HP`s new InkJet printers deliver true-to-the-original photo quality

Hewlett-Packard Company has unveiled three inkjet printers that deliver photo quality; fastest ever print speeds (up to 17 pages per minute); and advanced smart features, such as optical paper sensing and infrared wireless printing. The new printers are the HP deskjet 990Cxi Professional Series printer, the HP Photosmart 1218 printer (1) and the HP PhotoSmart 1215 printer.

Designed for the busy professional who needs maximum productivity at home and in the office, the HP deskjet 990Cxi Professional Series printer features HP photoret III precision technology which precisely places and layers tiny drops of ink to produce photographic results that are true to the original. The printer includes a photo mode that offers 2400 x 1200 dpi on photo paper. New rendering algorithms deliver unrivaled black and colour text on plain paper - ideal for Web printing.

The HP Photosmart 1218 and 1215 printers, in addition to delivering the same quality and versatility as the HP deskjet 990Cxi printer, provide additional photo-printing capabilities. The printers come with Compactflash and Smartmedia memory card slots that enable printing directly from a digital camera -- no computer required. Additionally, the memory card slots can be used as a card reader to quickly save images to the computer.

Fast Printing and Smart Features Save Time and Money "Our key competitive advantage is beautiful photo quality at faster print speeds", said Wim Heuninck, HP sales & marketing manager, hardcopy products. "Furthermore, these new HP inkjet printers provide not only great print quality in best mode, but great print quality in normal and draft modes as well".

All three printers feature a new optical paper sensing technology exclusive to HP. The printer will detect the type of paper in the paper tray and adjust the print settings automatically. However, customers can still select paper type and print settings manually.

Infrared, a wireless technology that transfers information via light, enables customers to beam information and print directly from compatible digital cameras, palmtop and laptop computers, and other mobile devices including some mobile phones. HP`s expansion of wireless printing options anticipates the growing need for wireless printing from mobile devices. Ken Dulaney, an analyst for GartnerGroup Companies, recently stated, "By 2003, there will be 30 million personal digital appliances in use worldwide."

High Performance ArchitectureTM (HPA) Previous inkjet printer platforms relied on the host computer for image processing and data formatting, HPA performs both of these key functions in the printer hardware using a 96MHz dedicated RISC processor. HPA also helps in wireless printing. "We are building more and more intelligence into these printers", said Heuninck.

Other smart features:

• duplex printing

• print-cancel button;

• low-ink warning

• 4x6 inch photo paper tray on the HP PhotoSmart printers

• Black and white, sepia mode on the HP PhotoSmart printers

• 150-sheet paper tray on the HP DeskJet 990Cxi Professional Series

• automatic print-cartridge alignment.

All three printers have parallel and USB ports, and are PC and USB-connect Mac-compatible.

All three printers use the HP No. 78 tri-colour and the HP No. 45 black inkjet print cartridges and print of full range of HP media.

Two types of papers that customers will find particularly useful are HP Professional Brochure & Flyer Paper for in-house marketing materials and HP Premium Plus Photo Paper for reproducing photos with excellent lightfastness. In addition, this Autumn HP will be launching a breakthrough photo paper with even higher fade resistant properties. This new media is designed for the digital photography enthusiast who wants printed images for permanent display.

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.

For more information, please contact the HP Call Support Centre on 086000 1030 or visit their website at www.hp.co.za.