I bought an HP photosmart printer yesterday. I've been considering buying one, we've been using Jeff's printer since ours broke, and after seeing the prints my boss's makes, I was convinced I had to have one, but I've put it off due to cost, etc.

Anyway, I've been feeling pretty down lately and I guess I had a weak moment or something, but I came home with a couple dozen picture frames and a printer and a box of photo paper, and I spent 7 hours yesterday editing, printing and framing pics. I did 3 collages of just all the kids and Madison, and I printed out a bunch of my beach/sunset pics and framed them, plus *finally* framing Jeff & Jen's senior pictures as well. Next project will be a photo collage of Jeff's band.

I had so much fun doing this, I hate to go to work today!

By Trisa on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 08:31 am:

I love my HP printer 3 in one!Yes it is fun to scan and print pictures. Im glad you had a good time Yesterday.

By Karen~moderator on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 09:02 am:

Trisa, now I just have to find wall space to hang all this stuff! LOL I think lots of it will go in my bedroom, since I haven't hung anything on the walls in there since we redid it several months ago. I had found some artwork online I really wanted in there, but we just can't afford it right now, and I'm really tired of looking at the bare walls in there - it just looks *unfinished*.

By Cat on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 09:07 am:

That sounds like a lot of fun! We've got SO many pics on the 'puter from our digital cameras. I'd love to print some out. Maybe a weekend project when I find the time.

By Brandy on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 09:36 am:

That's great karen what one exactly did you get we have the hp photosmart 7550 with the lcd screen on it it does an awesome job with the pics.

By Marcia on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 10:40 am:

I have an HP 3 in 1, and I love it!! I print to make scrapbooks, more than anything. I've also just printed some pics on transfer paper, to make a memory quilt. They turned out amazing!
It's so much fun!!!
Oh, I've found the best price for paper is Costco, if anyone's shopping around. I buy Kodak Premium glossy, and it's great.

By Karen~moderator on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 05:26 pm:

This is the HP 2410 XI photosmart printer/scanner/copier/faxer, it has an LCD and the software is great.

By Luvn29 on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 09:53 pm:

Can you use this with any camera? I'm not really smart when it comes to printers and such, but I love taking pics and have tons of photos on my computer and have really been considering buying a good printer so I can print great quality pictures that I can put in an album and frame.

How much was this one, if you don't mind me asking? And are you happy with the results? Are the prints clear like regular camera pics?

Tons of questions, I know, but I am dying to get a good photo printer, and I just don't know what route to go...

By Karen~moderator on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 10:46 pm:

Here are the specs. I bought it at Sam's, paid $268 for it, which I thought was pretty good. Most places sell it for around $299.

Brand Hewlett Packard
Manufacturer Part Number Q3087A
Output Type Color Printer
Type Multifunction
Communication
Modem Type Fax
Dimensions
Depth 15.4 in.
Height 9.3 in.
Weight 18.36 lb.
Width 19 in.
Key Features
Black Print Speed 21 ppm
Black Resolution 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi
Color Print Speed 15 ppm
Color Resolution 4800 dpi x 1200 dpi
Platform PC, Mac
Technology Thermal Inkjet
Media
Max Media Size 216 x 356 mm
Media Type Paper (plain, inkjet, photo, brochure, banner), envelopes, transparencies, labels, cards (index, greeting), iron-on transfers, borderless media
Total Media Capacity 150 sheets
Miscellaneous
Package Qty 1
Product ID 21069556
Multifunction Features
Black Copying Speed 21 ppm
Monthly Duty Volume 5000 pages
Scanner Type Flatbed scanner
System Requirements
Operating System Microsoft Windows 98, 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, XP, Macintosh OS 9.1, X (MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, 95, NT 4.0, Macintosh OS 9.0 and earlier not supported)
Technical Features
Connectivity Technology Cable
Duplex Printout Optional
Form Factor Desktop
Language Simulation PCL Level 3 Enhanced
Monthly Duty Cycle Individual
Warranty
Warranty 1 Year Limited
More Information
HP combines its existing six-ink cartridge multifunction printers with an external memory card slot, a 2.5-inch LCD for previewing photos, the ability to print video action, and use of HP's new photo proof-sheet system. Rated at up to 21ppm black text and 14ppm color, the PSC 2410 prints borderless up to 8.5x11 inches.

The pictures look great, IMO. And it comes with photo editing software that's very simple to use. And the one thing I really love about it, is you can choose print sizes from wallet size, 3 x 4, 3.5 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, and full page. You can select multiple images for printing, then select what size you want each one to be, and how many prints of each one. That way it minimizes paper waste. The only thing I could ask for that it doesn't do, and I haven't seen one that does, is print 16 x 20 prints. I gave it a good workout yesterday and I'm completely pleased with it.

Also, this one is a multi function printer, and the scanner, IMO is really good. I compared it to another HP model in Sam's, checked all the actual printing specs and they appeared to be identical, but it was only a photo printer, and had a tray for 4 x 6's too. It was only $10 less than this one I bought. I scanned a photo of Jeff and his g/f because I wanted the same photo for one of my collages. I printed it after I scanned it, and it looks like the original photo.

Can you tell I'm *sold* on this printer? LOL Actually, I've always been a fan of HP printers, have owned 2 previously and have used them at work too.

By Luvn29 on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 11:46 am:

Thanks so much for the info! It sounds great!

By Mommyathome on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 12:44 pm:

We have an HP 3 in 1 copier/printer/scanner. It is not the fancy one like Karens though. It does OK on printing out pictures, but nothing worth actually framing! Maybe we'll upgrade sometime...but for now it's working for us.
Karen, do you use the glossy photo paper or the matte finish? I've been going to buy some and play around a little bit but can't decide which one to get.

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 02:15 pm:

Robin, I personally prefer photos on matte finish paper, however, it's said you get better prints with an injet printer on glossy, so that's what I've been using.

By Insaneusmcwife on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 09:52 pm:

I'm jealous. We have an old HP OfficeJet and its on its last leg. I've been telling dh about the one at Sams and he says go for it but I just can't see spending that kind of money right now. Does it really print pictures that good?