HP Sprocket for iPhone and Android is a cute portable photo printer for millennials
Now that smartphones have high-quality cameras, people seem to be snapping more photos than ever. Thanks to the cloud, it is super easy to back up those images, and then consume them on a device at a later date. There is no need to print photos anymore, right? Not so fast. Actually, if you head to your local CVS or Walgreens drug stores, you will see many people still having photographs printed for frames and albums. Are these people just creatures of habit or Luddites? Perhaps. Regardless, there is a demand for photo printing.
HP has a new portable photo printer that is downright cute. Called 'Sprocket', it is compatible with both iOS and Android, letting the user print photos on the go. Millennials should go wild for this thing, as you can customize the photos with filters and virtual 'stickers' using a special app before sending them to print over Bluetooth. Not to mention, you can peel off the back to expose an adhesive -- yes, you can stick them on things! Best of all? It doesn't use any toner or ink! No, it is not magic -- it uses a really cool 'ZINK' technology.
"HP envisions the new device finding popularity with teenagers and millennials who are drawn to fun, stylish gadgets that might be a hit at social events. In fact, that’s precisely where HP sees Sprocket finding its biggest following -- at parties and other gatherings where fun-seekers might be taking selfies or looking at social media posts that they would like to print out, share and take home with them", says HP.
The company further explains, "HP ZINK Photo Paper delivers bright, glossy photos without ink or toner cartridges -- all the color required for printing is embedded in the HP ZINK photo paper itself. It delivers printed snaps that are vibrant smudge-proof, water-resistant, and tear-resistant. Peel off the backing, and the photos become stickers to decorate bags, scrapbooks, journals, and walls".
You can buy the Sprocket now for $130 with two color choices -- white/rose gold or black/silver. While the printer itself is reasonably priced, the 2x3-inch ZINK paper is a bit expensive. A pack of 20 sheets costs $10, meaning you are paying $0.50 per print -- not cheap. With that said, this would not be an everyday printer -- you would likely just use it for special events and parties. For some consumers, the fun and convenience may be worth the overall cost.
Inside the box there are 10 sheets for free to get you started. Also included is a micro USB cable for charging the 500mAh battery. Since charging is done with a very popular standard, and not a proprietary port, consumers should have many existing chargers -- including ones for the car -- that should provide 'juice' to it.
Would you ever buy such a product, or is printing photos no longer a part of your life? Tell me in the comments.