How I used this portable, ink-free printer to declutter my workstation (and it’s 60% off)

ZDNET’s key takeaways

I like to joke that whenever someone asks me if I own a printer, I say, “I don’t need one where I live.” When they inevitably ask where that is, I reply, “The 21st century.” It’s not the best joke — and it’s not entirely true either. There are plenty of times when I do need a printer.

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What I don’t want, however, is a bulky printer that hogs precious desk space. I need something small, ideally portable — a printer I can move from room to room or even take on the go. Plus, I want to break free from the endless cycle of replacing ink cartridges.

That’s why I’ve been testing something that ticks all the boxes: a portable thermal printer. Meet the Polono D810.

Print quality doesn’t deteriorate over time

At its core, the Polono D810 is exactly what it claims to be: a printer. Thermal paper goes in one end, and your printed document comes out the other. The print quality is more than acceptable for documents, simple drawings, and basic graphics. And because it’s a thermal printer, there are no consumables beyond the paper itself.

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And unlike inkjet printers, the D810’s print quality doesn’t deteriorate over time, so you can store it away for months without worrying about dried-out or clogged ink cartridges.

The D810 is battery-powered, making it perfect for use outside the office. You don’t have to fuss with power cords or free USB ports. Even better, it’s efficient — capable of printing up to 200 sheets per charge. The printer comes with 20 sheets of paper to get you started.

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You’ll need an app called Labelnize for mobile devices, but the setup is straightforward. For Windows and Mac, you’ll need to download an installer and physically connect the printer to your computer. I’ll admit, I initially skipped reading the instructions and couldn’t get it to work. After backtracking, consulting the manual, and following the steps properly, everything worked seamlessly. Lesson learned: read the manual!  

The printer can handle letter and A4 paper sizes, and there’s a little switch on the back to switch between the two sizes.

Thermal paper pros and cons

It is important to remember that reliance on thermal paper is both an advantage and a limitation.

The pros:

No expensive or messy ink cartridges to replace.
You can store the printer for long periods without worrying about maintenance or ink drying out or clogging.

The cons:

You’re limited to thermal paper, which is more expensive than standard paper.
Thermal paper is sensitive to heat, so storage and long-term durability can be a concern.

When it comes to cleaning — or clearing a paper jam — opening the printer up is easy. There are two clips to press in, and the front of the printer will open, exposing the rollers that pull the paper into the printer. If you need to clean the printer, a Q-tip dabbed in a little isopropyl alcohol will do a good job of cleaning the muck off the rollers, paper feed sensors, and the print head.

ZDNET’s buying advice

If you’re looking for a compact, portable, and hassle-free printer, the Polono D810 is an excellent choice. It’s easy to use, saves desk space, frees you from the annoyance of ink cartridges, and is surprisingly affordable at just $70. While the reliance on thermal paper might not be ideal for everyone, it’s a tradeoff I’m happy to accept for the convenience and portability this printer offers.

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One piece of advice: If you’re installing it on a Windows or Mac system, read the manual first to avoid the setup confusion I went through. Once it’s up and running, the Polono D810 is a reliable and hassle-free companion for all your printing needs.