Posted to Photo Printers 2010-05-12
The HP Photosmart A636 Compact Photo Printer Q8637A features the largest touchscreen color LCD available on a dedicated photo printer - 4.8 in. It can also print 5"x7" prints - most dedicated printers in this price range are limited to 4"x6". It features excellent print speed, quality output, and the prints are dry when they come out of the printer (when used with HP photo paper). The unit is designed to be portable - the LCD screen folds down for carrying and there is a convenient flip-up carrying handle. The unit can even be battery operated using the optional internal rechargeable battery pack. HP quotes the print speed as 71 sec for a 4"x6" print in best quality mode (with border, direct connect to camera). Maximum resolution is 4800x1200 optimized. Multimedia card support includes CompactFlash Type I and II, Magic Gate, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital and xD Picture Card. Connectivity options include USB and PictBridge, and there is an optional Bluetooth adapter available.
ValueThe A636 represents an excellent value for the price. The price is better than most of the competition, although the quality of the prints is not on par with units like the Epson PictureMate. However, you'll still get pictures at least as good as you receive from drug and department store photo labs. The large color touchscreen is not seen on other models in this price range. Add this to the fact that it is truly portable and you're getting a lot of printer for your money. FeaturesThe A636 scores well in the features category mainly due to the large touchscreen and the optional battery pack. You can do all kinds of things to your photos right on the LCD screen - including cropping, resizing, placing captions or even drawing on them using the touchscreen. The unit has all the connectivity options you're likely to need (there's no Ethernet or direct USB printing, though), and the fold-down LCD and carrying handle make the unit easy to carry. The unit is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. The printer uses a thermal ink jet system with a tri-color ink cartridge which produces excellent results. SummaryHP has packed a lot of features into this little printer. It's small enough to be out of the way at home and easy to take along with you to a wedding, party or even on vacation. The 4.8" LCD touchscreen allows you to do more with your photos before printing them, and the instantly dry output is better than average. And you get the HP reputation for quality, reliable products at no extra charge. If you're looking at dedicated photo printers, be sure to give the HP A636 a test run. Pros
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