With battery power and wireless connectivity, portable printers give you the ability to generate pictures and documents on the road. Although these printers are designed with rough treatment in mind, you can increase the effectiveness and life span of your portable printer with the proper care.

Traveling With Portable Printers
The reason you bought a portable printer in the first place is to take it with you. Portable printers, designed for life on the road, are still electronic devices. Follow these tips to keep your investment safe:

• Keep ink separate. Before you travel, pull your printer cartridges and store them away. Many manufacturers supply print cartridge protectors—if you don’t have a protector, a small plastic tub with an airtight cover will do.
• Button it up. Make sure all doors and panels are firmly shut and locked in place. If your printer doesn’t come with a travel bag, place it in a plastic bag to protect it from dust and moisture. Look for a Ziploc-type bag big enough to hold your portable printer for extra protection. Toner from portable laser printers can make a real mess in your luggage.
• Play it safe. Check your manual for the best way to store your portable printer and follow the advice. Generally, you’ll want to pack your portable printer in the same orientation that you use it. You’ll also want to avoid stacking other things on top of the printer.
• Don't forget the cables. Unless you use wireless portable printers, be sure to pack the connecting cable along with the printer. Keep everything in one place so that it's easy to find.

Keep Your Portable Printer Clean
Life on the road can be hard on a portable printer. Keeping your printer free of dust and debris will extend the life of your hardware and improve the quality of your prints. Cleaning your portable printer is easy if you follow these steps:

• A gentle touch. Clean the outside of your printer with a soft cloth moistened with water and a bit of mild detergent. Clean the inside of the front access area with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• Print cartridges. If you haven’t been on the road in a while, the heads of your print cartridges can become dry and clogged. Check your owner’s manual and run the cleaning utility before you head out. For portable color printers, make sure that all the cartridges are in working order.
• Maintain contact. Dust and debris can dirty the contacts between the print cartridge and the printer. To clean, remove the print cartridges and clean all electrical contacts with a dry cotton swab.