Print on the go gains popularity at Gitex

Why stop at taking the perfect selfie when you can spend less than a minute or two to print it?

Shoppers at Gitex seem to be asking themselves the same question as the popularity of small portable printers is at an all-time high.

HP's entry into the world of 'pocket printers' revolves around their Sprocket Photo Printer. Priced at Dh499, and available in white and red, the tiny printer is roughly the size of a small wallet. Users can download the HP Sprocket app, and then print pictures from their mobiles using Bluetooth. The app allows users to touch up their photos with filters, stickers, and emojis.

"It's really small and cute," an interested shopper at the exhibition noted. "It will be really fun to have at parties or outings."

The Sprocket prints on ZINK 2x3 inch sheets which come with a peel off sticky back. The printer comes with 10 sheets as a starter kit, and replacements can be bought from all major retailers.

Another portable printer that is proving to be popular with shoppers is the Canon Selphy CP1200 Wireless Compact Photo Printer. Available at the Sharaf DG stand, the printer is priced at Dh399 and comes with a packet of 54 sheets of printing paper. The printer can be connected to a computer, mobile device, memory card, or USB flash drive for printing; and also allows users to customise their images with a selection of borders and effects.

However, when it comes to cool retro devices, Fuji's Instax Mini cameras reign supreme with their bold eye-catching colours and nostalgic Polaroid feel. Priced at Dh349 at the Jumbo stand, the instant cameras have been a huge hit among users. Sharaf DG also has a few models on offer, with a bundle deal for the Instax Mini 9 that costs Dh389 and comes with 30 free sheets of printing paper.

Source: Khaleej Times