Sprocket Printer Paper...

[Titos-Lady_01]

I was considering purchasing the Sprocket Printer....too cute !   But description says it only uses the sticky paper.  Why could they not make a printer like this that would print on regular photo paper?  Not so much concerned about the size of the paper ... but this thing should be designed to use more than just sticky paper ..... REALLY ?

[WyreNut]

Hello, and Welcome to the HP Support Community!

The sprocket is not capable of using "regular" photo paper (or any other paper).  It uses "ZINK" technology which is similar to a Poloroid snapshot.

See the ZINK website for more information:  https://www.zink.com/

I agree - not everyone wants "stickers".  Perhaps HP will provide an alternative that doesn't have glue on the back!

WyreNut

[Spectre_Envy]

@Titos-Lady_01 - As mentioned by our HP Expert, Sprocket utilizes a special ZINK paper to develop each photo through thermally activated color crystals.  The printer itself actually uses no ink, which is why the paper is required.

I did want to point out that while the paper does have a sticky back, removing the liner to reveal that sticky surface is compeltely optional.  You can leave the rear paper liner on each image and use it identical to a normal 2x3" (wallet sized) photo.  The sticky backed paper does not cost you anything more over traditional ZINK media, but it's a great alternative for anyone who wants to adhere their photos in an album or other creative manner.

More information on HP ZINK sticky backed photo paper and a link for purchase can be found on Amazon here:

https://www.amazon.com/HP-Sticky-Backed-Photo-Paper-W4Z13A/dp/B01LW1AL6Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474...

Hope you decide to chose the HP Sprocket photo printer and definitely let us know if you have further questions...

Thanks!

[NNS3]

ZINK thermal paper is all the same, right? One could use the other ZINK thermal papers, which are also 2x3, available at better pricing - even in bulk buy, and simply reuse the blue calibration card? The LG pockert printers use thermal 2x3 ZINK paper, and there are considerable, more affordable paper purchasing options in those categories. I don't see why the papers wouldn't be interchangeable. Be honest and please explain why HP says that their HP ZINK paper is the paper to use. I think there are no differences in the papers.  Thanks.

[NNS3]

It's been tested out and done! If you reuse the HP Zink blue card with any ZINK paper, you can use any Zink paper! HA!

[Spectre_Envy]

Believe it or not, there is a legitimate reason to utilize HP branded ZINK photo media.  HP worked closely with ZINK to tune our specific image colors to their paper.  When you scan the blue card included in a pack of HP ZINK media, it’s properly calibrating the printer to work with our unique color processing on their media.  While you can use other non-HP branded paper, you’ll likely experience less than optimal color fidelity and/or colors that don’t match your expectations.  The calibration card is unique to each specific pack of ZINK paper, so utilizing it with another brand will not address the concern.  As you said, it will "work", but the question is whether you want the best print quality.  We understand that some non-HP ZINK paper may be slightly cheaper when purchased in a much larger quantity.  However, it’s up to you whether you want to risk the potential for poor print quality given only a slight bit of savings.  Obviously ZINK paper isn’t inexpensive, and I’ve certainly noticed the majority of customers are choosing ideal print quality with HP ZINK paper over a very minimal savings to be had with other brands.  Hope you are enjoying the sprocket!