If there is any photo accessory that can win friends and influence people it’s the portable photo printer. Indeed, these cute compact critters are the ideal answer to that age-old admonition “I never see all of those pictures you’re always taking.” And rather than asking tech challenged grandma or uncle Fred to log onto their computers to see your latest pictures of Jack’s soccer goal or the new baby, you can simply hand them a print—instantly. You can think of it as a 21st century version of the classic Polaroid print, or a great gift that is, in effect, a more permanent form of social interaction.

Portable printers have sold steadily for years, and the original concept is pretty straightforward—a lightweight, compact, dye-sublimation printer that can turn out high-quality 4x6 prints in under a minute, can operate on battery power as well as AC for printing in the field or at outside events, and has a small LCD screen for previewing the images. Typically these units can print images off a USB-connected computer or other device, or by inserting the memory card into a built-in, multi-slot card reader. The idea is to take it along to grandma’s house, family events, parties, sports matches, etc. and hand everyone instant prints of your best shots—especially those that include them.

Technology has increased the appeal of portable photo printers on several fronts. The latest dye-sub prints are far more archival than those of even a few years ago. Canon claims that prints from its Selphy CP800 Compact Photo Printer will last “at least 100 years” and Epson asserts that prints from its Epson PM225 Charm are “fade resistant up to 200 years.” They’re pretty fast too—the Canon turns out a 4x6 print in 47 sec, and the larger, heavier Epson can do the same in a claimed 37 sec.

Perhaps even more fascinating is the ZINK (short for “zero ink”) system of printing pioneered by Pandigital and Polaroid in their compact printers. It works in conjunction with ZINK paper, a composite material with imbedded cyan, yellow, and magenta dye crystals. Before printing, ZINK paper looks like regular white photo paper, and the printers use targeted heat to activate and colorize these crystals and produce a full-color print that will “last for decades.” ZINK technology requires no ribbons, toner, or inkjet cartridges, but ZINK paper is understandably more expensive than plain photo paper ($15.99 MSRP for 40 sheets of 4x6).

Perhaps the greatest benefit of inkless ZINK technology is that it enables new printer designs that are smaller, lighter, and even more portable. By eliminating the need for the printers that contain the ink source, it has, in effect, created an entirely new compact printer category—the pocket-sized mobile photo printer. Example: The Polaroid CZA-10011 POGO Instant Mobile Printer (street price: $39.95.) It measures 4.7x2.8x0.9 inches, weighs 8 ounces without paper and is designed to print 2x3-inch photos in 60 sec each, and do so wirelessly, using a Bluetooth-enabled camera phone! It’ll turn out up to 15 prints per charge using its built in 7.2V Li-Ion battery or you can plug it into an AC outlet. A 30-sheet pack of “smudge-proof, water- and tear-resistant” POGO ZINK paper goes for $7.99 and the prints feature a peel-off, sticky back for easy mounting on flat surfaces.

If you think that’s cool, Polaroid has teamed up with (who else?) Lady Gaga, who considers herself “a visionary, not just a songwriter and singer” to create the Polaroid Grey Label line which will include the Polaroid GL10 Instant Mobile Printer that uses “a second generation” of patented ZINK paper. Like the POGO, it’s an extremely small, mobile device that boasts an “intuitive design and easy-to-use feature set” but it produces Polaroid Classic Border, full bleed and contemporary 3×4-inch photos in under a minute. Weighing no more than 15 ounces, the GL10 printer will be able to connect to most cell phones that provide Bluetooth support, and if you decide to connect it to a digital camera or computer, there’s a USB port. The primary power source is an internal battery claimed to be able to print up to 40 images before it needs recharging. Apps for the GL10 Instant Mobile Printer on other mobile platforms are slated for introduction throughout this year. The GL10 recently went sale at an MSRP of $144.99. If all this innovation and buzz motivates you to look into these ingenious accessories for yourself, here’s a handy guide to what’s on the market.


Portable Photo Printer Roundup

Canon SELPHY CP800: This popular compact turns out borderless or bordered 4x6 dye-sub prints with up to 16.8 million colors in 47 sec, features a 2.5-inch tilt-up LCD, has color balance and exposure adjustments, red eye correction and Portrait Optimization functions. It connects via multiple memory card slots, PictBridge, USB, USB flash drive, or optional Bluetooth v2.03. The CP800 measures 4.7x 2.3x 6.7 inches, weighs 2.0 pounds, is powered by AC of an optional NB-2CP2L battery pack. Street price: $79.99.

Epson PM225 PictureMate Charm: This cute, chunky unit has a built-in carrying handle, and turns out hi-res (5760x1440 dpi) borderless 4x6 prints in only 37 sec using 4-color dye ink, and can print stacks of photos. It features a 2.5-inch LCD display, slots to accommodate most memory cards, runs on AC power, is PictBridge enabled, and Bluetooth capable with optional adapter. An optional battery pack is available for printing on the go, and there’s on-board editing, cropping, red-eye removal, a choice of layouts, and a black-and-white option. The Charm measures 13.5 x 9.1 x 10.5 inches and weighs 7.9 pounds. Street price: $149.95.

Pandigital Photo Printer with ZINK Technology: This sleek, flat super-compact unit prints borderless 4x6s or two 2x3—inch wallet sized prints on ZINK dye-imbedded paper. It features a 5-in-one memory card slot, a 1.4-inch LCD screen, it’s PictBridge compatible, and offers a USB 2.0 port for printing from computers and other devices. Tray capacity is 20 sheets, and print time is 40-60 sec. The Pandigital Photo Printer measures a petite 1.5x8x6.75 inches and weighs 1.75 pounds. MSRP: $119.99.
 

Polaroid CZA-10011 POGO Instant Mobile Printer: Optimized for use with wireless devices, and slightly larger than a smart phone this baby prints 2x3 photos on ZINK dye-embedded paper photos using a thermal printing process, and operates wirelessly using Bluetooth-enabled mobile camera phones. Other features: USB 2.0 A connector, 7.2V Li-Ion power source or 100/240V AC. The POGO can print up to 15 prints per battery charge at 60 sec per print. It measures 4.7 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches, slides easily into a pocket, and weighs in at a mere 8 ounces without paper. Street price: $39.95.