When Staples asked if I would like to try out a new printer of course I accepted with open arms. Our current printer was on its last leg so this offer could not have come at a better time. They generously sent me a HP Officejet Pro 8600 3-All-in-One printer. I must say I am smitten. It fits perfectly on our ikea bookshelf which is a huge plus since we are tight on space.
The newlywed homeowners that I just wrapped up decorating for requested a scripture for every room. I decided to design a few of my own to frame to stay on budget. On most occasions I actually bring prints to Staples to have printed, but this time around I was tight on time so I thought I would give the printer given to me a go first.
This is what I came up with and personalized it with their last name. I must say it came out better than I expected. After designing the print in illustrator I put it on a usb key and simply uploaded directly to the printer. I wanted to use the photo printing option so I would get the best quality. The printer then walked me through a few simple steps and sizing options. Took only a few seconds really. It was easy as pie.
Here it is in it's new home...
I was rather impressed with the quality of the simple print so I wanted to test it to see what it REALLY could do. Since we are photographers I wanted to see if it could even be an option to print our own photos instead of sending out every time which can take weeks. I used standard matte photo paper and I, again, uploaded the photo to a usb key. Then inserted it into the printer and after following a few steps, viola I now have a beautiful print of my parents with Ellie taken at her party to give to my father for his birthday this weekend.
I wanted to use a 4x6 photo so I used the print option of printing a 4x6 on 8.5" x11" paper. I then trimmed it down.
I adore the results and I am sure my father will too!!! The only thing that could make it better is if KJ was in the pic too.
Again I was eager to give it another test. Here is a comparison of the printer given to me by Staples to the one done at our professional printers. Not too shabby. The clarity was spot on. The colors are rich and and would be spot on with the comparison image if the paper was the same and a little color collaborating on the ole iMac. Saying I am pleased with the results may be an understatement. It's freeing to know I now have another printing option when we are tight on time.
*DISCLOSURE* Although the printer was provided to me by Staples, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own of course.
