CP770
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The Canon Selphy CP770 actually has the exact same print technology as its predecessor, the Canon Selphy CP760. What makes this printer better is how much Canon improved upon its already decent portable design. This model actually has an attachable bucket to easily store your ink and paper as well as a handle, making carrying it with one hand easy. The biggest downside to this and the CP760 is that the Bluetooth adapter and battery pack required to use the printer wirelessly are not included with the printer.
Final Virdict
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Although each of the printers compared here have their own advantages and disadvantages, the one that received the highest reviews was the HP Photosmart A636. If you have the money though, you may consider purchasing the Photosmart A826 for the ultimate convenience and customization it offers. While the Canon Selphy's are great portable photo printers, the fact that you have to buy additional equipment to make them wireless may make the HP Photosmart models a better investment.
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References
- Photo Credit paper feed image by Glenn Jenkinson from Fotolia.com