Picking up where we left off, we take a look at the Imaging and Printing Group’s newest offerings, in this second part of HWM’s coverage of the recently concluded HP Big Bang event held in Hong Kong. For a look at part one, please follow this link.

For the Imaging and Printing Group, the sheer number of models, features and technologies threatened to overwhelm, but these can be broken down to three main focus-points for HP. Among the many new printers, a defining feature was conspicuous although it was a simply an additional ink tank to the standard 4. The 5 Ink Technology is available in the D5460, C5380 and C6380 PhotoSmart Inkjets.  The 5-ink technology gives these printers an additional laser-quality black ink cartridge, along with the capability to print at resolutions up to 9600dpi. Printers like the C5380 All-in-One offers additional usability with its optional Bluetooth accessory, and performance is not ignored, as evidenced in these printer’s rated speeds – 23ppm in color for the C4580, up to 30ppm Color prints on the C5380, and 31ppm color, or 18 seconds flat for a 4x6 photo, for the stand-alone D5460 printer.

                                            Christopher Morgan, SVP of the Imaging and Printing Group poses in front of the whole armada of new releases from HP.

Another amazing feature found in select models is the ability to send print jobs wirelessly, such as to the C6380 and the C4580 All-in-One printers. This seemingly obvious feature is implemented so seamlessly that you will soon find it hard to imagine printing the old way once you’ve tried it. This technology, or rather this smart application of existing wireless trends eliminates wiring problems, multiple PC usage of a single printer, and eases the printing process by offering Bluetooth wireless for easy printing from mobile devices – optional on the C6380.

                                             Just a select few of the printers released during the event.

Improved utilities tie into the new hardware to present a smooth and easy printing experience to the customer – HP’s PhotoSmart Essential, now at the 3.0 version, has a new interface that simplifies printing, cutting down the steps required while maintaining the multitude of options for a most specific print situations. The mission of the new PhotoSmart Essential software is to Edit, Organize, Print, and Share, all as quickly and easily as possible.

                                             The HP C6380 has a preview LCD, wireless capability on top of the usual All-in-One capabilities, and costs only $199 or P8900.

                                             The D5460 on the other hand boasts of an economical 5-ink systemfor long term savings on top of its affordable $99 or P4400 price tag.

HP has long made clear that for them, features are meaningless without the accompanying sense of responsibility when they manufacture and sell their products. This is evident in their implementation of the Eco Highlights Label, a program that helps the customer understand the environmental attributes of a particular product. Specifically, this label can immediately tell the customer essential recycling information for when the time comes to dispose of the device, as well as list down information like energy efficiency and power consumption for the benefit of concerned individuals. All this is part of HP’s drive towards a more environmentally-conscious company, and this program’s implementation in various products during this event, particularly in the HP PhotoSmart printers C4580, C5380 and C6380, show just how serious HP is when it comes to environmental initiatives. Note that putting an “Eco Highlight Label” on any of HP’s products underlines the fact that most if not all of HP’s products already have a level of recyclability and energy efficiency – a good indicator of their serious stance in environmental responsibility.

                                             The HP C5380 has all of the features of the C6380 except for wireless capability, and cuts the price by $50, ending up with a P6500 price tag, for an All-in-One! Note the eco highlights to the right.

                                             If P6500 isn't low enough, then HP has the perfect answer in the F4280 - with a mere P3500 retail price.

                                              The D2560 is the expected fast-mover locally, with its price of $49 or around P2200. This will be a sure hit in and around the local bargain tech centers.

Although HP’s focus on customer care and ecological responsibility is important, for many consumers what appeals more is the hardware, and it is evident that HP is keeping an ear cocked for customer trends and consumer needs, and responding accordingly with the appropriate products. A very good example of this is the introduction of the Vivienne Tam – designed Mini Note PC, which entices two important camps at the same time – the fashion conscious and/or ladies, and the tech heads like me who are starting to wonder what the currently unrevealed processor (and other general specifications) of this new Mini Note might be. For the ladies, this newfangled “Digital Clutch” will combine high-tech leanings with “China Chic”-inspired design seen on catwalks around the world. The red hue and the peony flowers in all honesty holds little appeal for me, but I am intrigued on whether this new version of the Mini Note will be noticeably more powerful than its predecessor. I’ll be watching out for the specs of this soon-to-be-release product, and hope that a somewhat less flowery design will also be released.

                                            It looks nice, but I'm more interested in what's inside - don't be a tease HP! This Vivienne Tam designed Mini Note will be placed in various non-IT stores for demonstration purposes, part of HP's "Alternate Experience" program.

Another area where HP has listened to its customers and responded is in the area of Notebook power. Notably, the EliteBook 6930p, which was covered here some posts back. The 6930p has a hefty 12 cell battery that is able to power the laptop for a whole day and night, answering many a traveller’s fervent wishes for more lasting power and more usability from their luggable PCs. Considering that the 6930p is a fully featured laptop and not some pared-down netbook with less functionality makes this piece of news all the more amazing.

                                             A winning smile from the model who doesn't need to plug in even once during the day to demonstrate the 6930p Notebook.

                                            HP EliteBook 6930p specifications. Hopefull, real life conditions will not stop this EliteBook from living up to its claims.

Finally, in an effort to further connect with the customers and have a better presence worldwide, HP is rolling out 7500 new stores in 1000 cities around the Asia Pacific region, bringing about the total number of stores to an even 25000 retail partners. HP Experience stores are also to be introduced – these are stores that encourage the customer to engage more deeply with the products, presumably through trying and testing and resulting in a more informed decision on the part of the customer. Also being implemented are the HP Alternate Experience Stores that set up HP technology in none – IT stores to reach the increasingly tech-conscious consumer that frequent these establishments. An example of an Alternate Experience Store would be the Vivienne Tam shops or booths, which will have the Vivienne Tam Mini Notes set-up and displayed so that shoppers can try them out and discover how well this trendy “Digital Clutch” will match with their purchases of other fashionable pieces of clothing.

                                             Two Hong Kong beauties.

So you see, HP’s Big Bang is hardly just a product launch event; it’s a chance for the world’s biggest PC manufacturer to reconnect and re-commit themselves to the customers, taking into account their needs and feedback. It is also the perfect event to tease and entice journalists like us with products that will be launched “soon, but not yet” in the Philippines, and products like the (rumored) improved Mini Note PC, and innovative products like wireless capable printers and genre defining PCs like the TouchSmart IQ PCs. Watch out for the local release of these products -  a lot of these are surely making its way to the Philippines as we speak! Following are some more pictures of interesting products we encountered during the event.

                                             The 5-ink system adds another black cartride to the usual black-CMY mix. Also introduced were larger cartridges for heavy jobs.

                                              A screenshot of HP's PhotoSmart Essential Software, newly streamlined and redesigned for easier use.

                                             Already have a printer, but want to have wireless capability? HP is also making available this conversion kit for hooking up your printer to your network easily without needing to buy a new printer.