My light fixation about portable printer started (as I remember) a few years ago when I saw this small printer that produces a nice polaroid output. I was so giddy about getting my hands on to it back then. It was a good product, but I was hesitant on getting one for the price of the printer was a bit expensive and the photo paper was also sold at a very unacceptable price.
And because I am not capable yet of buying one before, eventually, my little obsession wear off and I felt satisfied now that I didn’t get one before. For aside that, it’s pricy, I felt that it would be better for me to just wait for something more affordable and better.
Comes recently, I was able to get my hands on HP’s newest product – HP SPROCKET PRINTER.
HP as the printing machine
Hewlett Packard also known as HP has been in the printing industry for more than 3 decades. I remember how I was able to work with this brand back then as I wonder from buildings to buildings in Makati, tending to do printer services to different companies. (I was a computer technician back then). HP has been one of the leading brands in the personal computer business.
From producing inkjets to laser printers, comes another reinvention from the HP brand. Now, photo printers can already fit your pockets with the new HP Sprocket Printer.
HP Sprocket Printer
HP Sprocket Printer is a small pocket size printer that can create an instant 2″ x 3″ prints or stickable snapshots from virtually anywhere. It is perfect for parties, travels or even at home for crafting. It’s instant, shareable and fun at the same time.
What’s inside the box:
- HP Sprocket Printer
- Setup Card
- HP Sprocket Photo Paper (10 sheets) USB charging cable
- Regulatory and Warranty
It is very straightforward and easy to use. All you need is a phone, the app, and the HP sprocket printer.
How to use the HP Sprocket Printer:
1. First, download the HP sprocket app on your mobile device, visit hpsprocket.com/start. There, you will be directed to the appropriate app store for your device.
2. After opening the box, I first charge the unit, here is how I did it.
Charging Battery and Powering On
- To charge, insert the micro-USB charging cable into the HP Sprocket Printer.
- Connect the USB cable to a charging adaptor (not included) and plug into a power outlet.
- When successfully connected, the LED indicator light will turn red to indicate charging.
- To charge fully, allow 60-90 minutes, or until the LED changes to green.
- Turn on your printer by pressing and holding the Power button until the LED indicator turns white.
- Turn on the printer by pressing and holding the Power button until the white LED indicator goes dark.
Remember that continued use during charging will slow down the charging speed. If the printer battery is completely depleted, connect the printer to a power source and allow the printer to charge for a short period of time before attempting to power on.
3. To load the paper, take off the Top Cover by sliding it slightly forward and away from the Paper Output slot. This will release the lid and allow you to lift off the Top Cover to insert paper. Unwrap a pack of HP Sprocket Photo Paper (10 sheets). Make sure the included blue Smartsheet® is on the bottom of the stack, barcode and logo facing down. Stack the photo paper on top of the Smartsheet® with the HP logos facing down also. Place both the paper and the Smartsheet® into the Paper Input Tray. Return the Top Cover to the printer by aligning it in the cutout edge of the open top and then sliding the cover closed. It will click into place and attach securely when fastened.
Remember: Always power off your printer before loading paper.
The Smartsheet® will pass through the HP Sprocket Printer automatically before the first print job. I was surprised at first that I thought I did something wrong but The Smartsheet® cleans and calibrates the printer for the paper pack. To avoid paper jams and malfunctions use HP Sprocket Photo paper for the printer only. In case of paper jam, do not pull the paper but instead, turn the printer off and on again to automatically eject the paper. If spills or moisture collect on a photo, wipe it away as soon as possible to prevent color damage. Keep photo paper clean and free of bends or damage for best print quality.
Remember: Use a Smartsheet® with each pack of newly loaded paper for best print quality. Also, do not insert more than 1 pack of HP Sprocket Photo Paper (10 sheets plus 1 Smartsheet®) into the printer at a time to avoid paper jams or print errors.
Using the app is also pretty basic. What I love about it is that you can easily edit your photos and even add stickers to make it more personalized. The app will also enable you to print your own photo mosaic in 4s and 9s.
Price Comparison
Comparing to other brands, HP Sprocket Printer is more affordable. Pricing at P6,699 at Lazada, HP Sprocket leads the pack when it comes to affordability. Check out the comparison below:
HP Sprocket Printer uses ZINK (Zero Ink Printing Technology) photo paper, which as stated, no ink. It is advanced composite material that uses embedded colorful dye crystals inside, with a protective polymer overcoat layer outside. When printing, heat is being applied and the full-color images will appear like magic on the paper.
When it comes to paper pricing, HP still tops the race, with 20 sheets sold for only Php 540. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Instant White 10 film is priced at Php 1,130.53, while LG Zink Media photo paper in 30’s is sold at Php 1,736.06
Final Verdict:
HP Sprocket Printer is very light and portable. It can fit your pocket or can be easily slid into your bag. It is a perfect companion for travels especially if you love printing photos and putting it in your scrapbook. HP Sprocket also got a very decent price and is even more affordable than other famous brands.
I love how it is very easy to use. Having one could really give your crafty work an upgrade. Though, when printing always makes sure that the paper is well aligned and/or not bent. I think that was one of the reasons why some of the prints I did before became a bit smudgy and produced this vertical printed line.
It was only resolved when I decided to straighten up the paper. I wasted a few Zink paper, but it was all okay at least I’ve learned something from it. Also, do not forget to do an upgrade of the system as always to get the best output of your photo.
To know more about HP Sprocket Printer do visit this link http://www8.hp.com/us/en/printers/sprocket.html.
Click here if you wanted to get one of your own.
