PRINTSTIK Mobile Printer Review

Published October 9, 2008 | By Haydn

printstik whats inc PRINTSTIK Mobile Printer Review The PRINTSTIK is a fully mobile black and white printer that is, as of this writing, the smallest on the market. (yes, that tiny picture on the right, while not actual size, is the entire printer) It wirelessly connects to all Windows running PC’s and Blackberry’s. It may be the ultimate in portable printing but can the size and convenience justify the $300 price tag?

Specs:

Hardware Specs-

Printer Size: 1′ x 10.75′ x 1.5′ (25mm x 48mm x 280mm)
Weight: 1.5 lb. (.7K g) including paper cartridge
Print Resolution: Approx 200x100dpi, 200x200dpi, 200x400dpi
Print Speed: Up to 3 PPM
Print Method: Direct Thermal
Batterry Type: Lithium Polymer
Pages per Battery Charge: 30- wireless USB- 30
Charge Time: 180 minutes to full charge
Pages per Paper Cartridge: 20
Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB 2.0

printstik thermal printing b 3 75567 13 PRINTSTIK Mobile Printer Review Package Contents-

PrintStik
AC adapter/charger
Power cable
1 Cartridge of Paper
Driver CD
User Guide
Carrying Case
Battery

Design:

According the PlanOn the PRINTSTIK is approximately 1′ x 10.75′ x 1.5′. FYI that’s small. Small enough to fit in most laptop bags. If you want to go the ackward route, you can fit it into most pants pockets but it’s not best to have a large bulge on the front of your pants whilst in public. It weighs 1.5 lbs (‘including paper cartridge!’ the box exclaims) and feels extremely solid and high-end. It doesn’t feel too light or cheap at all (a very pleasant surprise). Great design and great feel.

Tech:

The PRINTSTIK is a thermal; printer meaning that, unlike most printers you use at home, this uses heat instead of ink. This may seem like a HUGE (money saving) pro but due to the high cost of the special paper needed, it is more of a con. According to the box it prints three pages per minute which I’ve found to be fairly accurate through my test runs. It also claims to print 30 pages per charge (which takes about 150-180 mins) but I couldn’t test this as the paper that comes with it is only 20 sheets. The print quality is passable for whatever reason you’ll have to print something in the car. It’s not great but it’s good enough. I’ve got a big disappointment for all you Mac users and users of cell phones that aren’t Blackberries, THE PRINTSTIK WILL NOT WORK FOR YOU. As of now it only works for Window’s PC and Blackberry phones. The box claims to work with all computers and smartphones but these options will only come from updates being released at an unknown time.

Content Quality:

The retail price for the PRINTSTIK is $300 dollars. Before you freak out just listen, it does not work with anything but Windows and Blackberry’s but this is something that only businessmen will need and most businessmen use Windows and have Blackberries. They knew their demographic when putting this item out. I can’t see myself being in a car and saying, ‘Gee golly! I need to print something but I obviously cant be bothered to reach my destination to do it. Oh wait! I just got this handy new PRINTSTIK! All my troubles have fluttered away!’ but then again, that’s just me. If you’re an average joe, this printer is definitely not for you but if you found my monologue strangely similar to your own experiences, then the PRINTSTIK is perfect for you.