Polaroid ZIP
A TRULY PORTABLE PHOTO PRINTER.
LIKE A INSTANT camera for the 21st century, the Polaroid ZIP prints out photos from your smartphone even when out and about. The printer itself is pocket-sized — just 15 x 9.5 x 3.5cm and weighs 200 grams. It has a built in battery, too, and connects via Bluetooth, so can be used anywhere, any time. The printer itself does not use ink — instead relying on special thermal paper. It only has one (small) size — 2 x 3-inch photos, but they do have a peelable sticky backing.
The printer is controlled via the Polaroid ZIP app, available on iOS and Android. It also allows easy editing of pics, including creating collages and sending secret messages via QR code. The ZIP is very easy to get up and running, and a photo takes about a minute to print. It’s dry right away, and waterproof, and the printer can manage about 25 photos before it needs to be recharged.
The small photos are loads of fun at parties but the quality is very basic and works best with bright, vibrant pics. The ZIP isn’t meant to compete with a full size printer, though, and is aimed at artistic expression, rather than perfect colour accuracy.
The little printer comes with, and holds 10 sheets of ZINK Zero Ink paper. Unfortunately, the Polaroid version of the ZINK photo paper is more expensive than competitors such as the HP Sprocket, and are over $1 per photo. Combined with the $200 price for the printer itself, it’s a tough sell.