HP reveals more of its 2002 digital imaging arsenal

HP reveals more of its 2002 DI arsenal

27th June - 2002
By Ian Burley

Hewlett-Packard, which is currently in the processing of merging its global operations with what was Compaq, has underlined its emphasis on the digital imaging market by making a second round of new product announcements this month. And there are more in the pipeline for next month too.

This week HP reveals two new digital cameras, two printers and the first in a new family of flat bed scanners.

New entry level and mid-range digicams

HP Photosmart 720 * Photosmart 320

The two new HP digital cameras add to the 4 megapixel Photosmart 812 and 1 megapixel 120 models launched a couple of months ago (click here). The 720 model is a 3 megapixel camera with two tone black and silver styling, sort of ‘retro’ when compared to cameras from the pre-1990s. It has a 3x optical zoom lens and 16MB of internal memory that can be supplemented by an optional SD memory card. The Photosmart 120 is a 2 megapixel camera with 8MB of internal memory which can be supplemented by an optional SD memory card as well, though unlike the 720, the 120 has no optical zoom, relying only on a 4x digital zoom. Both share the same optional Photosmart 8881 docking station. For more details, click here for the Photosmart 720 and here for the Photosmart 320.

Two new printers, little and not too large

HP DeskJet 3420 & HP Photosmart 130

Of the two new HP printers announced this week, one is a dedicated photo printer and the other is a general purpose printer that HP says will double as one. The Photosmart 130 is an updated version of the natty Photosmart 100 6x4 inch ink-jet printer launched last year. The main difference is the addition of SD/MMC memory card direct printing in addition to SmartMedia, Sony Memory Stick and Compact Flash compatibility. Meanwhile, the new DeskJet 3420 is a low profile design but doesn’t feature the new 4800dpi photo ink capable technology announced at the beginning of the month (click here). For more information on the Photosmart 130, click here. For more on the DeskJet 3420, click here.

First in a new line of stylish and innovative new HP scanners

Finally, this week, HP has taken the wraps off what is, for HP, a revolution in aesthetic design, the ScanJet 3570C. HP says it has been aware of the previous HP scanner characteristic of function over form, plus often excessive dimensions. The 3570C is an undeniably stylish departure for HP. While scanners are often regarded as unglamorous tools, HP not only has style high up on its agenda, but also some interesting innovations that will be revealed in new models to be announced later in the year. For more information on the ScanJet 3570C, click here.

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