One of the new breed of multifunction devices (MFD), the HP psc 2210’s elegant design distances it from the habitually bland models that proliferate on the market. That’s not to say that the 2210 is all about looks. Printer, scanner, copying and fax facilities are all provided, although there’s no network connection.
Flash memory is a flexible and convenient floppy disk alternative, so we welcome HP’s decision to include a flash memory drive. This allows you to take photos straight from CompactFlash, Microdrive, SD (Secure Digital), Memory Stick or SmartMedia cards.
In fact, you can operate the MFD without even connecting it to a PC. The built-in control panel lacks the simplicity and fast operation of the Lexmark X5150, but it allows access to most of the 2210’s features. HP’s photo and imaging suite is also ideal for novices.
The maximum colour resolution of 1200x1200 dpi isn’t this unit’s most impressive statistic -- the Lexmark X5150 boasts a top resolution of 4800x1200 -- and it’s not going to satisfy those used to crisp inkjet reproduction. On its lowest quality setting, the 2210’s text is bold and legible -- even if the 8.5ppm (pages per minute) is significantly less than HP’s claim of 17ppm -- but for a perfect finish look elsewhere.
Graphics output, though marred by banding on the lower quality settings, is bright and clean once the detail levels have been sent through the roof. You’ll have to put up with a sluggish 0.5ppm, though. Scanning facilities, on the other hand, are top notch, while the 48bit colour depth and optical resolution of 1200x2400 dpi offer eye-catching A4 results within minutes.
In brief: HP psc 2210
Costs per page are low and overall, the psc 2210 is a good-looking and powerful MFD that’s unlikely to disappoint.
Price: $599
Phone: 132 347
URL: www.hp.com.au
