June 23, 2009

HP Photosmart Premium With TouchSmart Web Brings the Internet to Your Inkjet Printer

By Databazaar Blog

Printer News: HP Sees the Future of Printing in Online Apps Built Into its New Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web

We've long covered printers with PC-free features such as printing from memory cards or via PictBridge. But with the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web, which we recently saw firsthand in New York City, HP has upped the ante.

The HP Photosmart Premium looks like a multifunction inkjet printer with an iPhone for a control panel. It's not really an iPhone of course, but a 4.33 inch touch screen from which you can run special Web-enabled apps.

For example, do you like Sudoku puzzles? You can print one anytime you want using the Sudoku app. Need directions? Enter your "here" and "there" and print a Google Map. Going shopping? Print some coupons. You get the idea. Other apps include Fandango for movie tickets, Snapfish for photos, weather reports, and various projects for kids from DreamWorks and Nickelodeon. HP promises more apps, all of which are free to use.

Will people want to print directly from the Web? We can certainly think of some use cases but only time will tell. HP is leaving nothing to chance. Its printer boss, Vyomesh Joshi, helped announce the Photosmart Premium, and HP has even launched a Twitter stream. HP often ships printers without even a press release.

The HP Photosmart Premium also handles old-fashioned PC printing with speeds up to 33 pages per minute. It copies, scans, and faxes. And like a few other HP printers, the Photosmart Premium can print screenshots from your Playstation PS3. Who wants to frame their college diploma when you can instead frame your score in Killzone 2.

Summary

Color multifunction inkjet best for people who want the world's first Web-enabled printer

MSRP: $399.99

Manufacturer

Press Release

HP Introduces World's First Web-connected Home Printer

Product Page

HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web

Supplies

Ink Cartridges

HP 564 (Black), HP 564 (Photo Black), HP 564 (Yellow), HP 564 (Cyan), HP 564 (Magenta); High-yield: HP 564XL (Black), HP 564XL (Photo Black), HP 564XL (Yellow), HP 564XL (Cyan), HP 564XL (Magenta)

Specs that matter

Release Date:	September 2009
Notable Features:	Web apps optimized for printing, Memory card printing, large touchscreen, automatic duplex printing, borderless photo printing, automatic paper-type sensor to prevent wasted ink and paper, Ethernet and WiFi
Green Features:	Energy Star, HP Planet Partners cartridge recycling program, high-yield ink cartridges reduce waste, duplex printing saves paper
Pages Per Minute:	33 (b/w), 32 (color)
Seconds Per Photo:	18
Resolution:	Not Yet Available
Paper Trays:	1
Interface:	Pictbridge, USB 2.0, WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth
Compatibility:	Windows and Macintosh
Dimensions:	17.99 x 19.33 x 7.76 inches
Weight:	16.53 pounds
Warranty:	1 year

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