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Printer for large-format photos
- Variety of photo sizes
- Variety of editing options
- Large touch screen
- Good connectivity
- So-so print quality
- Slow print speed
- High cost per print
- No battery option
- Glitch-ridden software
Reviewers say the chief advantage of the HP Photosmart A646 is its versatility. Unlike most compact photo printers, it can produce not only 4-by-6-inch snapshots but also 4-by-8's, 5-by-7's and 4-by-12 panoramas. It also offers a variety of editing options, including red-eye removal, cropping and greeting-card creation, and photos can be accessed and modified on a large 3.45-inch LCD touch screen. However, in terms of print quality, it does not compare to some better photo printers from Epson, such as the Epson PictureMate Charm (*Est. $150). It is also slower, taking anywhere from just under a minute to more than 100 seconds to print a photo, and its prints cost at least 33 cents apiece. Reviewers also report running into many problems with the A646's software, some during setup and some when printing from Bluetooth or from a computer. The printer offers a wide variety of connection options, including PictBridge, memory cards, USB thumb drives and Bluetooth. However, the HP A646 does not have a battery option. But, while other printers may produce nicer photos, the HP Photosmart A646 is pretty much your only option if you want a portable photo printer that can create prints larger than 4 by 6 inches.
We found detailed reviews for the HP Photosmart A646 at PCMag.com, PC World and ComputerShopper.com. There is also a side-by-side video comparison between the A646 and the Epson PictureMate Charm at MacWorld.com. About.com printer and scanner guide Peter Piazza reviews this model in somewhat less detail, and ConsumerReports.org includes it in tests of photo printers. To back up these professional evaluations, and we found user reviews for the A646 at BestBuy.com, Amazon.com and BHPhotoVideo.com.
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| HP Photosmart A646 Compact Photo Printer (CC001A#B1H) | |
(47 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. PCMag.com
In this detailed, thorough review, M. David Stone evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the HP Photosmart A646. He admires its versatility and large touch screen with well-designed menus, but he finds it a bit slow and says it "falters badly on ease of use." Overall, Stone gives the A646 3.5 stars out of 5.
Review: HP Photosmart A646 Compact Printer, M. David Stone, Dec. 7, 2009
Susan Glinert gives the HP Photosmart A646 a rating of only 6.2 out of 10 in this detailed review. While she likes its "responsive touch screen" and easy-to-use menus, she reports a frustrating struggle through the installation process. Glinert notes that the printer is slow, its supplies are expensive and it does not always reproduce colors accurately.
Review: HP Photosmart A646 Compact Photo Printer, Susan Glinert, January 2010
3. PC World
PC World gives the HP Photosmart A646 a middling score of 3 out of 5. While it earns praise for its LCD touch screen, varied paper choices and editing options, Silvius notes that its flesh tones appear "orangey" and it lacks a battery option.
Review: Hewlett-Packard Photosmart A646, Susan Silvius, Nov. 18, 2009
4. ConsumerReports.org
ConsumerReports.org includes the HP Photosmart A646 in its tests of snapshot printers. Each printer receives an overall score and is also rated on photo quality, speed, and operating costs. However, there is little detail here beyond the raw scores.
Review: Snapshot Printers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org.
5. About.com
Piazza likes the HP Photosmart A646 more than most reviewers do, awarding it 4 stars out of 5. He appreciates the large touch screen and variety of editing effects, and he considers the print quality very good. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: HP Photosmart A646 Compact Photo Printer, Peter Piazza
6. Macworld
In this short video, MacWorld's Melissa Riofrio offers a side-by-side comparison between the HP Photosmart A646 and the Epson PictureMate Charm. Although the A646 is faster and has more features, it can't compare to the Charm for photo quality and low-cost prints.
Review: Video: Up close with two snapshot printers, Melissa Riofrio, Dec. 6, 2009
7. BestBuy.com
In about 40 reviews, the HP Photosmart A646 earns an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5. Reviewers give it high marks for features, print quality and value for price. However, we also saw some complaints about blurry, easily smudged photos, buggy software and slow print speed.
Review: HP PhotoSmart A646, Contributors to BestBuy.com
8. Amazon.com
In roughly 25 reviews, the HP Photosmart A646 receives an average score of 3.5 stars out of 5. Reviews give it good marks for ease of installation and use, photo quality, features and speed. However, several users complain about problems with installation or use, especially with Bluetooth connections. Others find the color quality unsatisfactory.
Review: HP PhotoSmart A646, Contributors to Amazon.com
he HP Photosmart A646 gets a perfect 5-star rating from about 20 users at this retail site. They praise its ease of set up and use and admire its print quality, with most users reporting clear and accurate colors. However, a few users complain about slow print times and costly consumables.
Review: HP PhotoSmart A646, Contributors to BHphotovideo.com
