HP launches plug and play printers; Shuffles enterprise execs

Hewlett-Packard is promising that you won't have to worry about CDs or drivers to install a printer.

The company's HP LaserJet Pro line features "printing in as little as two minutes" by connecting a USB cable to any laptop, PC or netbook. HP calls this easy installation Smart Install, but you really have to wonder what took so long. Printers should have always just worked with anything with a USB port.

HP said the printers that feature easy installation include the HP LaserJet Pro P1100 series, the HP LaserJet Pro M1130/M1210 multifunction printer and the HP LaserJet Pro P1566/P1606dn. These printers, which turn themselves off when not in use, are aimed at small and mid-sized businesses. Prices range from $129 to $229. HP also rolled out a mobile scanner to scan documents in the field.

Separately, HP reshuffled executives in its enterprise business. The company appointed Thomas Hogan as executive vice president of sales, marketing and strategy for HP's enterprise business. Hogan used to lead HP's software group.

Among other moves:

• Francesco Serafini will become executive vice president of HP's emerging markets unit. Serafini was the president and managing director of HP Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
• Jan Zakak will take over for Serafini in HP EMEA.
• Richard Geraffo Jr. will become managing director of the Americas for HP. Geraffo joins HP from VMware where he held a similar title. Geraffo replaces Tom Iannotti, who now leads HP's enterprise services unit.
• Doraisamy Balu, senior vice president and managing director, HP Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), will retire June 30. He will be replaced by Piau Phang Foo, who led HP China.