Six Factors in Selecting Your Own Mini-Printer

On August 25, 2010, in Small Portable Printer, Tech Product Reviews, by GuestPoster

In buying your very own small portable printer, you must keep in mind that there are factors that you have to consider before you hand over your credit card, so follow along with this tech review.

Budget. The price of a travel printer can be as low as $200 up to a whooping $1500, depending on the brand in question. You must also keep in mind that the expenses don’t end in the purchase of the printer. You have to regularly buy ink cartridges (for bubble-jet printers) and specialty paper (for thermal printers). Moreover, you have to buy a carrying case to protect your printer from any physical damage during travel.
Functionality. Do you need a portable photo printer, or could you go with a black-and-white printer? Depending on the primary function you want your printer to do, you need to be able to characterize its printing functionality.

Battery life. A travel printers’ battery life is reasonably long: a printer can print as much as 450 pages, depending on the brand, before needing a battery recharge. However, thermal printers can only print an approximate of 100 pages before recharge. You can always buy an extra battery in case you need to.

Speed. Thermal printers print faster than any kind of travel printer. It can print a full Letter-sized page for as fast as 23 seconds. However, there are other printers that can print as fast as 50 pages per minute.

Connectivity. Travel printers can print minus the wires! All you have to do is make sure that your laptop has Bluetooth, USB ports, or WiFi, and that your operating system is compatible with your printer. Compatibility lessens the hassle during situations where printing should be done immediately.

Weight. Printers can weigh as little as 11 ounces, but these types of printers usually have lesser features. Most travel printers that are a bit heavier are laden with more assets that could become useful for you.

Choose the right kind of printer for you. Keep in mind these factors and soon you’ll be travelling with that small portable printer in your bag.