Use the Dock to Unload Images to a Computer, Print images using the dock.
The HP Photosmart 8886 digital camera docking station enables in-camera battery recharging (AC adapter and rechargeable batteries included). Cutting down on desktop clutter, this convenient remote-controlled device enables you to easily transfer image files to your PC, print photos, or even view images on TV--all in one easy step.
With HP's Instant Share feature, you can customize your camera with e-mail aliases and distribution lists of your family and friends. For each picture, you can designate up to 14 destinations, including e-mail addresses, compatible printers, and more. Once you attach the camera to your PC, with a USB cable or optional camera dock, your photos are optimized and automatically sent to the destinations you’ve selected.
1 HP 8886 Camera Dock Battery Charger a Joke
I bought my HP Photosmart 735 at UBid.com and bought my HP Photosmart 8886 Camera Dock and separate Carrying Case with NiHM Battery Charger here at Amazon. The 8886 "DRAINS" the batteries within the camera. They won't charge while in the camera as advertised. I can charge them in the separate charger that came with the case, but, in the camera while in the 8886 Dock.......NO WAY! I read other reviews here, and I'm surprised that the 8886 hasn't been recalled or that an admission of problems with the battery charging capability hasn't been posted by HP. Since I can download from my Camera directly to my PC or Printer, and I have the battery charger that works GREAT! I'm going to send back my 8886 Dock. There's just no reason to keep it, and I too had a problem with HP's online Live Tech Support. The Tech told me to try a different outlet for my dock although I was getting good A/C power from the current outlet to the dock. In other words; the Tech had not a logical answer for my Batteries not charging within my 735 Camera. Maybe the dock charges batteries in other Camera Models besides the HP 735......I don't know. I thought the Dock would be a great and practical accessory, but, turns out my carrying case that came with 4 AA or 4 AAA NiMH capacity battery charger is the way to go. I don't need to have a dock to watch on TV when I can use my computer or printer. I'm very disappointed in the HP 8886 Dock and the HP Tech Support.
2 AVOID this HP Product - Batteries do not recharge.
This HP docking station does not charge batteries. It will give you error message "Batteries cannot be charged" when batteries run low. After spending weeks e-mailing and calling HP "support" I am about to give up. This an $80.00 plastic holder for your camera. Very dissappointing. HP sells to the US, they should have customer support in the US.
3 Don't Buy it - HP's Customer Service is a JOKE!
I am happy with my digital camera, and bought the camera dock so I could use the rechargeable batteries that are supposed to last longer. The dock arrived in great shape, but the batteries were so low that the dock would not charge them. I got out my trusty owners manual, and the solution is 1) Go out and buy new batteries, or 2) go out and buy a battery charger. The DOCK was supposed to BE my BATTERY CHARGER! HP has no warranty card included, and no phone number to call to ask them to send new batteries. They hung up on me when I finally found the number on the Internet and called. They were not helpful at all, and the people I spoke to were complete jerks. This ends my association with HP forever.
4 Dock overcharges and damages batteries
I bought the 8886 dock along with a photosmart 935 camera.
The dock is convenient for transfering pics to the PC.
But my dock overcharges the batteries.
You can feel the camera getting hot to the touch after it's been sitting in the dock for a while. The labels on the batteries start to bubble and peel off. It's left melted material around the battery contacts inside the camera.
A recharging dock should allow you to leave the camera plugged in, and shouldn't overcharge your batteries or damage your camera.
I am very disappointed in my 8886 dock purchase.
5 Is This Dock Really Necessary?
I really did not want to buy a camera dock, as I felt they were 'extravagant', but I quickly learned how handy they are. First, I always know where my camera is - and believe me, I tend to lose things. Digital cameras use a lot of batteries and I used to have a special double nickel battery on another camera that lasted a while, but was nearly $16.00 per battery. The NiMH batteries (Nickel)are rechargeable overnight, so all I ever need is an extra set to alternate. The dock is also always attached to my PC, so I can easily download my pictures by simply placing the camera in the dock. There is also an extra line to connect your dock to your TV to view you pictures, but this is extraneous, as I just watch them on my computer monitor. You can also send your photos to email, a folder, PhotoShop or any other destination you want. I like the fact that all I need to do is install it once and just take my camera from it when needed. The only feature I feel is really unnecessary is the remote control. However, if you do use your TV, this could be handy for couch lovers. For the price, it is a handy tool to have around. This camera dock is very easy to use and a space saver. It looks cool too.
6 WOW!
This compact desk item works very well - just like the ad promises. It comes with two set of batteries (one set rechargable andone set for the remote). This is one item you will want to help organize your pictures and to show them off to friends and family!
7 Excellent product!
Glad I bought the 'dock'. It allows me to easily view photos on my TV and it charges my 'rechargeble batteries' easily while I am at home without taking them out of the camera.
Two things that I recommend you will need when purchasing this camera:
1. A set of rechargeable NiMH/1800 to 2200 mAh batteries.
2. A 128, or even better, a 256 Secure Digital Memory card to better handle the many pics you will be taking.
You'll love this camera. It's so automatic!
8 Is it really necessary?
I bought this (to accompany my new PhotoSmart 435 camera) and it wouldn't charge the batteries. I called HP Tech Support and their advice was for me to take it back and swap it out for another. I did. The second one did start to charge the batteries, but once I took it out of the dock to check the battery life, it stopped charging the batteries. No matter what I tried, it wouldn't do charge them anymore (and they weren't fully charged, either).
So, my question is this: Is it really necessary to buy this item when essentially it's just a glorified battery charger (that I could never get to work). The USB cable is included witht the camera itself and I had no problem plugging it into my computer and downloading the shots. My advice would be to save your $80 (or however much you paid), buy a Duracell or Energize battery charger and a few rechargeable batteries and save yourself $50 (maybe even use that money to buy a flash card for the camera). In any case, I could have been misusing the product, but I doubt it. I'm pretty "savvy" when it comes to computers and this wasn't very user friendly.
