Sure, the digital age allows us to send and receive photos online without having to print and scan them. Still, nothing beats the feeling of reminiscing moments through printed out photos.
Design 5.0/5.0
The HP Sprocket printer comes in very classy white, red, and black colors. I got to test the white version that comes with rose gold accents on the logo and edges—just how I like it. The box contains the HP Sprocket printer, a set-up card, USB cable, and a packet of sticky-backed photo sheets. The printer is about the size and weight of a phone which makes it pretty portable. It sits perfectly in your palm, allowing your finger to press the on button without much effort. On top of the Sprocket are two LED indicator lights and the charger port. The left LED light blinks in white to tell you that the printer is on, while the right LED light turns red when charging and green when fully charged.
Hardware 4.5/5.0
This gadget boasts convenience for its Zero Ink Technology supported by ZINK photo papers—no actual ink needed! With this, you can print instantly anytime, anywhere. It supports 2 x 3 inches (5.0 x 7.6 cm) images and prints them colored in 313 x 400 dpi. With Bluetooth 3.0, you can connect your tablet or smartphone and print photos through the HP Sprocket App. You can even personalize the photos with a variety of filter options, stickers, and texts.
Whether you’re an Apple or an Android kind of person, you can download the app via the iOS App Store or Google Play.
User Experience 3.5/5.0
The printer and app were easy to use that even a non-techie person like me can operate it. In fact, I loved it—all the stickers, border designs, and the changeable font styles brought out my inner child. Also, it gives you access to photos from your social media accounts or directly from your gallery.
However, what was really disappointing was the colors and quality. The printer makes the photos look darker, warmer, and kind of dull. Plus it’s grainy with faded lines. The colors from the stickers, borders, and fonts print well but the filters? Not so much.
To cap the whole experience, I enjoyed editing. The print quality and color was a bit disappointing, but if you prefer warmer tones to your photos, the HP Sprocket is for you.
Value 4.5/5.0
With a price of PHP 8,400 from HP’s website, I think it’s a bit pricey given the photo color and quality. However, it can be found for as low as PHP 7,400 via Lazada which I find more in line with the gadget.
Bottomline
Print photos as instant as posting them!
Also published in Gadgets Magazine October 2017 issue
Words by Anne Patricia Cardeño