In an age when devices are getting smaller and cheaper, it makes no sense to keep a goliath printer and scanner combination machine. In many ways, the printer and scanner combination is indispensable. The device aids in completing tasks varying from simple home projects to large corporate endeavors. One would think that such utility occupies a large space and mass. Contrarily, products featuring compact design abound.

A portable printer and scanner lines the shelves of nearly every home office supply retail store and online office supplier. They are not difficult to find any longer. These machines are smaller than laptops, and on occasion out-perform the bulkier and heftier counterpart.

The product is ideal in cramped space. Nearly everyone has been in a situation where a large sized printer or scanner cannot fit. These range from dorm rooms or apartments to small office desks. It is even possible to travel with these compact printers and scanners. Weighing less than a pound, they easily fit in a computer bag or luggage. Consider this option for the next business trip. One never knows when they will have an emergency printing or scanning task.

The portable printer and scanner is often easier to use than the conventionally large competitor is. Massive printing and scanning machines feature complicated functions that have little use for most projects. These extra functions, buttons, and settings may lead to confusion. The smaller printer and scanner is the most user friendly. It usually has only a power button and a switch to distinguish printing from scanning.

One popular quality in a compact device is the retractable USB cable. It keeps the cable internal, and out of the way. In many models, there is no need for a power adaptor because the main energy source is the computer or laptop. This frees the area of a Medusa inspired tangle or wires, especially when traveling.

Keep the design of the product in mind when making the purchase. Many of the models are built very well and are sturdy. There are some that are not. If you plan to travel with the printer and scanner, especially flying, you may wish to opt for a sturdier model. Always ensure that the printer and scanner is checked with your laptop to avoid damage.

The only drawback to these small devices is paper feed. They usually do not have automatic paper feeds and the pages must be inserted by hand one at a time. There is a guide to ensure the pages are straight. In every situation that I used my portable printer, I did not mind having to hand feed it. This only becomes a serious problem when having to print documents of a large size.