Wireless Portable Printer
Portable printers are becoming increasingly popular, not just with busy executives who are always on the road, but also with a new generation of users, who are printing pictures from digital cameras and cell phones wherever they happen to be.
The latest line of compact wireless portable printers from all manufacturers offer incredible quality and convenience in a tiny package.
The two main types of wireless technology available in travel printers are:
- IrDA
- Bluetooth
IrDA stands for Infrared Data Association and is a standard for communication between devices (such as PDA's, cell phones and portable printers) over short distances using infrared signals.
Blue tooth as I'm sure most of you are aware is increasingly used in Cell phones and PDAs for setting up wireless communication between headsets, GPS units and in this case portable printers.
Almost all portable printers above the base models will have IrDA and an increasing number are now offering Bluetooth as well, either built-in or through an add-on module. IrDA has a high throughput but only works over a meter or so, needs direct line of sight, and is prone to light interference. Blue tooth on the other hand works over a longer distance and does not need a direct line or sight, nor is it affected by light interference.
When we looked at four new portable printers recently this is how the wireless compared:
- Canon Pixma iP90 - IrDA and Bluetooth (bluetooth is an option)
- HP Deskjet 450wbt - IrDA and Bluetooth
- Pentax PocketJet3 - IrDA only
- Brother MW-140BT - Bluetooth (but IrDA on the MW-100 model)
Ideally if you're buying a new wireless portable printer look for both IrDA and Bluetooth built-in (or at the very least the availability of a Bluetooth module to add in the future). Now get out there and get printing!