HP’s inkjet printer ink cartridges are really expensive, so I’m always annoyed when my printer runs out. But my HP Photosmart C6180 started complaining that the cartridges are expired, prompting me to replace them before they’re even empty! I decided to look into the matter, and I’m not happy with the explanation.
Photosmart
AirPrint-Compatible: HP’s Sexy Envy 100 and Photosmart eStation Printers
My first stop when looking at AirPrint printers was HP’s line of all-in-one Photosmart inkjet printers. There are some great offerings there, ranging from the inexpensive D110A to the office-capable C410A. But home users like cool gadgets, and HP has delivered two sexier printer options: The Envy 100 transforms from a glossy black monolith to a compact and functional printer when needed, while the Photosmart eStation does double-duty as a docking station for HP’s first “Zeen” Android tablet computer!
AirPrint-Compatible: HP Photosmart e-All-in-One Line
I’m trying to determine which AirPrint printer is best prior to selecting one for home. I first turned my attention to the basic Photosmart e all-in-one printers. These range from the cheap D110A (street price under $100) to the fax-capable Photosmart Premium offering.
Which AirPrint Printer Is Best?
Apple’s AirPrint technology hasn’t gone very far yet, but it promises to allow iOS devices like the iPad and iPhone to reach more-broadly into the realm of general computing. After all, who doesn’t need to print a document or photo occasionally? But the range of AirPrint-compatible printers is exceedingly limited: You have to choose from one of less than a dozen HP models! Since I’m an avid iPad user and my printer just gave up the ghost, I decided to take a look at the offerings.
The Tablet Wasteland and the iPad Oasis
Last year, as the pre-release hype around the iPad was reaching its peak, dozens of companies announced their own tablet computers or “pads”. Some predicted doom for Apple’s device even before it was released. After all, how could premium-priced Apple compete with the volume PC makers and all the factories in China? Pretty well, it turns out. Almost a year later, no tablet has even come close to Apple’s mighty iPad, and it currently boasts 95% market share. Where are the iPad killers?
