Multitask with the HP PhotoSmarteStation
As a multifunction printer, the HP PhotoSmarteStation has a feature that makes it different from all other printers. It is equipped with a 7-inch touch screen that can be removed from the printer and operated as a printer controller, basic tablet, and e-book reader. It is even named eStationZeen.
The eStation is capable of printing, copying, scanning, faxing, and scanning to e-mail. HP’s web apps can be made to run on the eStation and even possesses ePrint capabilities.
The eStation boasts of a black finish and corresponding measurements. The Zeen’s dock-in on the front left and above it are the paper trays and a photo tray. However, the eStation has no USB key and the card reader is limited to the SD format.
The eStation can be utilized with the use of a USB or Wi-Fi connection.
The Controller
The Zeen’s home screen features Yahoo, Weather, Barnes & Noble, and HP Web Apps. Printer, Facebook, HP Gallery, Daily Digest, and E-mail icons are located at the bottom.
An 800MHz processor powers the Zeenalong with 512 MB of main memory, and 4GB of Hard disk (internal) for storage purposes. The screen has a resolution of 800 by 480. The Zeen runs on an Android system. However, it doesn’t use an Android interface and can’t be made to run Android apps. In fact, it uses HP’s TouchSmart home screen.
The Zeen is pretty decent as an e-book reader, allowing you to read, buy, and download e-books from Barnes & Noble’s Nookbook store.
Performance and Quality
The eStation has pretty decent speed. Despite the fact that the eStation is designed for home use, it also has features that cannot be found in most home-use printers. Some of these features include fax capabilities, ePrint, and an automatic duplexer. It can be used doubly as a home-office printer despite the fact that its 125-sheet paper capacity is not that impressive. The prints, graphics, and photos are pretty good for standard usage. Also, the Zeen is a great addition for those who do not have an e-book reader.
The eStation prints excellent photos. The prints were, in fact, very suitable for framing.
However, the eStation does not possess a port for a USB key and its support for memory cards is rather limited. Also, the eStation does not come very cheap and you can purchase printers that are just as good with half of the eStation’s price.
All in all, the eStation works pretty well as a printer for standard uses and works pretty decently as well.
