Polaroid, a name once synonymous with photos, has been on a decline
since before Instagram became popular. Still, the brand has been
re-invigorated and now comes attached to a nifty little photo printer called
the GL10. The GL10 is billed as ‘a slick, easy to use appliance that produces
the Classic Polaroid 3 x 4 inch prints, with or without white border, in
just 50 seconds’.
Launched in Australia a year ago, but largely unavailable due to high
demand, the GL10 prints using an inkless printing technology called
‘Zink’ (Zero Ink). ‘Zink’ print technology relies on special photo paper
that contains colour-forming chemistry which is activated during the
printing process.
At only 425g, the GL10 is small and light enough to carry around when
needed. The built-in Bluetooth is all but useless for iOS users,
however Bluetooth printing can be used from your Mac. Android users are
able to print wireless via Bluetooth using the Polaroid app, available
for download in the Google Play store. Prints from the GL10 are very durable; the ZINK paper is both
smudge-proof and comes with a water resistant coating. The rechargeable
battery is good for about 40 prints, which is more than a standard pack
of ZINK paper which will set you back $30.
Technology
Polaroid mini printers make use of patented ZINK technology,
which it claims to be the digital version of instant film. ZINK stands
for "Zero Ink." This implies that it doesn't make use of ink systems
utilized by traditional printer models. Instead, it works by using heat
to imprint an image on a special kind of photo paper. Thus, cartridges
and ribbons are no longer necessary in order to produce the colors in a
photograph. The Polaroid mini printer allows for printing in borderless
images measuring 2 by 3 inches in less than a minute.
Paper
The backbone of ZINK technology lies within the special
paper used. The paper is a material with dye crystals that come in
yellow, magenta and cyan colors. These crystals are then activated by
pulses of heat that can number up to 200 million within 30 seconds. The
paper itself can have up to a billion dye crystals, which ensures that
the images are clear and easily discerned. The paper used in the
Polaroid mini printer is sturdy enough to withstand tearing as well as
water damage.
Features
In the spirit of convenience, the Polaroid mini printer can
be attached to the camera or phone using a USB or Bluetooth. This means
that no cords or computer connections are required in order for the
printer to receive the images and print them. The printer is equipped
with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows it to produce 15
pictures when fully charged. Hence, the mini printer is named as a part
of the Polaroid on the Go series.