HP 420 Ink
Photosmart 420 Ink Cartridges

The HP Photosmart 420 color inkjet printer is labeled a Portable Photo Studio, and for good reason. The entire package comes with not only a great portable color printer, but also a digital camera. The two are integrated to make taking photos and printing them a quick and seamless process. Printer ink cost is the only major downside, as HP 420 ink is expensive.

Unlike other models in its line, the 420 doesn't have the usual array of memory card slots for getting images into the machine. Instead it is bundled with a digital camera, which is connected to the top of the unit via a dock. One major benefit of this arrangement is that the camera's LCD operates as the display for the previewing, editing and printing process. This is a good way to save space and cost without sacrificing features, and the 2 inch LCD is larger than those of most printers.

One downside of this arrangement may be that the camera is likely to need replacing sooner than the printer, as digital camera technology improves at a much faster rate. Users may find they want to upgrade to a newer camera and lose the ability to use the printer to its full extent.

Printer ink cost is high. HP 420 ink cartridges are more expensive than average for an inkjet unit, and the small capacity of Photosmart 420 ink cartridges makes the cost per page higher as well. Third-party compatible Photosmart 420 ink is available, which will reduce costs, but it is still a costly solution.

The HP Photosmart 420 is a very innovative concept that may appeal to buyers who want a simple and streamlined process for taking and printing photos, but the extra cost of HP 420 ink and the potential that the camera will need replacing before the printer makes it a bit of a gamble.