When it comes to the latest in
technology, laser/inkjet printers aren't exactly as sexy as
smartphones,
tablets,
or the latest Digital
SLR cameras. However, HP is looking to change that with its
latest inkjet printer which has a decidedly "Android"
flavor to it.
According to Engadget,
HP's upcoming PhotoSmart eStation C510 inkjet printer comes with a
detachable 7" display that doubles as a tablet – remarkably,
the touch screen display/tablet is running Android 2.1. According to
the gadget blog, HP's TouchSmart skin is running over the base OS,
but it lacks support for Gmail and the Android Market. Android's web
browser, however, is still in there.
The tablet is also expected to feature
support for Barnes
and Noble's Nook eBook store, so the device should function
nicely as an eBook reader in a pinch. Other features include an SD
slot, 802.11n wireless, and a webcam.
As for the printer itself, it also
features 802.11n support, can print up to 33 ppm (draft mode),
supports maximum print resolutions of 600x600 (black) and 9600x2400
(color), and has a 125-sheet input tray (20 sheet tray for photos).
The PhotoSmart eStation C510 is
expected to be made available to the public on September 20 for a
price of $399.
It's interesting to note that this
printer/tablet is running Android instead of HP's recent acquisition,
Palm's
webOS. However, HP likely hasn't had enough time to tailor the OS
for products that were already in the pipeline, so we should expect
to see webOS offerings in the future, just
as former HP CEO Mark Hurd stated in May.
