Photo Printers Compared: HP P145 What you should know about the HP P145 before you buy one and how in our opinion Dye Sublimation Printers are much better.

Photo Printers Compared - HP P145
Like Epson, HP use Inkjet technology to produce the photo. The Photosmart P145 uses one colour inkjet cartridge that contains all the colours required to print a colour photo. An optional "grey" cartridge is required to print monochrome prints. HP advise that you will get anywhere from 70-125 prints per colour cartridge; if you add in the cost of the paper, then prints can cost you 60p per photo! This is twice the price of a photo printed on a Hi-Ti Dye Sub Photo printer!

What you should know about the P145

• The resolution of the P145 is 4800x1200dpi, this is actually 300x100 dpi (why is this?) The industry standard for a good quality print is 300x300 dpi.
  
• We found the paper tray was not covered when in use and was open to the elements and would collect dust if left for any period of time, it was also important to adjust the paper guides to stop prints coming out at an angle with unprinted areas
  
• HP say that the print cartridge will last between 70-125 prints (up to 125 prints at standard quality) the cost per print including paper can be as high as 60p. You will also need an optional cartridge if you wish to print monochrome images
  
• We found prints were not waterproof and could be finger marked. Images were easily ruined by small droplets of water. Perhaps you are not likely to want to view your photos in the rain, but if someone should accidentally spill a drink or rest a mug of tea on them, then your photos will be spoilt...
  
• In order to choose what pictures you wish to print, you either have to find the file name of the image, or print an "index print" to choose the photo you wish (at a cost of up to 60p). So to print one photo could cost 2 x 60p = £1.20 !

We at System Insight believe that you the customer should have the full facts to hand before you part with your money on a product. That is why we provide full product details and let you make a choice.

We also offer a 7 day "try at home" policy on the Hi-Ti range of Dye Sublimation photo printers.