Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet vs KODAK Dock Plus 4x6'' Photo Printer, 50 Sheets,

Overview of the Brother Work Smart 1360 and KODAK Dock Plus

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is priced at $109.98, while the KODAK Dock Plus comes in at $139.99, making the Brother model about 21% cheaper. Both printers serve distinct purposes, appealing to different types of users. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is an all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home and office use, while the KODAK Dock Plus specializes in high-quality photo printing, particularly for instant 4x6" prints.

Printing Capabilities

The Brother Work Smart 1360 offers versatile printing capabilities, including printing, copying, and scanning. It features automatic duplex printing, allowing users to print on both sides of the paper, and can print up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color. On the other hand, the KODAK Dock Plus focuses exclusively on photo printing, utilizing 4PASS dye sublimation technology to produce high-resolution, durable prints in about 55 seconds. Each print is layered with a protective lamination, ensuring longevity and resistance to fingerprints and water.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a key feature of both printers, but they cater to different needs. The Brother Work Smart 1360 includes multiple connection options: it can connect via Wi-Fi, USB, and even offers compatibility with various cloud apps such as Google Drive and Dropbox. This flexibility makes it suitable for both home office and casual users. Conversely, the KODAK Dock Plus utilizes Bluetooth connectivity, specifically designed for smartphone users. It connects seamlessly with iOS and Android devices through the KODAK Photo Printer app, enabling quick edits and prints directly from mobile devices.

User Experience and Setup

The user experience is markedly different between the two printers. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is designed for ease of use with a 1.8” color display that guides users through printing, scanning, and device management. It also includes the Brother Mobile Connect app for remote management. In contrast, the KODAK Dock Plus is built for straightforward operation, allowing users to print quickly without complicated setup. Simply powering on the device and connecting via Bluetooth initiates the printing process, making it particularly appealing for those who prioritize simplicity.

Print Quality

When it comes to print quality, both printers excel in their respective areas. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is known for producing vibrant colors and bold blacks, making it ideal for a variety of documents and images. Meanwhile, the KODAK Dock Plus excels at photo printing, delivering smooth, detailed images with impressive color accuracy thanks to its dye sublimation process. The protective lamination also enhances the durability of each print, making it a great choice for preserving memories.

Target Audience

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is tailored for home and home office users who require a multifunctional printer capable of handling various tasks, from printing reports to scanning documents. Its all-in-one design and cloud connectivity make it a versatile option for those who need more than just printing capabilities. In contrast, the KODAK Dock Plus is targeted at photography enthusiasts and casual users looking for an easy way to print photos from their smartphones. Its dedicated photo printing features and user-friendly app cater specifically to this audience.

Price Comparison

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is currently priced at $109.98, while the KODAK Dock Plus is available for $139.99. This price difference of almost $30 makes the Brother model a more economical choice, especially for users who require multifunctionality rather than just photo printing. However, for those focused solely on high-quality photo prints, the additional investment in the KODAK Dock Plus may be justified by its specialized features.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Brother Work Smart 1360 and the KODAK Dock Plus ultimately depends on your specific printing needs. If you require a versatile all-in-one printer for both home and office tasks, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is the better option, particularly given its lower price and multifunctionality. However, if your primary focus is on producing high-quality, instant photo prints directly from your smartphone, the KODAK Dock Plus may be worth the extra cost.