June 23, 2009

Hewlett-Packard is betting that the humble printer, like the computer and cell phone, can be transformed with the power of the Internet.

The company on Monday introduced the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web, the first all-in-one printer to access Internet information. The machine, which also works as a scanner, copier and fax, will connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and will access specific Web applications built by partners such as Google, Fandango, USA Today, Coupons.com and Nickelodeon.

In essence, it gives consumers a way to bypass their computer and print out the Web content they want to have in paper form.

Customers will be able to browse applications on a 4.3-inch touch screen and print out coupons, movie tickets, Google Maps directions, puzzles and coloring pages. They'll also be able to access their Snapfish online photo galleries for quick printouts of pictures.

"We believe this is what printing should be," said Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president of HP's imaging and printing group. "We think this is what printing will be."

The printer will sell for $399 this fall and will replace the top end of HP's all-in-one line. Joshi said the Web functionality eventually will work its way down throughout HP's line of printers. HP holds about 46 percent of the all-in-one printer market globally.

Printers have had Wi-Fi for a number of years. Touch screens also are becoming more popular thanks to devices like the iPhone. But by combining it all together and creating a platform for Web applications, HP is blurring the distinction between computers and printers and opening up the power of the Internet to a host of new devices.