Dell launches inkless printer range

Dell's Wasabi PZ310 uses paper embedded with dye crystals

Dell has launched a new range of inkless printers aimed at the mobile user. The Wasabi PZ310 Photo Printer, from third-party supplier Zink Imaging, uses paper embedded with yellow, magenta and cyan dye crystals.

The colours are then activated by heating millions of tiny thermal probes on specific sections of the paper to create images.

"The Dell Wasabi is the fourth product available using the Zink technology, with many more on the way, including those capable of making larger prints," said Wendy Caswell, president of Zink Imaging.

The 4.8in x 2.8in x 0.9in printer weighs just seven ounces and can print via Bluetooth from laptops and mobile phones.

It can print images up to 2in x 3in, and the paper comes with an adhesive backing so that the images can be used to create stickers and point-of-sale material.

Zink was spun out of Polaroid, which developed the thermal printing technology used in some of its photo printers.