The HP Photosmart A717 mini-printer offers plenty of versatility with support for all the main digital camera memory card types, as well as PictBridge and PC-tethered printing.
HP Photosmart A717
Versatility
The HP A717 is the latest in a long line of mini printers from HP. Versatility is a strong point, with support for all the main digital camera memory card types, as well as PictBridge and PC-tethered printing. A Bluetooth wireless adaptor is an option, while a remote controller is standard. Image viewing and menu display are catered for by a good-quality 2.5in LCD screen.
Internal Memory
Unusually, you also get a remote control and 4GB of internal memory for storing images. In use the A717 is quiet and reasonably quick, though somewhat slow despite a print time of 104 seconds. Multiple prints of the same image speed things up, though.
Print Quality
Print quality is a mixed bag; we tried both HP’s new Advanced instant dry glossy paper and the familiar Premium Plus papers. The pictures are on the light side with the Advanced paper and areas that should be neutral grey are a touch greenish. The Premium Plus paper gives better results, but this takes time to dry and both types produce grainy results. HP also supplies compatible panoramic photo paper media.
Verdict
A compact, quiet and versatile printer