Gadgets Blog » Printers

While it may lag far behind other Internet browsers in terms of market share, Google’s Chrome web browser has been steadily gaining on industry standards such as Internet Explorer & Mozilla Firefox ever since Google brought the product to market. As with so many Google products, the focus has always been upon ease of use.

Chrome is certainly no different. With an intuitive interface and some changes that seem so obvious its a wonder no one else thought of them, Google has continually upgraded the browser, now preparing to unveil Version 6 of the interface. Today we’ll be taking a look at some of the features that will get tweaked next time around, as well as a few that have been pushed back to version 7.

The bulk of the updates for Chrome 6.0 are just that: updates. Not so much developing new features as providing better functionality and smoother net-surfing, the modifications under the hood are the core of the new Chrome. Featured among these are modifications better-enabling Chrome to handle many advanced web features.

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.)