The printer lacks an automatic document feeder, more commonly found on office-oriented machines, so you won't be able to scan legal-size documents, nor can you perform batch copies or scans. The scanner can accommodate up to A4-size originals. It measures 18.3 inches wide, 15.4 inches deep, and 8.5 inches tall, and it weighs a hefty 26 pounds. The HP Photosmart C7180 is a big machine, and it requires a big chunk of desktop real estate. You'll likely pay more than $400, but you'll have the best of both worlds. If you require both office-oriented functions and great photos, consider getting a mono laser all-in-one, such as the Dell 1815dn and supplementing it with a stand-alone photo printer.

On the downside, you'll lose the fax and networking features with the Canon, but you can easily network a USB printer through a router. The Canon Pixma MP950 costs the same and boasts faster performance with all tasks but photo printing, and it has superior print quality. It performs its primary task of printing photos with aplomb, however.

So what's the drawback? Unfortunately, the Photosmart C7180 is relatively slow at all of its tasks, and its text and graphics print quality leave a lot to be desired. It's also network ready and wireless enabled, and it features a PictBridge port, a media card reader, built-in Bluetooth functionality, and generous support options. For $400, you get a machine that prints, scans, copies, and surprisingly, faxes. The Photosmart C7180 sits near the top of HP's consumer all-in-one photo printer line (only the 3310 all-in-one is more expensive).

Hp photosmart c7180 pro