HP Sprocket Select Instant Photo Printer REVIEW: A Long-Term User’s Perspective

The HP Sprocket Select Portable Instant Photo Printer (Eclipse) has been a constant companion for years, and I’m eager to share my extensive experience with this handy device. This review covers its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value for different users.

Before diving into my detailed HP Sprocket Select review, let’s consider the broader landscape of portable photo printers. Many crave the instant gratification of tangible photos, especially in the digital age. However, choosing the right printer depends significantly on your needs and expectations. Are you a casual user looking for fun party favors or a dedicated scrapbooker needing high-quality prints? A portable photo printer might suit you if you want immediate gratification, are comfortable with slightly lower resolution, and prioritize portability over image perfection. If professional-grade prints are essential, a larger, more sophisticated printer might be a better investment. Factors like print size, connectivity options (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), paper type, and app integration are key considerations before making a purchase. For example, if you’re a travel blogger who wants high-resolution images, this HP Sprocket Select may not be ideal; higher-resolution, although more bulky, printers might be more suitable. Carefully consider your budget and how frequently you intend to use the printer before investing.

HP Sprocket Select Portable 2.3x3.4" Instant Photo Printer (Eclipse) Print Pictures on Zink...
  • Print 30% larger photos in an instant – Connect with the HP Sprocket app using Bluetooth, and...
  • Exclusive fashionable photo features – Curate your photos with the HP Sprocket app, and access...
  • Personalize your prints – Take a picture of your own doodles and turn them into custom stickers,...
  • Tag-to-print – Easily find and print social media photos from your smartphone—hashtag a photo in...

Introducing the HP Sprocket Select: A Closer Look

The HP Sprocket Select Portable Photo Printer promises instant, smudge-proof, water-resistant, and tear-resistant prints using Zink technology. It boasts a sleek, portable design and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Unlike some competitors, it prints slightly larger photos (30% larger than the original HP Sprocket), making it a great option for those who want bigger, bolder images. Compared to other portable photo printers, the HP Sprocket Select sits in the mid-range in terms of both price and print quality. The included 10 sheets of Zink paper (2.3×3.4″) are a nice touch to get you started. While it lacks the higher resolution offered by some more expensive models, its compactness and ease of use make it an attractive choice for casual users and those seeking a fun and convenient way to print photos.

  • Pros: Portable, easy to use, instant prints, smudge/water/tear resistant prints, fun augmented reality features, prints slightly larger photos than original model.
  • Cons: Lower resolution than some competitors, prints sometimes have a slight color cast (often described as pinkish), limited battery life, occasional paper feed issues.

Exploring the HP Sprocket Select’s Key Features and Benefits

Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the HP Sprocket Select is remarkably simple. Download the HP Sprocket app (available for iOS and Android), connect via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to print. The app’s intuitive interface makes navigating easy, even for those who are not tech-savvy. This straightforward setup process was a significant plus for me, as I’m not particularly tech-inclined. I appreciated the instant connectivity and user-friendly design.

Print Quality and Zink Technology

The HP Sprocket Select utilizes Zink technology, meaning no ink cartridges are needed. While this is incredibly convenient, it does impact the print quality somewhat. The resolution is lower than that of inkjet printers, resulting in less detail in complex images. I found that the colours were sometimes slightly off; there’s often a noticeable pink hue, especially with lighter colors. It’s not a deal breaker but something to keep in mind. Pre-editing photos to correct color balance before printing can greatly improve the results. Nevertheless, for quick snapshots and casual prints, the quality is perfectly acceptable and the sticky-backed nature of the paper is a fun and practical bonus.

App Features and Editing Capabilities

The HP Sprocket app offers several features that enhance the printing experience. You can add borders, filters, stickers, and even create collages directly within the app. The augmented reality features are a fun addition – scanning printed photos can reveal hidden videos or additional content, adding an interactive element to the photos. While the editing options are not as extensive as professional photo editors, they’re more than enough for casual use and adding a personal touch to your prints. For simple edits, it’s extremely convenient.

Portability and Design

True to its name, the HP Sprocket Select is incredibly portable. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to slip into a bag or pocket for on-the-go printing. The sleek, modern design is appealing, making it a stylish accessory as much as a functional tool. The rechargeable battery is sufficient for printing several photos on a single charge, although I did find that I needed to recharge it more often than initially anticipated. For extended printing sessions, keeping it plugged in is a good idea.

Paper Handling and Occasional Issues

The printer uses HP ZINK sticky-backed photo paper. Loading the paper is generally easy, although I occasionally experienced minor paper feed issues. The printer sometimes struggled to recognize the paper correctly, requiring me to re-feed the paper. This wasn’t a frequent problem, but it’s worth noting. The paper is relatively expensive compared to standard printer paper, a factor to consider in your ongoing costs.

What Other Users Are Saying About the HP Sprocket Select

Online reviews generally reflect my experience with the HP Sprocket Select. Many praise its ease of use, portability, and fun features. However, the color accuracy and occasional paper jams are recurring themes in user feedback. While some users find the slight color cast acceptable, others find it frustrating. Most agree that the printer is ideal for casual printing and crafting projects but perhaps not for applications demanding high-quality prints.

Final Verdict: Is the HP Sprocket Select Right for You?

The HP Sprocket Select is a fantastic option for those who want a fun, portable, and easy-to-use instant photo printer. Its convenient size, quick printing speed, and creative app features make it a perfect tool for documenting memories on the go, creating personalized gifts, or adding a unique touch to crafts. While the print quality isn’t perfect (the slight color cast and lower resolution are drawbacks), the convenience and overall user experience outweigh these minor issues for many. If you’re looking for an instant gratification method for printing photos, and don’t require studio-quality prints, then click here to check out the HP Sprocket Select and see if it’s the right fit for you. The benefits of instant, sticky-backed photos and ease of use make it a worthwhile purchase for many, despite its limitations.