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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1522076
Print size For those who order prints from Costco, Walgreens, or places like Shutterfly, the ‘normal’ size of a print is 4×6. I think 35mm film translates to 4×6 natively as well. Most of the Fujifilm cameras and printers print in the smaller 2X3. That’s not an issue, just a difference. The traditional Polaroid print is on paper that is close to 3×4 but the image size is closer to 3×3 due to the aforementioned ‘chin’ space. Again, not a negative, but an observation. The HP Sprocket prints out in the entire 3×4 size, except for a uniform white border. I think the 3×4 size is a great size for seeing detail and still being small enough to share. To my knowledge, sticky-backed paper is available for almost any instant printer and is a handy way to display photos. Print Speed & Technology The HP Sprocket 3×4 included spec sheet states that prints take about 68 seconds. This is slightly optimistic from my testing. My print of my family took about 86 seconds, still acceptable. The HP Sprocket 3×4 uses ZINK print technology (zero ink technology). The printer uses special thermal paper that contains color dye crystals that are activated by heat to generate the image. The print comes out fully completed and no need to wait for it to develop like the Fujifilm and Polaroid options. Although the Fujifilm prints noticeably faster, it still needs time to fully expose the print. I would say that from initial printing to final, completed photo, both take about the same time. Print Quality The HP Sprocket 3×4 printer prints vibrant prints that are closer to what is displayed on my iPhone. It’s not the same. For example, I printed a macro photo of the stamen within a flower and there was more contrast in the print than what was on my phone. This resulted in a more defined and 3D-like photo. But when I printed out a picture of my family, the additional contrast resulted in darker shadows (in hair and clothing) and brighter whites (in teeth). This was not as pleasing. The Fujifilm Instax and Polaroid prints were more washed out, similar to very popular filters right now. If you want a more nostalgic photo, the Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax print technology would fit the bill perfectly. Mobile App To print from your smartphone, you will need to download and install the Sprocket app from HP. The app is well-designed and intuitive to navigate. After connecting your phone to the HP Sprocket 3×4 printer via bluetooth, it will show as connected. Simply choose your picture and print. A very simple and easy process. The challenge comes when you use the app’s built-in editing tools. The touch response to adjust brightness, shadows, or any tool within the editing tool was VERY slow. There is about a 2-3 second delay when moving the slider to the effect showing on the image. And sometimes, multiple edits get buffered and then hit all at once. I would recommend using a different app to edit your photos. The Sprocket app has access to your photo library and the changes will show up. Another option is to link the Sprocket app to various social apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and Google Photos. This will give you the ability to print from those socials without first having to download the pictures. The Sprocket app does allow for adding text, borders, stickers, and more. Paper The HP Sprocket 3×4 comes with a 5-count of paper. Looking on Amazon, a 50-count pack of paper is $40 and a 20-count pack goes for $19.98. the Printer holds 10 prints at a time. ZINK paper is waterproof, tear and smudge-resistant, and adhesive backed. Assembly, Installation, Setup The setup instructions are clear. • Connect the micro-USB cable and charge the printer • Remove the cover (attached with magnets) and load the pack of paper, making sure to place the blue Smartsheet on the bottom with the barcode and logo facing down.