SiPix Debuts Portable Printer

SiPix Inc., the digital imaging company that Palm invested in recently, has announced the new Pocket Printer A6. It uses thermal technology so there are no ink cartridges but special paper must be used. The A6 runs on batteries and weighs less than 14 ounces (with batteries). Palm handhelds can send print jobs via the infrared port to produce 400 dpi 4 1/8" wide printouts. The printer will ship to retail channels at the end of the month at an MSRP of $150.

The A6 uses continuous feed paper or single sheets and a roll of SiPix high-quality paper is included with each printer. It can print approximately 2ppm. Users can print memos, addresses, to do lists, mail, or date books using the included I/S Complete IrPrint software.

For power, the printer uses 4 AA alkaline, rechargeable batteries or the included AC adapter. Its exact size is 5.85" x 4.25" x .992". The energy saving feature automatically shuts off the printer after 3 minutes of non-use. It is available in both solid black and translucent cool blue.

According to Kristy Holch, principal analyst at InfoTrend Research Group, "The Pocket Printer A6 is a first. While other printers have existed in the portable arena, none have truly targeted PDA users. Vertical users and mobile professionals now have a solution for on-the-go hard copy. SiPix is demonstrating its capabilities in the imaging device space with this new concept."