You love your digital camera, but you hate waiting until you get back to your PC to print out your pictures. SiPix can speed that process with a new photo printer and digital camera, unveiled at PC Expo/TECHXNY.

The PocketColor 200 photo printer produces instant snapshot-sized photos. It attaches to the company's SP-1300 digital camera to offer instant photos on the go. The devices cost $US179 each.

The SP-1300 is a 1.3 megapixel camera that includes a 1.8-inch LCD display and 2x digital zoom. Photos can be taken in three resolutions: 1600 by 1200, 600 by 1200, or 800 by 600.

The camera offers some basic features, such as manual exposure control. It also features some special effects, such as black and white or sepia tones, but it's basically a point-and-shoot camera.

You can store photos on the camera's 4MB of internal memory or on a CompactFlash card. The camera weighs just over 9 ounces and stands at 4.8 high and 2.8 wide.

Put it on paper

The PocketColor 200 includes a USB cable, which allows you to print photos directly from the SP-1300. The printer will not work with any other digital camera.

It uses thermal colour transfer technology, which heats colour-treated paper to bring the photo out onto the page. The printer weighs 10.5 ounces and prints 2.15 by 3.55-inch photos, but the actual image size on the photos is 2 by 2.5 inches.

You can also print photos from a PC.

The printer includes a paper and ink cartridge--when you've used all 20 sheets of paper, the cartridge has run out as well.

Additional packages cost $US10 for 20 sheets and a cartridge, or $US25 for 60 sheets and a cartridge. The PocketColor 200 comes with an AC adapter, travel pouch, and a CD with the image software MGI PhotoSuite III and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The PocketColor 200 is easy to use and easy to carry, but the tiny size of its photos and its low resolution might make you want to print your treasured memories elsewhere. It works well if you want simple and quick documentation, say for insurance, or you just want instant gratification.