Polaroid PoGo is fun with limitations this bundle is too expensive
The Polaroid PoGo is a novel gift idea with limitations. For scrapbooking enthusiasts and kids of all ages this would be a fun toy. Be aware that pricing on this item is all over the map and this bundle is overpriced!
My impressions...
The Pro's:
+This is a CUTE little printer! Kids teens and young adults will love it.
+The Polaroid Zink media 40 Pack Photo Paper for Polaroid Pogo Cameras and Printers that is used by the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Mobile Printer (Black) comes in one size: 2x3" and loads easily into the device. NOTE: The Zink Smart Sheet (blue) must be loaded with the paper to allow the printer to work. The photos have a peel away back that allows the photos to be easily glued to any applicable surface making them great for scrapbooking use.
+This device does not use ink thus there are no cartridges to replace and the photos come out of the printer 'dry' so no need to wait to touch them.
+The size of this printer makes it ultra portable. About 4x6" and 1" thick... maybe 2 pounds?
The Cons:
-The print quality is 'fair' but not good. Of course the source has something to do with it. Uploaded photos from my camera phone were grainy but they were also low resolution images. Photos printed from my Canon camera were much sharper but all suffered from a bit of washout with poor color saturation especially regarding the blue hues. If you remember the instant Polaroid cameras you'll not be surprised however you will wish for better. Again no ink technology may just have this as a limitation and perhaps the next generation of this type of printer will be better?
-The media (photo) size is limited to 2x3". No other sizes are available and none would fit in this printer. The size is akin to your driver's license or a credit card so don't expect to be framing these photos! The media is also fairly expensive; $10 or so for 30 prints.
-Bluetooth connectivity was a bit of a problem. While my Nokia 5300 XpressMusic Black Phone (T-Mobile Phone Only No Service) was listed on the Polaroid website as being compatible for the purposes of transferring files via bluetooth and the Nokia did recognize the Polaroid PoGo after a search and putting in the passcode I could never print using the bluetooth connection. "No Connection" errors occurred repeatedly so I had to switch to the usb connection (cord not included) to do a transfer from my phone to the printer.
-Battery life is poor. The manual says charge for 2.5 hours prior to use. I charged it for 8 hours and got 8 photos before it stopped producing. I turned the PoGo on and off and then was able to print 2 more. The printer had some juice left but not much and I think you'd be lucky to get 12-15 photos printed per charge.
-Print speed was not terrible but slowed as the battery was used up. The first two came out in 35-40 seconds with the final two printing in over a minute each.
My Conclusion:
A good 'novelty' gift at the right price (under thirty dollars for the PoGo) but due to the fair quality of the prints (lacking brightness and accurate color quality) and the size limitations of the ZINK photo paper (only in 2x3) these will never replace a true photo printer. It's portability and lack of a need for ink are its main selling points with battery life photo paper cost and size and print quality being negatives.More detail ...
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