The Hindu Business Line : HP expands product range

Mr Ravi Aggarwal , Vice-President , Imaging & Printing Group, Hewlett Packard India, launching a range of products in the Capital on Tuesday. - - Kamal Narang

New Delhi , Sept. 14

RIDING on a strong performance in imaging and printing categories in April-June quarter 2004 as per research firm IDC, Hewlett Packard today announced the expansion of its consumer product portfolio with the launch of three new digital cameras and new printers.

The company also expects to maintain or exceed the industry growth rate of 15 to 30 per cent across various segments in 2004.

"We are accelerating a shift from single function devices to all-in-ones. We are also encouraging increased use of colour printers in offices. Our new products complement these trends," Mr Ravi Aggarwal, Vice-President - Imaging and Printing Group, HP, said at a news conference here.

According to IDC quarterly market tracker, in Q2 HP led in all imaging and printing categories.

The company has notched a 73 per cent market share in lasers (overall), while in the case of Monochrome lasers it has cornered a 72 per cent market share.

Its market share in the Laserjet printers ranges from 66 per cent to 93 per cent, while that in the colour laser market was 89 per cent.

Elaborating on the new product launches, Mr Aggarwal said, "Some of the technology features of HP digital cameras include adaptive lighting technology, in-camera red-eye removal and panoramic view."

HP has also launched an all-in-one PSC 1315 with functionalities such as printing, scanning and copying, at a price tag of Rs 4,999.

With this, HP has also lowered the entry-level barrier in this category as the lowest price product in its all-in-one portfolio was PSC 1210 priced at Rs 5,999.

To expand its reach, the company also plans to open outlets in smaller towns. HP increased its retail outlets to 2000 last year and now plans to add 700-800 new outlets in a year's time.