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The P350 can be seen as a second generation photo printer, where Lexmark is trying to increase value in what is basically a simple design. By keeping the asking price low and introducing extra functionality, in this case a colour LCD monitor display, the company hopes to maintain its market share in this highly contested field.

The P350 has a simple, clean-white design, which is almost cuboid, apart from slightly bowed front and back faces. At the front are two slots, which between them can take Secure Digital/MultiMedia card, Memory Stick, xD and CompactFlash memory cards. There's also a PictBridge socket, so you can connect a camera directly.

Below these slots and sockets, centred in the front of the case is the output slot for prints. The P350 can produce photos up to 15 x 10cm and a small support slides out from under the slot to provide a simple output tray. On the right, a hinged cover folds down to provide access to the single, tri-colour ink cartridge.

At the back, a feed tray pulls out to enable you to stack up to 25 sheets of Lexmark's PerfectFinish photo paper into the printer – a small paper support slides up to keep the sheets in order. There's also a power socket for the separate power supply block and a USB connection. Unlike its predecessor, the P450, the P350 can be connected to a PC for printing, as well as working on its own from camera or card.

The top surface of the printer boasts a 6in LCD monitor screen, which may not be large by today's standards, but is unusual in a photo printer at this price. Immediately in front of the screen are five buttons and a multi-way selector. As you might expect, the selector is used for navigating the printer's menu system, with a button in the centre to confirm selections.

The four other buttons invoke automatic red-eye removal, call up setting screens, cancel or pause operations and start a print task. Finally, there's a power button to the right of the LCD screen and a fold-up carrying handle, so you can transport the printer.

Installation involves fitting the ink cartridge, loading paper and, if you want to work from a PC, setting up application software. Lexmark provides FastPix, a simple photo applet but, other than this and the driver, there's not a lot of software.

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