| Hewlett-Packard announced it will launch a new generation of internet-enabled printers as it continues it efforts to expand the market for the devices.
It will unveil five laser jet machines that can deliver online services without going through a personal computer.
One of the simpler services will be toner cartridges that can send out email and pager messages when they start running low, then automatically order replacements.
The higher-end of the range includes embedded web servers that allow the machines to receive print requests over the internet, through web-enabled mobile phones and handheld computers as well as PCs.
HP is currently testing the devices in airports, hotels and other public places where travelers can use their web phone to order print jobs on the run.
Carly Fiorina, chief executive, said the aim was to “take printing to the heart of the internet. We think by doing that, we can not only generate greater growth from that business but greater profitability and penetrate new markets,” she added.
The releases are among the first fruits of a broad restructuring of HP’s imaging and printing systems business — responsible for about 42 per cent of revenues. Overall sales of inkjets and laser printers have slowed this year as the slowing US economy weighs on consumer and corporate technology spending. Back in December, HP said it was counting on its printing unit to grow 12 per cent in 2001, in line with the overall market. | 
