Hewlett-Packard's Photosmart C6180 inkjet multifunction device lives up to its name by creating high-quality photo prints. The unit's other functions are solid, too, but the print function outshines the others.

The printer with the Photosmart C6180 works quickly, allowing for prints at speeds up to 32 pages per minute in draft mode. Print quality in draft mode is surprisingly good, although you'll still want to print photos to keep in best mode. To enhance your photos, the Photosmart C6180 offers a six-ink printing system. It also includes a photo tray for 4x6-inch paper, and a 2.4-inch LCD for previewing photos when printing directly from your flash memory cards. One problem: The ink with the Photosmart C6180 seems to smudge and wash away easily without specialty paper.

Its other features are OK for a unit in this price range. The fax function sends faxes at 20 ppm, and the unit's 64MB of memory can store about 110 pages if the main 100-sheet paper tray is empty. The copier function runs at speeds up to 32 ppm in draft mode, but it only can resize originals at between 50 and 400 percent, which is a little below average. The Photosmart C6180's scanner works very well, with a 4800 dpi optical scan resolution, and the glass flatbed surface is handy. This unit includes built-in wireless and Ethernet networking capabilities as well.

The Photosmart C6180 has a few problems, with the biggest one being the software package included with the unit. It takes a long time to install, and it sometimes causes problems with installation. (Use the Custom installation; you'll probably be happier in the long run.) Even though the Photosmart C6180 has extensive networking options, it's not a workhorse unit--its maximum monthly volume is about 3,000 prints. It runs a little noisy, too. If you aren't going to use your multifunction device to print photos, we'd suggest skipping this unit, or you'll be wasting its best feature.


Pros: Great photo printing capabilities, built-in networking, fast prints for inkjet, scanner works very well
Cons: Software package is bloated, not a workhorse unit, ink seems to smudge easily

Warranty
1-year limited