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3 Best HP Small Printers for Mobile Printing
Daniel Horowitz
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April 24, 2020
Mobile printing has become a more popular option for all kinds of users because it allows for more freedom. When you’re no longer tethered to bulky printers, you can create documents and produce photos from just about anywhere.
Portable printers are ideal if you’re required to move around often for work, school, or pleasure. Whether you are printing photos for your business or want to produce documents in the field, a mobile printer provides the flexibility you need.
In this article, we’ll explain what a mobile printer is, the benefits of this more compact device, and how you can choose the best small printer for you.
What is a mobile printer?
Mobile printers are lighter and more portable compared to their bigger, office-bound counterparts. And they allow you to conduct business or print out essential documents from just about anywhere.
Mobile printers aren’t just compatible with your computer, either. Any device that allows you to view documents and images, such as your smartphone or tablet, can likely be used with a mobile printer. Files can now be shared across a variety of devices thanks to cloud storage, which makes it easier than ever to print those same files from anywhere.
What types of mobile printers are available?
Just as there are many different types of home or office printers, the same holds true for portable printers. This can make it tricky to choose exactly what works for you and the type of documents you print.
Size is an important consideration because you will most likely be taking your device over long distances. And someone who is expecting to print off standard-sized documents might need an entirely different device than someone who plans to print photos on-demand.
1. Document printers
Document printers are the most common types of mobile printers, and they are designed for businesspeople on-the-go. These printers also deliver a high-quality print job even rivaling traditional printers, which can be necessary if you want to impress clients or co-workers. They often only allow you to create documents in standard letter size (8.5 x 11.0 inches), so you may want to look at other options if you plan to print documents with different dimensions.
2. All-in-one printers
All-in-one mobile printers are more versatile due to the fact that they often include a scanner, which can be helpful if you are conducting business deals and need signatures. You can print small photos and labels on some of these devices as well. They also make it possible to print documents outside of the typical standard letter size.
How do I choose the right mobile printer?
When choosing a mobile printer, you need to think about its main purpose. Will you use it often or only on rare occasions? Knowing the answer to that question alone can help you to narrow down which model will suit you.
Environmental factors
Mobile printers are exposed to varying locations and conditions that regular printers do not have to deal with. Rain, heat, dust, and cold can all affect your mobile printer, so think about those factors before you make a purchase. A good way to know whether or not a mobile printer can withstand your demands is to see if it was tested against specific conditions, such as extreme temperatures, dust, and such.
Battery-powered or not?
You should also consider how you plan to power your device. Some mobile printers require plugging into an outlet, while others use a rechargeable, portable battery. Each has its benefits, so just think about how and where you plan to use your printer. For example, if you doubt you’ll be close to an outlet, the battery-powered option is your best bet.
Ease of use
Not all mobile printers are easy to use, and if you plan to distribute them among your employees, you’ll want to make sure that they’re simple to operate. Users may need to learn some new skills, like how to change the cartridges and batteries or fix a paper jam.
The easier your portable printer is to operate, the better it can be for your business because it saves you and your employees valuable time. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to rely on tech support in order to print documents or photos. This applies to maintaining the device as well.
Printing speed
Printing speed is a big factor when choosing your mobile printer, too. If you print basic, standard letter-size documents, then almost any printer should suffice. But labels and photos can take more ink and printing time, which can cause problems if you don’t want to keep your customers waiting. Your mobile printer may also need to extract data from a computer in order to format your print projects, so how you want to submit this information to your print queue can be essential in your decision.
Customer support
Just as you should with any new investment, it’s best to find out what kind of support your mobile printer will have. HP mobile printers come with customer support and warranties that help you handle any technical issues you may experience, whether your printer is damaged in transit or an employee is simply learning the basics of their new device.
Technical support can be especially helpful when your company relies on mobile printing as a core function of business.
3 best HP small printers for mobile printing
Finding the right mobile printer can be a challenge, but it is a lot easier when you choose an option from HP®. These devices are built to last and can handle a number of different types of print jobs to keep your business moving.
1. HP OfficeJet 200 mobile printer
The HP OfficeJet line has been a favorite choice for businesses for years, and thanks to new technology, it’s a leader in mobile printing as well. With a print speed of up to 10 pages per minute with black ink, the HP OfficeJet 200 mobile printer instantly impresses. Plus, it has the highest ink cartridge page yield in its class.
With a long-lasting battery life, this printer was designed for telecommuters and professionals on-the-go. It has security software included as well, so you don’t have to worry about hackers gaining access to essential documents. And it’s small enough to fit in your commuter bag.
The HP Auto Wireless feature allows you to connect to any WiFi network, whether you have your laptop or not. You can use your smartphone for more portability, and the large control panel provides complete control over your print jobs. This printer also has fast-charging capabilities, so you can get back to printing in no time.
Additional features:
- ENERGY STAR® qualified
- Lightweight at 7.94 lbs
- HP Dropbox, HP Google Drive, and Microsoft DotNet included
2. HP OfficeJet 250 mobile All-in-One printer
Just because you choose to go mobile doesn’t mean that you can’t have all the functionality of an all-in-one printer. The HP OfficeJet 250 mobile All-in-One printer’s easy setup means you can start printing within a few minutes of taking it out of the box. The 2.65-inch color touch screen allows you to easily print, copy, and scan with full control.
The HP OfficeJet 250’s 10-page automatic feeder means you can handle larger jobs as well as smaller ones. It’s quiet, too, which makes it possible to get work done outside the office without bothering fellow commuters or mobile workers. Plus, the included WiFi Direct and Bluetooth Smart technology gives you all the tools to create high-quality print jobs while impressing clients in any location.
Additional features:
- 10 pages per minute in black
- Long-lasting battery with 90-minute recharge
- Up to 50 copies at one time
3. HP Tango smart printer
The HP Tango smart printer has everything you need to complete your modern office space. You can print, scan, and copy with this small device that you can take just about anywhere.
With the HP Smart app, you can connect your HP Tango to multiple devices to print a variety of projects, including emails, web pages, and photos. Thanks to its functionality and design, this is our pick for the best small mobile photo printer.
It also has dual-band WiFi, which keeps your connection to your printer strong, no matter where you choose to print from. The included cloud software makes it possible to share files across multiple devices, and voice-activated printing means you can start and finish your projects without so much as even looking at your printer. It’s also compatible with HP Instant Ink, a subscription ink service that takes the pain out of ordering replacement ink cartridges.
Additional features:
- Save on ink with HP 64 ink cartridges
- Receive notifications when completing print jobs on your phone or smart device
- Ability to print borderless photos
In summary
Mobile printing has opened up new opportunities for small businesses and users who need to print while traveling. With HP®, you know you’re getting a powerful and reliable device that can help you impress clients and get the job done from wherever you are.
About the Author: Daniel Horowitz is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Daniel is a New York-based author and has written for publications such as USA Today, Digital Trends, Unwinnable Magazine, and many other media outlets.
