Crave

(Credit: HP)

We've been hearing a lot of hype surrounding HP's new touch screen printer, the Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web, and finally got a unit into the CNET Labs for a full set of tests. It's HP's flagship printer and the first of its kind to allow wireless Web connectivity directly from the printer itself, courtesy of a large 4.33-inch LCD display. To kick off the launch, HP also debuted an App Studio for users to browse and download custom shortcuts and widgets for the printer.

Now that we've had a week to thoroughly review the HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web, we're feeling underwhelmed by the lack of overall features and usability. We ran into several snags during the testing process, on top of our disappointment at the lack of an autodocument feeder and the letter-size scanner bay. For example, the display feels dull to the touch and lacks the responsiveness that we've come to expect out of an interactive screen. We found ourselves struggling to firmly select an icon, which often resulted in misguided navigation. On top of that, many of the applications had a tendency to freeze up during our tests, requiring a sluggish restart time.

Our main issue with the printer is that the touch screen and app studio just don't offset the $400 price tag, especially when you can purchase a perfectly capable HP multifunction Photosmart for $270 that actually has physical buttons--as long as you're willing to sacrifice the gimmicky touch screen and app store. As it stands, the App Studio doesn't quite offer the functionality and ease of use that we expected. Each app, like Google Maps or USA Today, has its own submenu...with sub-submenus...with sub-sub-submenus, to the point where we started wondering why anyone would bother tapping 15 times on a 4-inch screen when an actual computer (with novel hardware like a keyboard, mouse, and large monitor) can't be too far away.

We even performed an anecdotal timed test to further prove how the app store and a touch screen without any hard buttons can overcomplicate an otherwise easy-to-use machine, but you'll have to read the review for the unsurprising results. One final note: HP has informed us that an SDK will soon be available for developers to make their own apps for the printer, which we hope will add more exciting and useful apps to the line-up, but judging from the poor reception to its desktop TouchSmart SDK, we're not holding our breath.

Check out our full review and video for the HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web.

Multifunction printers are insanely handy. No more running to Kinkos every time you need to make a few copies or send a fax. And right now, OfficeMax has an insanely good deal on the Epson Workforce 500 all-in-one: it's $59.99 shipped.

Now, I know the headline says $39.99, so what gives? If you're willing to sign up for a MaxPerks account (it's free), you'll get a rebate in the form of a $20 prepaid VISA card, which is more or less the same as cash.

This fully loaded multifunction printer can be yours for just $39.99 (after an automated rebate).

(Credit: Epson)

The Workforce 500 (which is new, not a refurb) features a 30-sheet auto document feeder, memory card slots for all the major formats, and a 2.5-inch color LCD for previewing photos before printing.

In addition to cranking out photos and documents, the Workforce can send and receive faxes and scan and copy anything that fits on its letter-size flatbed. It also comes with OCR software--a nice perk.

My favorite feature: individual ink tanks (one each for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). That cuts way down on ink waste, as you replace only those cartridges that need replacing.

The only missing ingredient is Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi connectivity. Alas, this model's USB only. (OfficeMax's product page mentions parallel as well, but that's a mistake. This isn't 1993.) See Epson's product page for full specs and details.

I haven't found many professional reviews of the Workforce 500, but the user reviews I've read have been mixed. The big complaint: The ink cartridges run out quickly.

Still, given that you're essentially getting a free multifunction printer for about the price of a set of cartridges, I think it's hard to argue with this deal. I may pick one up just so my kids can print and copy stuff.

Lexmark's 4.3-inch touch-screen LCD.

(Credit: Lexmark)

Not to be outdone by HP's recent touch-screen printer, the folks at Lexmark just debuted their line of Web-connected touch-screen all-in-ones.

The big difference between the two is that although they both have touch technology, the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web is meant to live in the home, while the three printers featuring Lexmark's MyTouch technology are designed to increase productivity for the business market. Nevertheless, this won't stop us from putting them side-by-side in the first ever Web-connected, touch-screen-printing kumite.

Only three out of the eight new products include a large 4.3-inch touch screen, coincidentally the exact same size of HP's LCD screen. I had a chance to preview the entire lineup, and I was impressed with the comprehensive set of new features built into each device. The "SmartSolutions" button layout lets SMBs streamline their work flow by customizing their home screen with easy-to-use applications that include template shortcuts, address book favorites, RSS feeds, ID and ID card copies--all built into the machine with updates available through the host computer.

Four of the new printers also feature 802.11n wireless connectivity and all eight include Lexmark's Vizix technology that uses individual ink tanks to produce higher quality output at a cheaper refill cost. Business users will also be happy to see Lexmark's new business card scanning technology that recognizes and automatically uploads contact information into popular desktop software suites. One drawback: the technology isn't available for Apple's vCard address book sync.

All of the new printers will be available in September, and we'll be getting units into the CNET Labs as soon as possible to begin testing, so check back soon to see who will win in a head-to-head match.

HP Photosmart C8180 All-in-One Printer

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Shopping for a budget printer doesn't have to be an exercise in anger-management and self-abasement. Contrary to the stigma, many printers can produce great quality photos and documents without breaking the bank or eating up expensive consumables. Now release your fingers from your hair, put down that club, and check out these tips for getting the best deal for your money.

Before you even start shopping, decide whether you want a laser printer or an inkjet printer. Laser printers use bulky toner cartridges and are typically reserved for home offices that print monochrome text documents and presentations. Businesses also steer toward lasers because of their quick output speeds and reliable text quality. Monochrome lasers like the Samsung ML-2851ND are a good choice for homes that print a large volume of documents, and can be purchased for less than $200.

Inkjet printers are the more versatile choice for color photo printing, Web prints, and creative projects like greeting cards and calendars. They come in a variety of form factors from small and simple personal devices all the way up to fully featured All-in-Ones with scanners, fax machines, and copiers built right into the machine. Of course, the more features you want, the more expensive the printer gets so be sure to make a thorough list beforehand and stick to it. Some of the pricier additions include:

• Auto-document feeder: commonly shortened to ADF, the horizontal input tray lets you scan/fax/copy a stack of papers at once.
• Auto-duplexer: a hardware addition that lets you print on two sides of a single-sheet of paper. Consider this option if you plan to print a lot of pages per month--it could potentially save you money on paper, and it's environmentally responsible!
• Wired/wireless networking: all modern printers use USB to connect to a computer, but many also offer wired and wireless networking at a higher cost.
• Full color/touch-screen LCD: a flashy 6-inch touch-panel LCD screen might look beautiful, but the functionality is extraneous and isn't worth the price jack. If you're on a tight budget, consider a single function inkjet like the HP Officejet 6000 that doesn't have a display and only costs $90.

If you do go for an inkjet, shop around and look for one with separate ink tanks for each color so that you don't need to replace everything when only one color runs dry. This technology used to be relegated to photo printers more than $300, but the prices have fallen and now it's common to see sub-$150 printers like the HP Photosmart C6380 All-in-One and the Canon Pixma CMX860 multifunction that feature multiple cartridges. Also, be sure to do a little research to find out if your brand offers high-capacity cartridges. These inks are more expensive but they last longer and will save you money if you're printing a lot of photos.

One final word of advice: don't just think about the sticker price, consider the total cost of ownership. That includes the page yields of the manufacturer's ink and toner, cost of paper including photo and plain, how many pages you'll print per month versus stated duty cycle, and of course, the optional features you might want to add later. Stick to the list you make and buy a machine suitable for your printing needs and you'll be just fine.

See you in hell, USB cables! The Lexmark X6675 multifunction works over Wi-Fi.

(Credit: Buy.com)

Multifunction printers are insanely handy. You can make copies--color copies--without having to run to Kinko's. You can send faxes like it's 1995. You can scan documents for electronic storage. Oh, and you can print.

Indeed, the only thing better than a multifunction printer is a wireless multifunction printer, one you can stick in a corner, a closet, or wherever. Like, say, the Lexmark X6675, which Buy.com has for $85.99 shipped.

These are new units, not refurbs, and you don't have to monkey with any rebates. Nor do you need an Ethernet or USB cable (though it does support USB connections), as the X6675 works over Wi-Fi.

No mere entry-level all-in-one, the X6675 boasts some solid specs, including 25-page-per-minute black printing and 18-ppm color. It can print photos directly from a memory card and documents from a USB drive, and it can scan straight to the latter. It also features a 25-page auto document feeder for scanning and copying.

Unfortunately, the X6675 lacks an LCD for previewing photos and the like before printing. That's my only real complaint, as it reduces the unit's functionality as a standalone photo printer.

Still, you know how much I love wireless printers, and this would be pretty ideal for a home or small office. Nearly 30 users on Buy.com rated it 4.5 stars out of 5--a damn good average. The Lexmark lists for $150, so you're getting quite the deal.

Office jockeys and home entrepreneurs take note: Canon's two newest batters in the Pixma lineup of all-in-one printers are packing some serious heat. The Pixma MX860 and Pixma MX330 multifunction inkjets are generally suited for small businesses operating out of the home, but don't let the "business" moniker fool you; they also feature Canon's ChromaLife 100 ink system that uses both dye and pigment ink to get the best image quality possible in a small printer. Both printers are available for purchase now at their respective prices. Here's a closer look at their individual features:

Canon Pixma MX860

• $199.99
• Built-in wireless 802.11b/g print server in addition an Ethernet network port
• Auto-duplex paper handling lets you print on both sides of a single sheet
• Capability to print and scan at the same time, decreasing the time it takes to complete a project
• Super G3 fax capabilities can handle up to 250 incoming pages in memory
• Large 2.5-inch TFT color screen
• Five color individual ink tank system
• Max resolution: 9,600x2,400 color dpi

Canon Pixma MX330

• $109.99
• Auto photo fix detects types of photos and automatically corrects brightness and contrast
• Includes 1.8-inch TFT color screen
• Printer can produce a "photo-lab" quality four inch by six inch photo in 41 seconds, according to Canon
• Max color resolution: 4,800x2,400dpi
• Features Canon's Quick Start feature that changes from the start-up screen to stand-by mode in seconds after pressing power key



Canon unveils two new printers for the work-at-homebodies

This business-class multifunction printer cuts the cord with Wi-Fi.

(Credit: Buy.com)

It's a printer. It's a fax machine. It's a copier. It's a scanner. It's four, four, FOUR machines in one! And...wait for it...it's wireless, too! Yep, the Lexmark X6675 multifunction printer dispenses with pesky USB cables in favor of 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. Buy.com has the Lexmark X6675 for $91.99 shipped.

These are new units, not refurbs, and you don't have to mess around with any rebates. (If you do decide to go the USB route, however, it's BYO: cable not included.)

No mere entry-level all-in-one, the X6675 boasts some solid specs, including 25-page-per-minute black printing and 18-ppm color. It can print photos directly from a memory card and documents from a USB drive, and it can scan straight to the latter. It also features a 25-page auto document feeder for scanning and copying.

Unfortunately, the X6675 lacks an LCD for previewing photos and the like before printing. That's my only real complaint, as it reduces the unit's functionality as a standalone photo printer.

Still, you know how much I love wireless printers, and this would be pretty ideal for a home or small office. I haven't found many reviews of this particular model, though a pair of users on Buy.com gave it five stars.

Dear Lexmark,

We'd like to invite you and one of your printers to join our secret society: it's called Best 5, and although we don't have perverted initiations, secret handshakes, or kooky hats, you do get to feature your X7675 Professional on our list of the Best 5 printers.

We put the X7675 printer/scanner/copier/fax machine through a series of grueling tests to gauge its print speed, ease of use, and output quality, and we're impressed with the results. The front mounted control panel contains individual buttons that toggle commonly used preferences, and you can even plug your camera's memory cards into the media bay for direct printing.

The printer did tempt us to unleash the ceremonial paddle two times during our tests: first, the paper input tray can only hold up to 100 sheets of paper, while the competition offers similarly priced units that can support 250 pages. As long as you don't mind refilling paper every once in while, this is a minor irritation. Second, the tray that's supposed to catch paper as it rockets out of the printer is way too short; we actually stationed a pledge with a trashcan beneath the printer to catch the falling debris, but it's also a problem that is easily solved with five fingers and a little attention.

So congratulations, Lexmark--your X7675 Professional now joins the ranks of the most world renowned Top 5ers. Your inauguration will come at a time of our choosing--maybe tonight, maybe six months from now, but we recommend continuing to bring the heat--your membership depends on it!

Why have a separate printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine when you can get all of those devices in one machine? The multifunction printer is the next evolution of desktop companions that can do everything but say "you're welcome."

A solid all-in-one printer gives you the functionality of each part without sacrificing individual quality, and most of them actually seamlessly integrate with your work environment thanks to front-loading media card readers, built in 802.11 b/g print servers, and easy-to-use driver software. Take a look at a list of our favorite AIOs and decide for yourself, but whether you spend a little or a lot, a multifunctional printer is the most practical solution to organize your home office.

Check out our round-up of our favorite multifunctional printers.