HP launches Hotspot LaserJet Pro multi-function printer for Rs 18,306

Technology major Hewlett Packard (HP) India launched its latest AOI (all-in-one) printer called Hotspot Laser Jet Pro multi-function printer with internet hotspot in-built in it, on Tuesday. The all-in-one printer from HP is priced at Rs. 18,306.

The printer which allows the user to print, scan, copy and fax, now comes with mobile printing technologies. These include HP ePrint, HP Wireless Direct and Apple Airprint. The company has also given the provision of an in-built internet hotspot targeting potential customers from small business (SMB) set ups and small office/home office (SOHO) set ups with its new all-in-one printer.

According to Nitin Hiranandani, Director-Printing of HP India, the internet hotspot feature which is added to the printer allows small business set-ups to run a fully functional office with the capabilities of printing, scanning, faxing and accessing wireless internet with the help of a single printer. He said that HP constantly tries to reinvent the printer, with its latest HP Hotspot marking an important milestone in the company's innovation legacy.

The printer takes the role of a router or hotspot and also connects other devices via wireless LAN (Local Area Network). ‘Plug and print' feature of the printer helps install the printer in no time without the help of a CD installation.

According to the research firm IDC, the printer market is being driven by the service industry and also small business set-ups and is growing at the rate of 30% year-on-year. The firm has observed that HP is the reigning leader of the printer market having a market share of 45.7% in the second quarter of 2012.

Canon and Epson follows at the second and third positions respectively. Canon has a market share of 19.5% while Epson has 11.4%.
IDC also noted that HP's hard copy printers stood at a count of 8,02,063 units during the same quarter, having a growth of 9.2% year-on-year.