I tried usb connection method posted in www.tldp.org, which worked for my Sony Digital Camcorder (which has digital still camera functionality with Memory Stick, etc). However, HP Photosmart 435 didn't work smartly. Alas, what a contradiction!

I even tried it with my other machine (MS Windows Me after installing the install CD), but that didn't work either. Of course, I tried both USB drive mode and PTP(?) mode, but all failed.

I hoped using flash memory card (SD card - sold separately) would improve the situation, but in vain. Since I already purchased the flash card, I went for one more step. Card reader (SanDisk ImageMate 5-in-1: SDDR-99), which worked. So, there must be something wrong in the USB interface of my particular camera or HP Photosmart 435 in general. I added the review of SDDR-99 in other section on this site if you want more info on it.

Most importantly, the quality of the picture was far from satisfying. I thought 3MP was decent grade but it was not. The picture size is huge (much bigger than my 19" monitor), but the image is vague in 1:1 zoom. If you shrink it (zoom out) to make it to look as small as regular picture size (4" x 4"??), then it becomes tolerable, but still not satisfying.

In conclusion, it's not worth $120. I got it for free from a friend since she had several digital cameras and never needed this one. If you want to buy a digital camera, add $100 more and get a decent one. Otherwise, you will waste $120.

I wouldn't spend more than $10 for this camera. Well, I already spent $40 for flash card and $20 for card reader, but I can use them for other future camera or as external USB disk at least.