Back in September, I wrote about the Dell Wasabi portable photo printer that uses Zink ("zero ink") paper. I was excited about the possibilities such a portable printer could open. I am disappointed to write, however, that there is a problem. It seems that the Zink paper does not hold images well over time. The colors on prints from the Wasabi were a little weak to begin with, but three out of four prints that have been attached to my computer's monitor are now almost devoid of color. They look like proofs on Polaroid 672. The fourth one looks roughly like a Polaroid 600 with its dull colors. I don't know if they degrade because of exposure to air (they come in sealed packs) or ultraviolet light or if they simply break down chemically over time. Regardless of the mechanism at work, my enthusiasm has faded with the colors.

I have a Polaroid Pogo printer that also uses Zink paper but I haven't had a chance yet to try it. I don't know if the colors are any better than the Wasabi's or any more durable. I'll let you know once I get around to checking it out.