Summary: Print MS Word Documents From Your Palm -- Anywhere
Comment: As a heavy user of word processing on my Palm via DataViz's Documents to Go 4.0 (available from Amazon) which allows me to download -- and work on -- MS Word files on my PDA, I was anxious to find a means to print these Word documents directly from my Palm -- without having to synch and output from my PC. Additionally, if the printer were also portable, that would be even better.
The Sipix Pocket Printer A6 -- along with the Docs to Print and IR Print software programs (both available from doctoprint.irprint.com as either a free trial or to purchase) -- fit the bill quite nicely.
The Sipix A6 printer is just a little bit larger than the Palm itself. It runs on AA batteries and receives its info from the Palm via infrared (IR), which makes it totally cordless. The Sipix also uses thermal imaging, which eliminates the need for ribbons or ink jet cartridges, which is convenient; but it does require the use of specially coated A6 size thermal paper, also available from Sipix (and Amazon) in either rolls or sheets. (I use the latter -- and carry a little stapler with me -- since it lays flatter and looks much neater.)
The basic Sipix A6 software (also from IR Print) that comes with the unit, only allows one to print entries from the Palm Calendar, To Do, Memo and Address functions, which in itself, is only mildly useful.
To do more, here's what you'll need to install on your Palm:
Docs To Go (DataViz) + Docs to Print + IR Print*
* The more enhanced version of IR Print available from their website.
Once all three of these are installed, you'll be able to print Word documents, not only to the Sipix A6, but also to all of the IR capable models from HP (such as the DeskJet 990 series) and from Canon (including the BJC line of portable ink jet printers), which is really cool!
Being thermal, the print quality of the Sipix unit is, unfortunately, rather crude; and the speed is rather slow (especially when compared to regular laser and ink jet printers). But the Sipix is still the smallest portable printer available today for my Palm. And I carry it -- along with a slim box of A6 paper -- everywhere with me in my briefcase.
I use the Sipix to print rough drafts of my work (including product reviews such as this one), which is wonderful, since perusing a printed copy -- especially with multiple pages -- is still easier than scrolling up-and-down a miniature screen.
The Sipix printer, as a watch-out, does have a tendency to drain four AA alkalines rather quickly. As a remedy, I've switched to the new AA size Energizer photo-lithium batteries, which cost a little more, but last many times longer.
With my Sipix A6 printer, I can now print Word files directly from my Palm -- whenever and wherever I need it -- which is truly a dream come true!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Perfect for small jobs!
Comment: I bought this printer about a month ago,just because I thought it was so cute...however, once I got it I realised that it was a lot more than that. It is perfect for those moments where you would normally be using a pen and scraps of paper. I use it for work out on the field all the time- I get ideas on the ride, then print them out when I get there. It's really a must-have if you're constantly out of the office and don't want to be banking on the fact that there's a printer where you're going.
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