HP sees wireless printers taking off this year

MANILA, Philippines - Printing options now include wireless, thanks to the introduction of new printers in the market that can do the job with “no strings attached.”

Local consumers can experience cordless or wireless printing using the new HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One with wireless 802.11g Wi-Fi capability and Bluetooth wireless technology.

The HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One is the first wireless printer among HP’s several existing wireless printer models to break into the local market.

Jenny Sotto-Siquioco, country general manager for the Imaging and Printing Group of HP Philippines, told Networks they decided to start the market with this specific model because it’s a multi-function printer that showcases the right set of wireless features at an attractive price point.

“We think the market will be interested to try wireless printing for the first time using the HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One which not only prints, but can also copy, scan and fax documents. Three years ago, HP started to shift the market from single-function printers to All-in-One. Today, we’re seeing a higher preference for AIO printers among local consumers who, we believe, will also take to wireless printing fast,” Siquioco said.

Providing 300 feet of wireless connection coverage, the HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One can receive files for printing at 55Mbps. If necessary, it can still be connected to a USB 2.0 slot, Ethernet and PictBridge.

Wireless printing, according to HP, makes smart business sense for several reasons, first of which is the promise of reduced cost. With a wireless printer and network, users don’t need to buy a printer for every desk, since multiple employees can print to the same printer from anywhere in the office.

HP also sees wireless printing good for companies with mobile workforce. Employees on business trips or those working from satellite offices or telecommuting can print without the hassle of cabling to a printer. Bluetooth-enabled PDAs and cellphones can quickly print contact information, maps or meeting notes without using a cable.

HP asserts that wireless printing can be as secure as wired printing, both of which could use security measures such as passwords and encryption.

Finally, there’s the attraction of cleaner workspaces by going wireless. HP says aside from getting rid of the cable clutter in the office, reducing wires can also save an average of $200-$500 for every network jack that no longer has to be installed. Wireless also allows greater mobility as anyone can print from anywhere in the office without being tethered to a desk.