The HP Photosmart D7160, based on what HP calls its “scalable printing technology,” is a $149 six-color inkjet that prints high quality photos that “last for generations.” Unlike HP printers of the past, this generation of Photosmart printers packs each ink in an individual high-capacity ink cartridge. Solidly built, the D7160 is capable of high-volume printing of 4×6-inch photos in about 14 seconds each.

Imaging Resource made a review of this printer and here are some of their conclusions. The Photosmart D760 has an automated 4×6-inch built-in photo tray in its letter-sized paper tray and features automatic photo enhancements using the company’s “Real Life technologies.” A card reader, PictBridge port and color LCD complete the standalone package.

It isn’t a compact printer, taking up most of a desk, but it is a bit lower than competing models. All printer features and controls are accessible from the front. And you don’t need to give it any elbow room in the back for the paper path, which starts and ends up in front.

Solidly built with a new ink set and the ability to detect paper type based on a simple barcode scheme, the D7160 promises very fast (and quiet) prints with its large printhead from either its card reader, PictBridge port or USB connection.

Unfortunately, I found print quality (even with Photo Fix enabled) to be inferior to similar Canon and Epson printers. And less compelling than hassle-free 4×6 dye sub printing on Kodak EasyShare, Hi-Touch and Canon printers.

On the plus side, the small LCD displayed images accurately and the menu and button system made it easy to tap into special features like sepia printing and arrange multiple images on a larger sheet of paper. Startup was quick and so was shutdown. My only complaint, sadly, was image quality.