2005-05-03 22:50:54.293813+00 by Dan Lyke 9 comments
I am sick and tired of trying to keep a color printer working. The HP was the longest lasting and best supported, but its color heads have decided to choke up. And we've got a bunch of photos we'd like to print.
So, anyone have suggestions on "upload and print" services? Preferably those that are okay with adult content? Or do I just randomly point my finger and hope for the best?
[ related topics: Photography Work, productivity and environment ]
comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-03 23:15:16.575063+00 by: ebradway
I don't know about any of the online services, I just use CVS when I want a print that looks like a real photo. I was getting really good results from an HP DeskJet 960c with Kodak Premium Photo paper. I tried about a half-dozen printers and at least as many kinds of paper. But I recently move the 960c to my desk with WinXP and can't seem to get the same results. Everything is coming out too dark and with too much ink. The Windows 2000 drivers worked better. Maybe I should install the drivers from HP - I'm just using the freebies that came with the OS.
I did once print a bunch of prints at Wal-Mart. They had a self-service station where you stuck your card in, printed everything you wanted, and then took the envelope full of prints to the register to pay. It was on the "honor system" on the number of prints. Even though I fibbed, I was printing over 250 prints (from Costa Rica) and still paid out over $50. But that might work for you.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-03 23:38:27.735406+00 by: aiworks
I used SnapFish to create a photo album from some weirdo sized slides I had scanned and was pretty impressed. As I recall, I caught them this past summer when they were doing a sale so it was pretty cheap. Hardest part was uploading just under 1 GB of photos through their java app.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-04 00:39:37.330457+00 by: jims
The little Canon CP-200 4x6 dye sub printers have been working well for me. All supplies come in a single cartridge that just works every time, no screwing around. On the downside it is only 4x6 and the cost/ print isn't cheap, ($0.50/print) though probably about the same as premium photo paper plus ink plus all the supplies you waste trying to get the damn inkjet driver to just print like it did last month.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-04 02:46:05.082858+00 by: Dan Lyke
Given that I can get a premium photo print for $.39 (or less) for a 4x6 (and that might actually be laser exposed onto photo paper), I'm having trouble getting excited about buying yet another printer. Which is why I'm asking for services.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-04 18:18:48.741033+00 by: meuon
If it was not for the possible content.. any service would work. I've done Wally-world with good results, even as I despise them. CVS has done better, but they actually look at what they are printing.
Dispite you looking for a service, I feel compelled to add: And I'm very happy with my HP PSC2410 'All In One' Scanner, Fax, Printer, Media Converter.. Under Linux or WinXP via USB, except that it is not network sharable. Print quality at 8.5x11 on good paper w/8mpx images is 'Wow' if I used a tripod and the remote shutter when I take the print - I make more artifact from squeezing the trigger than any other factor. My other printer, and HP1220C works well and does 11x17, but does not do photo's as well.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-04 23:41:19.916469+00 by: Dan Lyke
If I printed any more than once in a blue moon, I'd get another printer. Heck, just being as in control of the process as I am with my own printer is worth some sort of premium. But we're talking several hundred pictures, many of just snapshot quality, and this is like my fourth or fifth printer that's gone bad because of disuse, and the per-print price of going with a service is lower than materials.
If I could get a printer that would handle a few months between prints and last for 5 or more years and had a competitive per-print cost, I'd be on it. But these cheap inkjets go obsolete so fast that I have to treat them as disposable with the cartridge, and that's too expensive.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-05 21:27:22.530547+00 by: TheSHAD0W
A color laser is the best for high-volume color printing. The results give inkjets a run for their money, though dye-sub and thermal wax are better.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-06 12:04:29.178987+00 by: meuon
Ding. (bell in my head) - Dan, I know your ethics.. and why you did not think this way: but surely there are high quality color printers where you work. Feel guilty about it?: Bring your own paper and ink and ask permission first.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-05-06 14:44:53.869732+00 by: Dan Lyke [edit history]
Grin. The office at the current gig consists of an iSight and a headset...
[Edit: Okay, I lied, this morning it will also consist of a breakfast at Half Day Cafe![[Wiki]](/adbanners/lookingglass.png){kind=small}
down in Kentfield]