The Advantages and Disadvantages of Compact Photo Printers
Photo printers are tools that professional photographers greatly need, and treasures that photography enthusiasts greatly want. When it comes to on-the-go photo printing, the compact photo printer is probably the favorite of all photographers and photography enthusiasts as well. Who doesn’t like the idea of having a photo printer that you can carry around with you anywhere you go? This printer can meet all of your photo printing needs even if you’re out of the country, in your car, on a road trip, or in a special occasion or event. But before you decide to purchase one of these compact photo printers, you need to understand what good and bad features you can expect from such a device. The Benefits Compact photo printers are very handy and compact in structure. You can use them anytime you want, anywhere you want to. Using this device, you can produce only the best quality and professional-grade 4’’ x 6’’ or smaller photos. The presentable appearance of these devices makes them ideal to carry around even by hand. Compact photo printers also have direct photo printing features that you can use to print straight from removable storage media and digital imaging devices. These include PictBridge connectivity which is used for digital cameras and other USB-connectible imaging devices; USB connectivity for USB thumb drives; memory card slots for all types and sizes of memory cards; wireless Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, and tablet PC connections; and wireless infrared connectivity for older models of mobile phones and smart phones. Having these features make compact photo printers easy to use without any computer intervention. And lastly, through their LCD displays, fully functional control panels, and rechargeable batteries, compact photo printers become easier to use and even more ideal for limitless photo printing. The Cons The biggest problem about compact photo printers is that they can only print up to 4’’ x 6’’ sized photos. These devices you can use for photo printing only, and not for document printing. This means photo printers are not flexible. And since they are small, only small photos can be printed using them. Not an 8’’ x 10’’ portrait, not even a 5’’ x 7’’ photo for a picture frame can be printed using this device. Another disadvantage of this printer is its price. Compact photo printers aren’t exactly cheap, and they can be as expensive as $300 - as costly and sometimes even more than standard sized printers. It may be reasonable because of the printing mechanism and the serious engineering incorporated in the printer, but for those who aren’t too inclined in getting a compact photo printer, the price just isn’t right. Conclusion As with all products, compact photo printers have good and bad sides, and by knowing all of these facts about the printer will best guide you in your aim to identify whether such a device is really for you or not. By finding out what a compact photo printer can and cannot provide for you, you can make a wiser decision with regards to buying it or not.