New printer lets you print without turning on computer

Hewlett Packard is rolling out a new WiFi-connected printer.

The printer is connected to the internet and to a collection of specific applications: Google Maps, Fandango movie tickets, Snapfish photos, even USA Today.

“If you want to get the latest USA Today sports print out there’s an app for that.  You just touch it and you print out the page that you’re interested in,“ explains HP Project Manager Steve Smith.

All this is accomplished without turning on your computer.

The HP Photosmart with Touch Smart Web is designed to give you WiFi online connections stripped down to the basics. 

It even lets you watch movie previews and get the weather.

Smith says it is not intended to replace your computer.

“Sometimes your laptop is not booted up and you’re running out the door and you need to print the map.  So you’d go to the TouchSmart screen, touch Google Maps and boom, you have your map without having to power up your PC and you’re out the door,“ Smith explains.

The TouchSmart Web Printer goes on the market in the fall and will cost about $400. 

HP hopes to add more applications, and more reasons to print and bypass your computer.