Samsung SPP-2040

Though better known for their laser printers and fax machines, Samsung also markets a small line of 4x6 printers. Not surprisingly, they all use dye sublimation technology, which is much simpler to implement than inkjet technology.

The SPP-2040 is an especially compact model. However, its printing engine is too noisy. That's its main fault - and almost its only one, because it delivers just about everything you could expect from this kind of printer. And even more, this version ships with a USB dongle that also equips it with Bluetooth.

The printer is easy to use, though the two-inch display is not among the biggest on the market. On the other hand, we found the printing speed a bit disappointing. It's better than what inkjet printers can do, but printing times were noticeably longer than with other 4x6 sublimation printers, such as those from Kodak. Quality was quite satisfactory, with true colours and good detail. It's a shame Samsung provides no software other than the Windows drivers.

Features Connectivity: USB 2.0, Bluetooth; Technology: Sublimation; Number of colours: 4; Resolution: 300 dpi; PictBridge: Yes; Memory-card reader: Yes (CompactFlash, Memory Stick, MM, SD, SM, xD); LCD display: 2 inch; Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.4 x 2.4 inches; Paper Sizes: A6.