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Ease of Use (5.00)
One thing that can be said about the HP Photosmart A440 compact printer dock is that it’s easy to use. It has so few controls that operation is simple, but also very limited. Most compact printers on the market today offer at least some editing functions other than red-eye reduction, the A440’s sole edit. Loading the ink cartridge and paper are simple tasks, as is the connection of the dock to the M-series cameras.
Value (5.00)
At $99, the HP A440 is cheaper than many other compact photo printers on the market, but it still seems rather expensive for what it offers, or rather doesn't offer. It doesn't have particularly good image quality, it has a relatively small feature set, and it has limited compatibility. The kit prices, at $179.99 and $199.99, put this printer in the range of better quality compact photo printers, so the main appeal is the functionality of the separate but connectible cameras. With this in mind, the A440 is a good value, but for consumers who already have cameras, the value is diminished.
Comparisons
The A440 printer dock offers little in image editing features. Even the minimal menu of the Canon Selphy CP730, selling for $149.99, allows for applying black-and-white or sepia toned effects to an image. Printers selling for comparable prices or even less, such as the Sony FP90, at $199.99, and the Epson PM240, at $129.99, provide more editing options, are much more durable, and produce richer prints. Buttons on all three of the previously mentioned units are much sturdier and likely longer-lived than the shaky buttons on the A440.
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