An easy to use printer for 4x6 photos
Pros:
Small size, ability to make good waterproof prints easily.
Cons:
No on/off switch, inablity to make pictures larger than 4x5".
The Bottom Line:
This is a good printer for both beginning digital camera users and those who print mainly 4x6" or smaller prints. The camera works especially well for Kodak camera users.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I purchased the Kodak EasyShare Printer Dock Plus printer about a month ago. I own a Kodak DX7590 camera (my 2nd Kodak) and have not been disappointed. The printer has the following features:
1. Prints pictures with or without a computer on 4x6" Kodak photo paper using Kodak photo cartridges. You can choose from 4 different sizes of pictures: One 4 x 6 in., Two 3 x 4 in. with borders, Four 2 x 3 in., or Nine 1.3 x 2 in. via the included software or using the appropriate button on the printer itself.
2. The ability to enhance pictures without using a computer using the AutoEnhance button on the printer.
3. Prints pictures from a Secure Digital/MMC card using the slot on the left side of the printer or print pictures from any PictBridge enabled camera using a USB cable.
4. The ability to recharge your Kodak camera's rechargeable batteries and transfer pictures from your Kodak camera using the insert that came with your Kodak camera and placing it in the slots on top of printer and docking your Kodak camera.
5. the ability to print from a cell phone or PDA that has infared capability.
The printer comes with a starter pack of 10 4x6' photo paper and a cartridge that prints 10 pictures, a welcome pack that has the owner's manual and the EasyShare and printer software, a power cord, a NI-MH rechargeable battery and an adapter for certain Kodak cameras. The pictures print using a thermal dye transfer process and the printer also laminates them to make them waterproof; they print in about a minute. Installation is simple; you just install the included EasyShare Software, plug in the printer's power cord and a USB cord to the computer and the printer and install the paper tray in the front of the printer. You can print pictures from your computer or directly from your Kodak camera by docking it on the printer. The EasyShare software is able to do basic photo editing using your computer such as cropping, adjusting contrast, light and darkness of the photo, red-eye touchups, one touch enhancing, rotating and correcting exposure flaws.
The pictures are very good quality and easy to print. You do have to use Kodak's paper and cartridges which are sold in kits with paper and cartridges capable of printing 40 or 80 pictures and are available at many different stores. The 40 picture packs run 22.99-25.00, depending where you purchase them. The only paper size is 4x6", so if you want to print larger pictures you will have to use a computer and printer. The printer is small; you do need to leave a few inches in back of the printer for the picture to move back and forth through the printing process and the paper tray takes up about 8" when in use; the paper tray is removable when not in use. There is no on/off button; I just unplug the printer when I'm not using it and remove the paper tray to take up less space.
I would recommend the printer to people who are beginning in digital photography as well as those who print mainly 4x6 or smaller pictures. There is a $30 rebate available until the end of July 2005, I purchased the printer for $169.99 on sale. The printer works especially well for Kodak camera users.
