Review: HP Photosmart A626 photo printer

Fashioned into a shape that suggests a ghetto blaster for a toddler, HP's miniature A626 printer shows that the company has cottoned onto the fact that design is as important as function nowadays.

That's especially true if the printer is equipped with a carry handle meaning it might be seen out in public.

Equally attractive is the fact that the A626, unusually for a printer of its size, employs inkjet rather than dye-sublimation technology.

Whereas dye-sublimation printers typically have a maximum print resolution of 300dpi - usually considered as approaching photo quality - the A626 offers a whopping 4,800x1,200dpi.

Though this sounds like overkill when it only prints to 5in x7in paper, in real terms it means finer and more subtle detail than its rivals, at a price similar to them or cheaper, with an average cost per print of 21p. The A626 also uses HP’s Vivera inks (in the form of a three colour cartridge) as found in its more grown-up desktop printers.

The front of the printer flips open to reveal four separate card slots for camera memory cards, plus an additional USB port for direct connection should your card not be supported. And then there's the A626’s large 4.8in pop-up screen, which perfect for reviewing the shots to be printed. Though it does operate as a standalone device, it can also be hooked up to your PC - but it's up to the user to provide the USB cable in that case.

The screen is also touch-sensitive, with a plastic stylus provided for easy cropping of images, removal of red-eye and overall enhancement without having to fire up the computer. This cuts down on the number of distracting buttons and controls, giving the unit a minimalist appearance and making it easier to understand.

Given the amount of features it offers, and its funky styling, the A626’s asking price feels more than fair, and though it isn’t the fastest out of the blocks - delivering a print in 90 seconds that’s still a little moist to the touch - this printer is one of the more convincing standalone photo models out there.

Vista compatible: Yes