Perhaps the greenest printer of them all

It's disturbing to see trees being felled to make paper, worse when most of us just print on one side of the sheet. Although duplex printing function is slowly being introduced into more inkboxes, we still have to buy more paper when the tray is empty.

This shouldn't pose a problem for Toshiba which has developed the B-SX8R. This printer can erase the contents on the paper, ready to be printed on again. The revolutionary idea works on the basis that certain mixtures of pigments change color when heated to a particular temperature. This is different from the technology Xerox employed by using ink that fades after a period of time.

The formula used in the B-SX8R turns black at 180 degrees Celsius, but between 130 and 170 degrees it is white. So by subjecting the paper to heat, the ink "disappears".

While the trees are being saved, we have to think about our wallets--this cocktail of pigments and chemicals definitely won't come cheap. Also, the heat required to operate may make the printer consume more energy, which contributes to carbon emission. While this inkbox won't save the Earth, at least the trees can heave a sigh of relief. For now.

Via Techeblog
Photo credit: Techeblog

Are you a perpetrator of workplace printer abuse?

According to a new survey released today, about 60 percent of the Canadian workforce is making personal use of their office printer.

The survey, conducted by Angus Reid Strategies for Samsung Electronics revealed that a large majority of Canadians who work in offices with high volume laser printers aren't using them for memos and work-related e-mails, but rather for personal letters, color photos, and even *gasp* resumes! The study breaks down the percentage of people that print out random documents:

Read more »

HP's newest multifunction printer includes a built-in DVD drive

The HP Photosmart C8180 isn't cheap, so we wouldn't recommend you throwing down US$400 for this multifunction unless you're an amateur photographer who needs a top-notch printer and won't mind waiting more than a minute for each photo.

We just finished testing the C8180 (full review), and we were impressed by its built-in LightScribe drive. LightScribe is a direct disc-labeling system that uses lasers to burn an image directly onto the disc. The LightScribe system is meant to eliminate the smudges and peeling that inevitably happens with sticker labels, and the fact that Hewlett-Packard decided to include this proprietary method in the c8180 speaks to the popularity of the media. Feel free to insert your opinion: Do you use LightScribe yourself or do you prefer the old sticker way?

Unfortunately, the c8180 isn't without its faults. First, there's no auto-document feeder, so forget about scanning and copying stacks of paper. Second, the printer is so slow we recommend you pick up a hobby to occupy your time while you want for the tray to spit out your photo. We ran our standard speed tests and the c8180 couldn't even print one photo per minute! The standard rate came out to about 0.66 photos per minute; like we said, slow. Good thing the prints themselves look great because HP would have to be crazy to think anyone would wait more than a minute per photo if it were anything less than flawless.

C8180 is already being available from November 2007 in Australia, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand and Singapore. While China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan available since March 2008. (HP Photosmart C8180 is known as the HP Photosmart C8188 in China and India).

Via CNET Crave

Polaroid's inkless printer to launch

Polaroid's Zink (a.k.a. Zero Ink) printer, which we Craved about back in January, has a launch date. Mark July for the pocket-sized printer if you happen to be near a Best Buy or Target outlet on your next US visit. It'll probably mosey along to Asia eventually. But if you can't wait, the pint-sized PoGo could yield savings on those costly ink cartridges as it employs an inkless technology. Not only that, with US Customs now getting stricter on luggage weight, the palm-sized PoGo will barely put a dent on baggage allowance at just 226.8g (8oz).

According to the specs, the PoGo outputs 2 x 3-inch prints with sticker backs at 60 seconds per full-color printout. It'll work with camera-phones via Bluetooth and digital cameras through PictBridge. The Zink photo paper, which is waterproof, tear-proof and smear-proof, is expected to cost 33-40 US cents per print; US$3.99 for a 10-pack; or US$9.99 per 30-pack. The printer, which works both with a battery or charging cable, will retail for US$149.

Source and picture credit: Polaroid Newsroom

Xerox digital-printer ink works on almost anything

Xerox gave a sneak peek recently at its cured gel ink for digital printers that works on a large variety of materials from foil to super-slick plastic to cardboard.

Xerox's ink, previewed at the print industry trade show Drupa in Germany, is aimed at taking a bite out of the estimated US$400 billion offset printing market.

The cured gel ink, with its peanut butter-like consistency, is heated up and becomes a thick liquid, similar to motor oil. The liquid squeezes through the printheads and onto a printing surface, such as a piece of paper, foil or plastic. As the liquid cools, it reverts back to a peanut butter-like consistency and is then shot with a pulse of ultraviolet light to harden the ink.

"Today digital systems shine in many applications, while offset presses are selected for others. The ability to print on nearly any surface will bring a world of new applications within the reach of digital printers," Steve Hoover, director of the Xerox Research Center, said in a statement.

The ink is currently in the research mode and no timetable is available for when it may hit the market, said Bill McKee, a Xerox spokesman. But he noted: "When we introduce something at a commercial trade show, we're committed to offering it to the market."

Currently, the challenges in getting the cured gel ink to market comes down to having the ink react accordingly, no matter what type of surface it's printed on, whether it's a cardboard box or a glossy magazine, said Jim Larson, Xerox Inkjet program manager.

Via CNET Crave

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (897)

» Digital Cameras (509)

» Notebooks (609)

» PC & Peripherals (672)

» Handhelds (321)

» Printers (47)

» Home AV (605)

» Music & Play (494)

» Gadgets (1113)

» Future Tech (216)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads