Mobile Printers

Print from Anywhere with a Portable Printer

When you're constantly on the go, you need to be able to print from your computer or another device from anywhere. Rather than being tethered to your desk, you can use a portable printer to print photos and documents. A travel printer is small enough to pack with you in a briefcase or purse.

The size of the print is going to depend on the size of the printer; see the manufacturer site for details. You can find full-size and miniature travel printers, allowing you to find what works for you. There are a few options that you can find on eBay:

• Pocket-sized: Many of these printers will print on photo paper that is 2 inches by 3 inches in size.
• Roll: Some printers will print directly on a roll of paper, allowing you to choose the length of the final print.
• Full-size: Print on traditional 8.5 by 11-inch paper from these printers.

You can find printers that will connect to a laptop or even a smartphone. The connectivity will depend on the manufacturer and model line. Additionally, you want to choose the connection based on the device. As for the power to the printer, some have battery packs though most will still require you to plug the power cord into the wall or into a car outlet. You can connect your printer several ways, including

• Bluetooth: Connect with Bluetooth for a wireless connection without the need for Wi-Fi.
• Wireless: Use a Wi-Fi connection to print from your device to the printer without connecting any wires.
• USB: Connect the USB cord from the printer into the device that you are printing from.

Printers use various types of technology to print to paper, and portable printers are no different. You can find both color and black-and-white printers, ensuring that you have a choice on what the final printed product looks like. The types of portable printers you can find include

• Inkjet: Droplets of ink are dispensed onto the paper.
• Laser: A laser and toner drum are used to produce the image onto the paper.
• Thermal: Special thermochromic paper is used, and printing is done by heating the paper in selected areas.
• Dye sublimation: Dye ink bonds with the paper or other polymer-based printing material.

Many eBay sellers will offer a custom bundle. Regardless of whether the portable printer is new or used, it may be possible to find more than just the printer included. Some items that are often included with printers include

• Power cables
• Printer paper
• Carrying case