HP Offers Printers, Support Service for Businesses

The world's largest technology company, Hewlett-Packard, announced the addition of two printers to the company's HP Officejet portfolio, along with specialized support packages designed to provide small businesses with enhanced technical support for home and office environments.

The HP Officejet 7000 Wide Format Printer ($229) is HP's first entry-level wide-format printer with individual inks that can produce borderless prints in a variety of sizes (from postcard prints to 13 x 19-inch posters) and delivers the lowest cost per page versus in-class inkjets, according to HP. The 7000 will be available starting in July.

The HP Officejet 6000 Printer series ($89-$119) includes embedded wired and wireless networking and automatic two-sided printing, which HP says can save up to 50 percent on paper use. The 6000 series will be available in June. As part of the company's Eco Solutions program, both printers are Energy Star qualified.

HP also expanded its Total Care offerings to include new HP Officejet Care Packs and wireless printer installation services. HP Next Business Day Exchange states if an HP technician isn't able to solve an issue over the phone, the company will send the customer a replacement printer by the next business morning, round-trip shipping included.

HP Accidental Damage Protection gives customers the option to protect their printers from damage caused by drops, spills and electrical surges. If an accident happens, HP provides a replacement printer by the next business morning. The care packs will be available to U.S. customers on June 1 and can be purchased in two-, three- or four-year agreements. Pricing will range from $30 to $170, depending on length of service agreement and printer model.

Beginning July 1, HP will also offer basic and premium wireless installation services for inkjet products sold to small and medium-size business customers who might not have the expertise or time to set it up themselves. Basic wireless installation ($169) includes setting up the printer, connecting it to an existing network using secure encryption, loading and testing the driver software on up to three PCs on a network and providing an orientation for ongoing usage.

Premium installation ($329) also provides secure setup and configuration of an entire new home or office network, including router, PCs and wireless printers. The announcements come in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C.

Stacey Wueste, HP's vice president of worldwide small and medium business segment, imaging and printing group, says HP is a true technology partner to its customers, helping small businesses owners manage, protect and grow their companies. "Recognizing that small businesses are under more pressure than ever to save time and money, we are introducing these products and services to help them operate efficiently and reduce their printing costs without sacrificing quality," she says.