We take a lot of photos with our smartphones every day and that’s exactly where they stay with few people bothering to print them but the new pocket-sized HP Sprocket can change all that.
It is slightly larger than a deck of cards and connects to your mobile device via Bluetooth.
Users can print photos from the camera roll and also link their Facebook, Instagram and Google Photo accounts so they can also print pictures that have already been shared or stored in the cloud.
These 2 x 3-inch prints can be decorated with borders, emojis, text and other ornaments.
You can even you can even edit the image and apply various filters before printing.
And when you’re done, the picture can also be used as stickers if you peel off the back sheet.
The HP Sprocket uses ZINK – Zero Ink Technology – so there is no need to worry about running out of ink or buying new cartridges.
It is also portable so you can take it anywhere with you and print out your photos on the spot.
Once you hit the print button it takes about 30 seconds for your photo to appear.
There is a rechargeable battery on board so it’s a truly wireless solution.
The HP Sprocket is used with a companion app that will walk you through the pairing process and also link to your Facebook and Instagram accounts as well as access your camera roll.
It’s from here where you decide where your next picture to print will come from.
Set up took seconds and we were printing in no time.
Users can load up to 10 ZINK photo sheets at a time with photo printed using heat transfer instead of ink.
Image quality is impressive when you consider the size of the printer but obviously don’t compare to larger inkjet printers.
HP’s Sprocket is available now in two colours – black or white – and is priced at $199.
It also comes with a pack of ZINK photo paper with additional 20-sheet packs priced at $20.
VERDICT
The HP Sprocket will give you the opportunity to print out your favourite pictures from your mobile device and let you have a lot of fun doing it.
PROS: Small and compact, portable, recharge battery, connects to your mobile via Bluetooth, print your social media images and from camera roll, decorate images with frames and filters. CONS: Quality is good not great - but's all about fun. VERDICT: The HP Sprocket will give you the opportunity to print out your favourite pictures from your mobile device and let you have a lot of fun doing it.HP Sprocket
Rating - 75%
75%