HP Introduces New PageWide, OfficeJet Pro, and LaserJet Business Printers

HP's biggest commercial launch in 10 years is taking place in Macau where the company has introduced a brand new PageWide series of business printing solutions along with new additions to its OfficeJet Pro and LaserJet Pro series. Today's announcements also point towards HP's shift in its business model which will be more contractual rather than purely transactional, which is keeping with the market trend. This is similar to the Devices-as-a-Service (DaaS) platform that HP announced for India earlier this year. The company is also doubling up on security for its printing devices to address the growing concern for security in businesses. The new launches are designed keeping in mind simplicity and ease of use in the workplace.

HP's new PageWide business printers will be available this May and prices will range from Rs. 45,580 to Rs. 1,50,000. HP has managed to scale down its PageWide technology, typically used in a printing press, to one that spans the size of an A4 sheet of paper. This way, there are fewer moving parts as the print head is stationary while allows for faster printing time and lower maintenance costs. Such printers existed under the OfficeJet Pro X series but now, PageWide will be a separate series of printers. The specially developed ink for these printers is also water and fade resistant. This includes the PageWide Color 556 and MFP 586, PageWide Pro 552dw and MFP 577dw and the PageWide Pro 452dw and 477dw.

The OfficeJet Pro 8700 All-in-one series start at Rs. 19,252 while the OfficeJet Pro 8210 printer is priced at Rs. 11,561. The new printers promise professional quality printing at up to 50 percent lower cost per page as compared to laser printers. The new design features an integrated paper tray so there are fewer moving parts on the outside which reduces the risk of accidental breakage. Designed for small businesses, the prints now come out page-down to protect sensitive data from prying eyes and it's also possible to perform two sided scanning and printing.

HP also updated its LaserJet series with its JetIntelligence technology for faster prints, better colour accuracy and easier maintenance. This includes the Color LaserJet Pro MFP M377 which will be available this month at a price of Rs. 68,040. The LaserJet Pro M501 printer is priced at Rs. 63,750.

The new printers also come with an intuitive interface which resembles the modern day smartphone. There's a drop down shade to access information such an on-going print jobs, ink levels, Wi-Fi status, etc. You can also swap out the icons on the home screen for other, depending on the type of work you do most. The printers also have NFC and Wi-Fi Direct built-in so you can use it with any supported Android, iOS or Windows Phone device without the need for an app.

The company also introduced Secure Managed Print Services (MPS) which allows security experts to protect their customers print environment. HP has also updated its JetAdvantage Security Manager to include Private Print, which stores your print request in the cloud and can only be accessed once you authenticate yourself at the desired printer. You document can stay in the cloud for up to 7 days, depending on the policy setup, after which it will be deleted.

Disclosure: HP paid for the correspondent's flights and accommodation for its event in Macau, China.