HP Introduces Next Generation of PhotoSmart Printers and Digital Cameras; Customers Can Print Directly From Their Digital Cameras — No PC Required - HP PhotoSmart C200 and HP PhotoSmart C500 digital cameras, HP PhotoSmart P1000 desktop printer - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Sept 6, 1999

Hewlett-Packard Company, the worldwide leader in digital imaging, Monday announced new HP PhotoSmart digital cameras and printers that enable users to capture and print high-quality digital photos directly from their digital cameras, bypassing the PC altogether.

The new HP PhotoSmart printers support direct printing from a wide range of digital cameras by accepting input directly from Compact Flash (type I & II) cards, as well as from SmartMedia cards. The new HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera provides fast, wireless printing using HP's exclusive JetSend infrared technology to send photos directly to the HP PhotoSmart P1000 printer.

"HP believes these are the ultimate printing and imaging solutions available today," said Cheryl Katen, general manager of HP's Home Imaging Division. "By providing versatile products that range from a complete wireless printing solution to an affordable take-anywhere camera, HP addresses the needs of sophisticated PC users, photography buffs and first-time digital-camera buyers alike."

New Photo-quality Printers The HP PhotoSmart P1000 printer, expected to sell for an estimated U.S. street price of $399(1), is an ideal desktop printer for everyday printing and more. The printer provides direct printing from many digital cameras, plus wireless printing from the HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera.

Users will see results that look as good as an original photo, thanks to HP's enhanced color-layering technology, PhotoREt III. The HP PhotoSmart P1000 printer prints at up to 11 pages per minute (ppm) black and 8.5 ppm color.

Additional features include the following:

* up to 600 dots per inch (dpi) in black;

* 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution in color on photo paper;

* 4-inch x 6-inch photo tray; and

* USB and parallel connectivity.

HP also introduced the HP PhotoSmart P1100/P1100xi printer and the HP DeskJet 970Cse/Cxi printer Monday (see today's related announcement). All three products are based on a new print engine from HP featuring enhanced color-layering technology and unrivaled print quality for everyday printing.

New HP PhotoSmart Digital Cameras

The HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera, expected to sell for an estimated U.S. street price of $799(1), is targeted at users who need exceptional quality and functionality. The HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera is a full-featured digital camera that delivers outstanding photographic results. It features two-megapixel resolution for outstanding photo-quality images; quick one-button, 3x optical/2x digital zoom; and wireless printing using HP JetSend infrared technology. The easy viewing, 2-inch LCD allows preview and postview of photos. The camera is compatible with both PC and USB-connect Macintosh systems.

The small and lightweight (5.2 inches x 3.05 inches x 2.1 inches, weighing .821 pounds) camera also features a 16MB Compact Flash memory card, TWAIN compatibility and a battery recharger (uses three AA NiMH batteries).

The HP PhotoSmart C200 digital camera, expected to sell for an estimated U.S. street price of $299(2), is ideal for first-time digital-camera buyers who need great features and an outstanding value. It delivers one-megapixel resolution and features 2x digital zoom, an 8MB Compact Flash memory card and a 1.8-inch LCD for preview and post-view of photos.

The HP PhotoSmart C200 digital camera also is small and lightweight (5 inches x 3.15 inches x 1.9 inches, weighing .68 pounds). It features TWAIN compatibility and USB connectivity, and uses four AA batteries.

All of the new HP PhotoSmart digital photography products ship with HP photo imaging software to make editing and sharing photos quick and easy.

Availability

These HP PhotoSmart digital photography products began shipping Monday to retailers in North America. They are expected to be introduced in other regions of the world at later dates. U.S. customers interested in buying HP computer products online can do so by visiting the HP Shopping Village at http://www.shopping.hp.com. The site offers a wide range of HP products, from PCs and handheld products to computer peripherals, digital imaging products, and printing supplies and accessories.

HP is the world's leading provider of digital-imaging technology and products, enabling home and office users to explore creative and practical new applications of digital imaging.

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services. FMI: http://www.hp.com.

(1) Actual prices may vary.