Apparently, the name of this diminutive camera (PoGo) is an abbreviation of the term ‘Polaroid On The Go’.  It certainly lives up to that, this being one of the smallest cameras that you’ll ever use and it lets you print photos just about anywhere.

It uses a new technology known as ZINK ‘Zero Ink Technology’ in order to provide prints that require very little time before being handled, shown and given to friends.  The images that it prints really do dry extremely quickly indeed.  It can also print directly from many cameras and mobiles.

Camera Phone

The Polaroid PoGo™ Digital Instant Mobile Photo Printer is the easiest way to print photos from a camera phone. Wirelessly transfer images from a Bluetooth-enabled camera phone to the Mobile Printer and print instantly. Using the built-in OBEX (object exchange profile) Bluetooth in the phone and the printer, connecting and printing becomes instant.

Digital Camera

Instantly printing images from a digital camera is as easy as connecting the USB cable to the PictBridge-enabled camera and printer. Once connected, follow the PictBridge screen on the camera display. Simply select what image to send to the printer and within 60 seconds, the print is ready to be shared.

What you get when you buy the Polaroid PoGo Printer:
• 2” x 3” borderless, sticky-back prints
• Bluetooth, PictBridge compatible
• Smudge-proof, water-resistant, tear-proof photos
• Fade-resistant, long-lasting images
• No waste – no ink cartridges
• Prints in about 60 seconds
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

How does Zink work?
ZINK™ stands for Zero Ink™ – a new and simpler approach to printing where high quality, colourful, durable and affordable prints are magically created – all without a drop of ink. The ZINK Technology, invented by ZINK Imaging, encompasses both the ZINK Paper™ and the intelligence embedded in every ZINK-enabled device. Over 100 patents and patents pending were generated in the development of this breakthrough technology.

The heart of this new “ZINK” category of printing is the ZINK Paper™. The patented ZINK Paper is an advanced composite material with embedded yellow, magenta and cyan dye crystals, activated with 200 million heat pulses, in 30 seconds, in a single pass. With 100 billion crystals in a 2×3″ print, the paper is 100% inkless. A ZINK-enabled printer uses heat to activate and colourize these crystals. Because there is no ink, every ZINK-enabled device has the unique benefits of being small, simple, elegant, and eco-friendly.

Perhaps the only real criticism of this tiny printer is that it doesn’t work with some mobile phones and digital cameras.  If you’re considering purchasing it, I would certainly take a look at this list before going to buy.  You just might find that it isn’t suitable for the purpose that you had in mind.

Here are the specs of the printer:
Mobile Printer:   Size 120mm (4.7”) H X 72mm (2.8”) W X 23.5mm (0.9”) D Weight 8 oz (without paper) includes battery Battery 7.2V rechargeable lithium-ion.  15 Prints per charge at 25 C Battery is replaceable User Interface 2 Tri-Colour LED indicators AC Adapter 9V output Universal Input 100V to 240 VAC.  Printer will print when plug into the AC adapter Connectivity Bluetooth (Class 2) OPP USB 2.0 USB A connector Print Speed 60 seconds per print, from send to share.

I certainly think that the PoGo is a great idea, and the small prints it produces are very attractive.  It seems to be one of those that are great for the gadget freak but you probably wouldn’t want to replace your larger desktop printer with it.

Related posts:

The Human Printer: unique artwork from photos
DIY CD Printer
Self Replicating Printer
Motorola ZN5 for “free” this weekend
Flickr Prints

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