Hewlett-Packard Co has brought tablet to a printer. The company has unveiled a new printer with a detachable tablet. Dubbed Photosmart eStation All-in-One, the printer-tablet runs on a customized version of Google Inc's Android operating system and will be able to browse the Web as well as install specialised applications.
Photosmart eStation has a 7-inch screen and can be used as an e-reader and to move and print documents and images from multiple media devices. The printer-tablet also provides a full browser access to social media applications such as Facebook.
According to the company, the device is focused on providing access to content that can be printed, such as photos, articles, e-mail and e-books.
HP has reportedly partnered with 45 companies to offer applications that can provide access to content and print documents through the device.
However, the tablet is not comparable to other Android devices including just launched Samsung Galaxy Tab. According to Engadget, the tablet is very limited. While it does run Android 2.1, it only supports Yahoo search and there is also no access to Android Marketplace.
As for printing, HP said that eStation can print up to 33 pages a minute black and 32 in colour. It has a 125-sheet input tray, a 20-sheet photo tray and a 50-sheet output tray.
Photosmart eStation All-in-One printer-tablet is priced at $399.