HP Launches First 'Web-Enabled' Printer

Other Features

Along with providing lab-quality photos that dry instantly and "last for generations" (HP promises), these HP Photosmart e-All-in-One printers also have built-in applications ("apps") you can see on the LCD screen (represented by colorful icons).

These apps let you do things like print coloring sheets with familiar cartoon characters (from the likes of Disney, Nickelodeon and DreamWorks), print coupons and recipes, Sudoku game boards, greeting cards, Google maps, calendars, and much more.

Speaking of apps, if you have the free HP ePrint app installed on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, you can view photos, edit them and then wirelessly print from the handheld device to the HP printer.

When it comes to speed and quality, these Energy Star-certified printers are comparable to most other "all in one" products: you can print black text up to 29 pages per minute (23 pages per minute for color); black print resolution maxes out at 600 dots per inch, while color resolution is 4800 x 1200 dots per inch; and the flatbed scanner can handle resolution up to 1200 dots per inch. This printer can also handle duplexing, therefore you can set it up to print on both sides of the paper (ideal for documents, not photos).

The Energy Star-qualified printer works with both Windows and Mac computers.

Summary

While not for everyone, the first web-enabled printer delivers on its promise. Not only can you print from a local computer or by snapping in memory cards, but you can print wirelessly in the home or anywhere outside of it using the e-mail function.

The quality of the text and photos is very good, and the touchscreen LCD, while on the small side, lets you easily navigate among the printer's features (including access to the fun apps).

Scanning and copying also works very well, but be aware the $99 e-All-in-One doesn't have fax capabilities. If this is important to you, you'll want to go with the beefier HP Photosmart Premium Fax e-All-in-One option for $299.