HP Sprocket
A POCKET PHOTO PRINTER
AIMED AT CASUAL users who want fun, shareable pictures on the go, the HP Sprocket is a photo printer that can fit in your pocket. The little device connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, and has a built-in battery that allows printing any time. It doesn’t need ink either — instead using ZINK Zero paper that comes out dry and smudgeproof. The photos themselves are wallet sized at 2 x 3 inches (5 x 7.6cm) rather than the usual 6 x 4 inches and have a peelable sticky backing.
The concept itself is fantastic, as it turns any smartphone into an instant camera and photo booth. Using the HP app, you can also add stickers, borders, text or print directly from social media. The Sprocket is dead simple to use — connect via Bluetooth, fire up the app and away you go. We ran out of paper before the battery ran down but HP rates it for 30 photo prints per charge. Printing a photo takes about 45 seconds and the printer holds 10 sheets.
The print quality is fine for zany happy snaps, but not at all comparable to a larger, more professional printer. That’s just fine, though, because the Sprocket is all about the experience. The little printer costs a fairly hefty $195, but is easy to find in major retailer such as Officeworks and JB-HiFi, or for a little less online.
The printer comes with 10 sheets of paper, but refills costs $12 for 20 sheets (60 cents each) or $28 for 50 (56 cents each).