Most small-format dedicated photo printers are notably easy to set up and use. Almost all of them are suitable for technophobes who just want to print snapshots with as little effort as possible. So when I say that the HP Photosmart A636 Compact Photo Printer ($149.99 direct) stands out as easier to use than most, that’s saying a lot. Quite simply, its design includes stellar convenience features that are as welcome as they are rare. Other printers will no doubt catch up sooner or later, but the A636 got there first.

At a casual glance, the A636 looks like a fairly typical small-format printer. It’s a little bigger than some, because it’s designed to handle 5-by-7-inch photos as well as 4-by-6s and 4-by-12-inch panoramas. Even so, it’s easily portable, at 5.3 by 9.9 by 4.6 inches (HWD) and only 3.4 pounds. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry and pivots out of the way when you don’t need it. HP also sells a Bluetooth option ($39.99 direct) and optional battery ($24.99 direct), so you can not only take the printer with you, but print photos without a power outlet or cable. According to HP, the battery weighs roughly 8 ounces and can print 75 4-by-6 photos on a full charge.

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