Lively discussions on the graphic arts and publishing — in print or on the web

Robin Springall · 02-11-2006, 04:38 AM

My mother's 85 and she's announced that she's determined to conquer digital photography (Lord help us all). She'd prefer not to have a separate photo printer and scanner, so is there an all-in-one device that will be OK for amateur use?

She probably won't need to plug her camera card directly into the thing, as I'll get her a computer with PhotoShop Elephants.

Bo Aakerstrom · 02-11-2006, 05:25 AM

There is a selection of all-in-one devices down my local ASDA, among them a HP (sorry, don't know the model) for about £70 that should do the job. You'll get some usable software with HP's products as well.

Buying from ASDA!? Well, you get an extended warranty included on all their electrical stuff, which is a good thing. You also get to cue up (unless you shop in the wee hours...), which is exciting!

Avoid Lexmark, my neighbour has got one (he's had two different models, both with the same lack of quality output) and it seems impossible to get a decent print from the thing.

Robin Springall · 02-11-2006, 08:36 AM

Thanks, Bo. Do you think they'll be OK for photos?

Bo Aakerstrom · 02-11-2006, 08:50 AM

Unless she plans to print them in bulk (it might not be the right solution for that...), by the way - the full name is: HP psc 1210.

lurkalot · 02-11-2006, 11:27 AM

Robin, you could also consider the Epson RX520 all in one. http://www.epson.co.uk/products/all_...hoto_RX520.htm

ElyseC · 02-11-2006, 11:54 AM

Many (most?) all-in-ones now come with slots for digital camera memory cards to be plugged in and prints made directly from the cards -- no computer necessary. My mom (86) wants to shoot digital like my sisters and I do, but just doesn't want to get and learn a computer and really, if she admits it, won't want to fiddle with learning anything more complex than her familiar point-n-shoot-&-go-to-WalMart-for-processing routine. I think we've convinced her to just stick with her film camera, but if she insists on trying it, I think we'll point her to a basic camera and an Epson or HP printer with the slots for camera memory and a built-in preview screen. No computer to learn and keep up.

gary · 02-11-2006, 11:55 AM

I've not examined more recent models but am impressed with the Epson CX6600 my wife bought. Among other features - plug in a (CF/SD/SM) card, generate an index sheet then check off (on the index sheet) the format and pictures you want to print and finally scan the marked up index sheet and it will print the indicated images in the format selected. No computer connection required.

Robin Springall · 02-11-2006, 01:52 PM

Thank you everybody for your advice. I'm off skiing for a week first thing tomorrow, but I'll have a deeper look when I get back. The HP SmotoFart 2575 looks decent: it will even accept the ridiculously small XD cards from her camera. Amazing how these all-in-ones have improved over the past few years: this thing scans optically at 4800, for Heaven's sake, and has 6 inks!

The unusual thing about purchasing this particular system is that I'm choosing the peripherals before the computer. Haven't done it that way round before!

PeterArnel · 02-11-2006, 02:14 PM

Robin
I have bought my Wife a Kodak camera with a docking station printer - it is really easy to use - have a look at it
Peter

Clark · 02-13-2006, 02:05 PM

Robin,

Good advice from everyone here but don't forget the paper. Plays a critical role in the quality of the final print.

Clark

02-11-2006, 04:38 AM	#1
Robin Springall Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ealing Common, London W5, where I duplicate CDs and DVDs. Posts: 1,259	All-in-one for photography My mother's 85 and she's announced that she's determined to conquer digital photography (Lord help us all). She'd prefer not to have a separate photo printer and scanner, so is there an all-in-one device that will be OK for amateur use? She probably won't need to plug her camera card directly into the thing, as I'll get her a computer with PhotoShop Elephants.

02-11-2006, 11:27 AM	#5
lurkalot Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Manningtree Essex UK Posts: 55	Robin, you could also consider the Epson RX520 all in one. http://www.epson.co.uk/products/all_...hoto_RX520.htm __________________ Mick My Website

02-11-2006, 11:54 AM	#6
ElyseC Sysop Emeritus Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: southeastern Iowa, in the technology corridor Posts: 2,190	Many (most?) all-in-ones now come with slots for digital camera memory cards to be plugged in and prints made directly from the cards -- no computer necessary. My mom (86) wants to shoot digital like my sisters and I do, but just doesn't want to get and learn a computer and really, if she admits it, won't want to fiddle with learning anything more complex than her familiar point-n-shoot-&-go-to-WalMart-for-processing routine. I think we've convinced her to just stick with her film camera, but if she insists on trying it, I think we'll point her to a basic camera and an Epson or HP printer with the slots for camera memory and a built-in preview screen. No computer to learn and keep up. __________________ Elyse

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Photography Forum	RJ Emery	Photography	38	06-04-2008 12:59 PM

02-11-2006, 05:25 AM	#2
Bo Aakerstrom Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Derby,UK Posts: 1,509	There is a selection of all-in-one devices down my local ASDA, among them a HP (sorry, don't know the model) for about £70 that should do the job. You'll get some usable software with HP's products as well. Buying from ASDA!? Well, you get an extended warranty included on all their electrical stuff, which is a good thing. You also get to cue up (unless you shop in the wee hours...), which is exciting! Avoid Lexmark, my neighbour has got one (he's had two different models, both with the same lack of quality output) and it seems impossible to get a decent print from the thing.

02-11-2006, 08:36 AM	#3
Robin Springall Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ealing Common, London W5, where I duplicate CDs and DVDs. Posts: 1,259	Thanks, Bo. Do you think they'll be OK for photos?

02-11-2006, 08:50 AM	#4
Bo Aakerstrom Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Derby,UK Posts: 1,509	Unless she plans to print them in bulk (it might not be the right solution for that...), by the way - the full name is: HP psc 1210.

02-11-2006, 11:55 AM	#7
gary Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In the heart of Lake Minnetonka Posts: 337	I've not examined more recent models but am impressed with the Epson CX6600 my wife bought. Among other features - plug in a (CF/SD/SM) card, generate an index sheet then check off (on the index sheet) the format and pictures you want to print and finally scan the marked up index sheet and it will print the indicated images in the format selected. No computer connection required.

02-11-2006, 01:52 PM	#8
Robin Springall Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ealing Common, London W5, where I duplicate CDs and DVDs. Posts: 1,259	Thank you everybody for your advice. I'm off skiing for a week first thing tomorrow, but I'll have a deeper look when I get back. The HP SmotoFart 2575 looks decent: it will even accept the ridiculously small XD cards from her camera. Amazing how these all-in-ones have improved over the past few years: this thing scans optically at 4800, for Heaven's sake, and has 6 inks! The unusual thing about purchasing this particular system is that I'm choosing the peripherals before the computer. Haven't done it that way round before!

02-11-2006, 02:14 PM	#9
PeterArnel Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North of Swindon in the UK on the edge of the Cotswolds Posts: 997	Robin I have bought my Wife a Kodak camera with a docking station printer - it is really easy to use - have a look at it Peter

02-13-2006, 02:05 PM	#10
Clark Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Norco, CA - Horse capitol of the U.S! Posts: 19	Robin, Good advice from everyone here but don't forget the paper. Plays a critical role in the quality of the final print. Clark