HP Photosmart A618.(color printer)(Product/service evaluation)

HP Photosmart A618

Create 7x5in photos at home with HP's [pounds sterling]100 compact photo printer

It's no secret that home photo printing is on the up. Most of us own a digital camera, so why should we bother with high street processing when printing snaps in the front room is quicker and simpler? Cost per print could be a problem, but with compact photo-printers such as the HP Photosmart A618 churning out 6x4s at a rate of 18p each, the gap has closed dramatically. What's more, the A618 can print the larger 7x5in format, making it a versatile choice.

After a recent price drop, the A618 represents good value for money, so where have compromises been made? Our biggest concern lies with image quality. While the HP Vivera ink and dedicated photo paper tag team work to produce good detail and colour reproduction, the finished article didn't impress us as much as the Canon Pixma mini260. Printing speed is also slow in comparison, scraping 110 seconds for a 6x4in print and 130 seconds for a 7x5in print.

But in terms of features, the A618 is second to none. Its memory card slots support most formats and it features a port for USB keys and PictBridge, plus integrated Bluetooth for wireless printing. Then there's a 6cm adjustable screen, carry handle, space for an optional battery pack and a PhotoFix feature to enhance the richness of an image without ...