Well, it had to happen... At risk of sounding a little cynical, it seems to me that all new technology gets reduced to the size of a pea then blown back up to massive proportions in the name of functionality, or fashion, or something to do with the word 'retro'. The latest instalment from hi tech lords of the land Takara Tomy is a camera with an integrated printer. Now, since cameras have been reduced in size so that it is possible to take a picture with something no larger the aforementioned virtual pea, the launch of a digital camera with a built in printer seems somewhat bizarre, and in the world of technological advancement, it seems as though this particular gadget has taken a leap backwards. Surely the new XIAO Tip-521 is nothing other than a Polaroid camera.
Whilst wading through printer reviews, admittedly in search of a traditional printer, in digital terms anyway, I found another odd offering that seemed to be a hybrid beyond usefulness or want. It was a digital photo frame with a built in printer. Now, all the reviews appear to hail this as a union fit for gadgetry heaven; not only do your favourite images flash before your very eyes as if it was your last living moment, but the stylish frame will print off any picture you want, a godsend when someone is singing praises about your photographic skills and wants nothing more than a copy of the picture for themselves.
I feel the cynicism creeping in. I love the inventiveness of the human mind, but sometimes I feel that some ideas should be shelved to leave room for something a bit more useful. In my search for a printer, I was looking out for functionality, performance, quality, affordability and aesthetic pleasure; not the Swiss army knife of gadgets and gizmos. A photo printer that displays pictures is one thing, but a photo frame that prints pictures is incredibly different; in the same way that a sad rabbit would be considered an entirely different kettle of fish from a 'not a happy bunny'. The trouble is that when too many functions are combined in one product, there is a tendency for compromise. Take my all in one printer, scanner and copier.
It does achieve it's objective by performing all these functions, but considering that the printing is meant to be of photo quality, I was sorely disappointed. Also, the time it takes to print a page of text makes waiting for a number 28 bus to arrive seem like a click of a finger. This is why I found myself reading the printer reviews. Unfortunately, the all in one printers are popular because nobody wants a house full of printers and photocopiers for every digital application. There are enough hunks of plastic and cables and wires (ironic given that the majority of technology is now wireless) strewn around the average office space and home without adding the contents of a shelf from Dixons.
Reflecting upon this kind-of conundrum, I made my choice. If I wanted to reproduce some text, then I would do it the old fashioned way and use pen and paper to write a letter or list or directions to the other side of town; so that is one function dealt with. If I want a photocopy of something, I will go to the library and use a photocopier; leaving just the printing to contend with. At this point I'm tempted to indulge my aesthetic desires, sprinkled with a little humour and invest in the Hello Kitty redesign of Canon's Selphy photo printer. It's pink, it's impractical, it's just what every girl needs!
About the Author
Dom Donaldson is an expert in the technology industry.
Find out more about Printer Reviews and how they can help you choose the best product at Pocket Lint.
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