Gadgets Blog » Printers

HP Deskjet D2680: A Great Printer Deal

Dan Evans — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:39:17 +0000

HP revolutionized the world of consumer printing with the introduction of their Deskjet series of home printers 20-some years ago. Originally constructed in a boxy shape of grey plastic, Hewlett-Packard became synonymous with multifunction devices, enabling one to make copies, scan documents, and print all from one unit. It’s a realm of consumer electronics that HP has dominated in recent years, with laser printing technology reduced to tremendously affordable prices. Which brings us to today’s cool item: the HP Deskjet D2680.

In the line of Deskjet printers, there’s a variety of features and functionality that can change whether or not a printer is for you. The Deskjet D2680, at first glance, appears sparse in terms of its features. Unlike other HP desktop units, it doesn’t offer the capabilities of a scanner or a copier. If it appears to be a Spartan option for a printer, that’s with good reason: the Deskjet D2680 does one thing: printing. And it does it quite well.

Listed at around $60, this is one of the most affordable printers on the market. And it boasts a variety of specifications that make it a capable entry into the world of consumer printers. A simple, 3-button configuration allows you to turn the printer on and off, resume paused print jobs, and cancel those already in process. It’s compatible with HP high-capacity ink cartridges, meaning you get more mileage before needing replacements.

HP makes note of the minimal environmental impact of the Deskjet 2680, and while it likely won’t impact consumer use of the machine, it’s still nice to see a major company making a “green” machine. This Deskjet is EnergyStar qualified, using 40% less energy than it’s predecessor while turned off or in “sleep” mode. The unit itself is built out of recycled plastic, along with it’s ink cartridges.

If you’re strapped for cash, this printer does a great job at just that: printing. With 28 pages per minute in black ink and 21 pages per minute in color, it’s a great printer for college students and those with limited finances. And, just to show you how much love HP has for it’s printer line-up, here’s a 20th Anniversary video commemorating the Deskjet printer series straight from HP themselves! (Click continue reading to see.)

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

7 Fantastic Tools For Remote Printing

gadgets — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:48:17 +0000

Image: Thomas Hawk

Remote printing makes it possible to use different computers to share printers. It also allows you to print directly from an application, such as Word, Outlook, or Photo Editor, to any printer in the world that is connected to a computer. Basically, you’re printing isn’t limited to the local printer.

Another useful feature of remote printing is to use it for faxing documents to just about any printer that you wish. This would make fax machines obsolete, which can help save money on having to buy them in the first place. It’s also possible to send a fax over the Internet to any fax machine using the same process – it’s as easy as printing a document.

There are a variety of different ways to configure a local computer to print to a remote location. Possibly the easiest way to setup remote printing from a computer to a remote printer is to use software that allows you to configure a local computer with just about any printer. When it comes to remote printing software, there are many good choices out there – some are free, some are not. Here’s a short list of easy to use applications for configuring your computer to print remotely to any printer.

1. Remote Print Manager (RPM)

RPM is a cross-platform print application that can receive documents from any type of client (Mac, Linux, PC, AS/400 etc…) and print them out to any printer. RPM will only install on a Windows-based PC, which is one of its only drawbacks. This software can also convert documents to PDF, HTML, and PCL. In all, The RPM application will allow you to print to as many as 24 printers at once.

2. Net2Printer

Net2Printer is an alternative to faxing and e-mailing documents – it can basically eliminate the need for a fax machine. The software works by turning your computer into a virtual fax machine that can send an unlimited number of faxes to any printer that that is configured to accept these transmissions. The process is very easy to do, and it makes remote printing as easy as sending an email. The software itself is free to download, but anyone who sends documents to a remote printer will have to pay an annual fee for doing so – the person receiving the faxes are not charged a fee. Overall, Net2Printer is a much more cost-effective way of sending faxes than having a dedicated fax line from the phone company.

3. PrinterShare

This remote printing software package is one of the best, and easiest, on the market right now. PrinterShare is compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems, although at this point it’s not fully-compatible with Windows Vista. The best part about this software is that it’s completely free to use, although it does include some banner advertising on prints (as most free applications do). There’s also a paid subscription option that will eliminate the banner ads, but it’s a bit more expensive than the other remote printing software alternatives.

4. The Phone Company’s Remote Printing Service (TPC)

This isn’t actually software, but it’s a way to send a fax to just about any fax machine around the world through either email or a web browser. TPC is a very useful site for sending faxes, and the process to do so is as easy as sending an email (see screenshot). The best part about this service from TPC is that it’s completely free to use. There are limitations to this service though, the main one being, only certain areas of the world are within the coverage of this service. Check TPC’s Remote Printing Coverage List to find out if they service the area you wish to fax.

5. I’m InTouch

This useful software package is perfect for someone that’s always on-the-go and needs access to their computer’s desktop from remote locations. I’m InTouch not only provides a good remote printing feature, but it also provides full access to the desktop of any computer that is configured with the software. You can gain access to the desktop of any computer via laptop, desktop computer, or other portable devices such as a Blackberry. This software is only compatible with Windows operating systems.

6. GoToMyPC

This popular software package is a lot like the I’m InTouch application in that it allows the user to access their entire desktop from their home or work computer via any computer in the world. GoToMyPC will automatically sync files and folders between computers, and it will also print to any configured computer remotely. This software is loaded with features and government-standard encryption for the highest security possible.

7. TeleDesktop

TeleDesktop is again a way to access your home or office desktop from any computer in the world. This is a Windows-based program, which is it’s main drawback, because Mac user’s are out of luck. This application will print remotely over the Internet, LAN, WAN, dial-up. Maybe the best feature of this software is the fact that it’s entirely free to download and use.

Printer Ink Deal: Inkjet Print Cartridge Combo Pack

gadgets — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:01:57 +0000

HP 92/93 Inkjet Print Cartridge Combo Pack: From $36.10

For deals on discount printer ink, online is where to shop. The HP 92/93 Inkjet Print Cartridge Combo Pack with Vivera ink is just one example.

HP’s Vivera ink is known for its true-to-life image print quality color. With superior fade resistance and efficient ink usage, this combo pack comes with one compatible recycled HP 92 (black) and one compatible recycled HP 93 (color). Estimated yield from the manufacturer is 220 pages black and 220 pages color, depending on specific printer and usage.

Easy to install and compact for convenient storage, these cartridges can hang tight on your shelf for a while (usually about a year); check the expiration date on the box) so you can stock up and have some replacements on hand for those late-night print crises that like to come up right around finals or before the big 7:30 a.m. presentation.

And while you’re stocking up on refills, don’t forget the printer paper! If you decide to purchase from CameraWorld.com, get Free shipping w/ $100 purchase plus no sales tax – no coupon code required.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more discount printer ink.

Top 8 Helpful Gadgets for the Unemployed

gadgets — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:00:23 +0000

Just about everyone knows someone who recently got the dreaded “pink slip” or is that unfortunate person himself.

Hopefully, these items can aid in a speedy recovery.

1. Laptop – For your remote job searching and resume storage, something like the HP Business Notebook 2133 is small but mighty. With a 120GB 5400-rpm hard drive, 8.9″ widescreen display, and Wi-Fi capability, this notebook can help you find your next job and then at 2.6 lbs. it slips easily back into your bag for mobility. Save $30 on your first purchase at Buy.com (until April 30 no code required) off the $479.99 price, and you can save $40 with a manufacturer’s rebate.

2. All-In-One Printer/Scanner/Fax/Copy – If you haven’t already, there’s no better time to set up that home office. Gone are the days of exploiting the office printers for your CD covers and Borders coupons. You’re going to be printing and faxing applications and resumes so you need a machine that does it all. Like the LexMark X3470 All-In-One or HP Officejet J4580 All-in-One Printer Fax Scanner Copier at about $70, it’s a good investment in yourself. Think of all the money you’re saving by not having to go to Kinko’s every time.

3. Nova Development Winway Resume Deluxe – Affordable at $34.99 and because you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s time to revise and renew the old resume. Features enhanced Resume Auditor to catch mistakes before employers do and a Merriam-Webster English Language Resource disc with a 70,000+ word dictionary, a 157,000+ word thesaurus and other reference tools.

4. Nova Development Berlitz Spanish Premier- Learn a new and valuable skill while waiting for employers to call you in. Imagine the opportunities adding “bilingual” to your list of abilities can bring. Italian, French and German are also available. Starts at $35 and up.

5. Total Training Educational Software – For Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, any of these educational training softwares can aid you in becoming adept in these popular programs and can build your resume skill set, helping you gain an extra edge over the competition. From $32-$190.

6. Stamina InMotion E-1000 Elliptical Trainer - At $70, or about 2 month’s gym membership, bring the gym to your house. Stay fit and motivated, hey, you’ve got the time now so no more excuses! Replicates the elliptical machine, but without the bulky arms and front console resulting in lightweight and easy closet storage.

7. Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Affordable musical entertainment. At $60, it can store up to 500 songs and be worn on your arm, sleeve, belt, bag, etc. Upload some motivational tunes to keep you going through those workouts and prep before interviews. Maybe something like Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best”, ala Karate Kid soundtrack. Classic.

8. Solo Business Cases Leather BiFold Padfolio-At $28, appearances count, whether for the interview you’re going to score or even at the coffee shop, you gotta look professional. Great for keeping resumes and calling cards on hand — you never know who you might run into, and how embarrassing to be unprepared. Also available with a zip around feature, to keep those important docs from falling out, for about $35.

Save 30% off ANY HP Photosmart Photo Printers

nick — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:17:20 +0000

Restrictions are lame.

Last week, I brought you an HP printer deal that would save you 30% of an HP Photosmart C4599. A great deal by any means, but only useful for this particular printer.

Well, today we now have a HP deal that will allow you to save 30% on ANY HP Photosmart Compact Photo Printer. Although this deal is slightly limited to just the HP Photosmart Compact Photo Printers, you can’t always have it perfect and at least you have more options this time, right?

Just enter in this HP Coupon Code during checkout: PR3874

This deal EXPIRES April 18th.

To check out more deals and discounts for HP on Smarter.com, click here.

To go to HP, click here.

HP Printer Deal: Save 30% off a HP Photosmart C4599

nick — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:27:25 +0000

Need a new printer?

Then how about getting one that can do it all.

The HP Photosmart C4599 All-in-One printer, literally does it all. In addition to being a printer, this inkjet printer also serves as a scanner and copier. And at a affordable price: $149.99. Not too bad. But with our HP coupon code, we can get it to you for cheaper. We can save you an additional 30% off.

Just enter in this HP Coupon Code during checkout: PR9387

This HP coupon EXPIRES APRIL 12th.

To check out more deals and discounts on Smarter.com, click here.

To go to HP, click here.

Buy Printer: HP Photosmart C7280 All-in-One for $219.95

nick — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:54:39 +0000

Looking for a printer that can do it all?

Then look no further, as I have found one for you, but also at a great price.
B&H Photo Video has this HP/Hewlett-Packard Photosmart C7290 All-in-One printer. Not only does it spit out your letter/legal size documents, but it also serves as a photograph printer, scanner, copier and fax machine. The only thing is doesn’t do is write the document for you.

So how much does this all-in-one printer cost? Only $219.95.

So if you’re looking to upgrade your home office or your work office with a new printer, then you want to check this out. But you’ll have to hurry before this deal expires.

To check out the HP Photosmart C7280 All-in-One and the terms of the deal at B&H Photo, click here.