Normally, when we think of a desktop printer, we think of a printer that places ink on paper at least 8.5 inches wide. But printing and computing technology is consistently getting smaller. So, wouldn’t it make sense that printers, along with computers, would stay the course of popularity by getting smaller and smaller? A brand new Kickstarter campaign for the Pocket Printer was recently launched. The Pocket Printer is a tiny computer that rolls around using an omnidirectional wheel system, and inkjet technology; created by students from the Jerusalem College of Technology, and Zutu Labs. This Roomba-like approach is brand spanking new. Able to print on any size page you desire, not only is this design portable, but any on-the-go document you may need printed is now possible.

Zutu Labs is offering the lil’ gadget for only $180 for early birds, and $200 as the regular launching price; ready to ship in January. It is built on top of a wheeled robotic platform, giving it the ability to “glide print”. The wheels carry it around a piece of paper for very precise movements, printing anything one could imagine. Just as an example of how efficiency meets its size, it can complete an 8.5 inch x 11 inch page in only 40 seconds. Its internal lithium polymer battery runs on USB, is rechargeable, and lasts a full hour. The cartridge is capable of printing about 1,000 pages before the ink needs to be replaced.

Luckily, Bluetooth-enabled computers will automatically recognize the Pocket Printer and be able to use it immediately. Zutu Labs currently has an Android and iPhone app in the making, which will let you print any unexpected PDF from your very own smartphone. Zutu Labs designer Jonathan Stein says, “We looked at printers today, and we saw big bulky boxes with the printhead inside moving left to right…then we thought, ‘Why not just take the printer out, and put it on a robot?’”. It’s almost surprising why this hasn’t been created before. The only known limitations so far include its speed of about 1.2 pages per minute, in comparison to 10+ pages per minute with a regular desktop inkjet printer. That last statement must sound silly. The thing is a tiny rolling object, and 1.2 pages a minute sounds quite satisfying for something so small.