A New Printer Purchase

This weekend I purchased a new printer. I replaced a no longer functional HP Photosmart C7100 with a brand new multifunction Kodak ESP 9250. The HP was either suffering from serious nozzle clogging or problems in the ink delivery system. Sadly, I did not try to fix the problem; after all, the HP printer was three years old. I decided it had lived its useful life and that any attempt at repair would exceed the replacement cost.

I am not an expert on printers. The models change so fast that it is impossible to keep up with the current printers. After some preliminary research on the internet, I headed off to Best Buy because I wanted the printer now, not three to five days from now.

Here’s why I purchased the Kodak ESP 9250 Printer:

Multifunction – I wanted a printer that included copy, scan, and fax. All too often I need a quick copy of something. Dealing with a separate scanner and printer is inconvenient at best.
Pigment – The new printer uses pigment-based inks. These inks will not smear if the print accidentally gets wet.
Price – The printer lists for $249 but was on sale for $149. Even better, Best Buy was offering $50 additional if I brought my old printer in for recycling. I am not arguing, but I would like to understand how Kodak can sell a printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine for this price.
Compatibility – I wanted a device that would allow printing from my iPhone or my wife’s iPad. Kodak was promoting compatibility of their printers with mobile devices.

Final review. I like the printer and have no regrets about purchasing it; however, compatibility with mobile devices is more limited than I expected. The current Kodak Pic Flick mobile application only prints photos stored on the Camera Roll. The application does not allow printing from emails, web pages, or other mobile applications. Note to Kodak: please enhance Kodak Pic Flick as soon as possible.

Additional Note: Ink cartridges for the printer list for $9.99 for black and $19.99 for color. Kodak promotes this printer as having the lowest per page print cost. I did not evaluate whether this claim is valid.

About Mark Mizen

I have over twenty years professional experience in all aspects of photography and digital imaging. I am Chair of the ISO WG5 TG2 committee responsible for physical properties and durability of imaging material and am currently with HID Global working on systems for security printing for IDs, licenses, and credit cards. Previously, I was Director of Digital Development at Creative Memories from 2009 to 2012 and was responsible for the Creative Memories digital products and services. I also established and directed the Creative Memories Technology Center, which evaluated new products prior to product introduction, assisted with production difficulties, and provided technical information to support product sales.

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5 Responses to A New Printer Purchase

Amy White says:

September 6, 2011 at 8:14 am

thanks for the review mark! i enjoy reading your posts, and should comment more. how much is each refill cartridge for this printer? we bought a laser printer, bit the bullett and have been very happy with it.

- Mark Mizen says:
  
  September 6, 2011 at 8:34 am
  
  Ink cartridges for the printer list for $9.99 for black and $19.99 for color. Kodak promotes this printer as having the lowest per page print cost. I did not evaluate whether this claim is valid.
  
Mark Mizen says:

September 8, 2011 at 7:48 am

More on the technology behind Kodak printers is available at http://tech.uk.msn.com/news/film-technology-makes-better-digital-prints-1

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