After the incident that involved HP, a firmware update for several of its printers, and a built-in timer that turned them into "plastic bricks", I imagine many users will think twice before investing money in one of its products. However, the new portable Sprocket printer targets a completely different audience, and its goal is to turn a smartphone into a sort of "Polaroid", using a special paper that already contains all the necessary ink.
It's not a personal crusade or anything like that. It all comes down to the fact that we would like to see another kind of attitude among printer manufacturers, but they insist on defending a vision that ultimately proves frustrating for all parties involved. The "sheet and razor" model has turned the printing world into a desolate place. A quick visit to YouTube reveals that the vast majority of printer videos focus on cleaning and repairing print heads, or on using alternative inks. Perhaps it's time to ask ourselves whether we should consider other printing methods beyond inkjet or traditional laser systems. Despite the problems, Hewlett-Packard itself is already exploring such methods, which brings us to its latest product: Sprocket.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/BxZmXnkf8AcThe first thing to note about Sprocket is that does not use cartridges or toner. Its technology is similar to what we find in devices like the Polaroid Snap camera. In other words, the ink is on the sheets that the printer uses, known as HP ZINK Photo Paper, and Sprocket's job is to "activate" the printing by applying heat. That mechanism allows the Sprocket to be very compact, and at just two centimeters thick, its portability is guaranteed. Essentially, Sprocket aims to turn our smartphones into something like a Polaroid camera. Of course, the Sprocket printer will be accompanied by an official app compatible with iOS and Android, which will also offer editing functions before ordering the print.
The price of the Sprocket on the official store is $130, and it comes with ten sheets (whose standard size is 2 by 3 inches) to start printing. The sheets will be sold in packs of 20, each costing ten dollars.
