While it can be connected to a PC, Kodak's Printer Dock Plus is primarily aimed at those with Kodak digital cameras. You simply install the plastic dock adaptor for your camera and then pop it onto the dock. The camera's LCD becomes the display and you can then choose which photos to print. It's hard to see images unless you're level with the back of the camera, though. Usefully, the dock can recharge the camera's battery.
Buttons on the dock let you navigate menus,
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auto-enhance images and choose one, two, four or nine photos per sheet. An SD/MMC reader means you can print photos the camera can't read internally, but it's slow to access. A TV-out port lets you present a slide show on a large screen, while a USB port allows you to connect non-Kodak, PictBridge cameras. What's more, if you have an infrared device, you can print to the Printer Dock, and you can buy a Bluetooth adaptor for around £30.
Ten prints are bundled and 6 x 4in images cost a hefty 38p each. Not only this, but quality wasn't inspiring from the dye-sub engine. Colours were much less vivid than with other printers - mid-tones were lacking. Variations in colour weren't smooth either, leaving harsh images. Mono prints had a magenta cast, but skin tones were natural. Despite the overcoating, prints lack a glossy finish too.
With a fade resistance of 26 years, the Kodak is better than some, and it was one of the quickest we saw at one minute per print. However, the high running costs and mediocre quality mean this is one to avoid.
