I need to start printing work orders in my van. I would like something that operates on 12vdc and can print from my phone or laptop. Any suggestions?

I was looking for a portable printer at one time too, but gave up. All of the portable ones I found cost 4 times as much as a regular printer, used special ink cartridges and had a terrible page count to ink use.

I ended up buying a cheap HP LaserJet P1102W printer and a true sinewave inverter. Something in the 1500 to 2000 watt range.

I found a Canon IP100 for less than $100.....then I had to buy a battery for another $80. It's great because once the battery is charged, it lasts for weeks on standby. It has a bluetooth option, but I've not had good luck trying to use it. I'm trying to go the eBay route for a cheap interface, but for now, I can only print via the USB port from my laptop.

I'm still using my starter ink, but the consumables are about $40 for 2 cartridges. Except for the size, a full-sized Canon inkjet is less money, usually on sale for about $60 and the ink prices are comparable. It has a wireless print function. I print to my friend's via my iPad.

Carl

How would a small inverter for the truck price out?

Sam

Always cheap. I'd spring the $25 for the 400 Watt/800 peak unit. https://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=inverter

Also, except it's even pricier, the Canon ip110 has WiFi.

Carl

You need to be careful with those inverters as they are modified sinewave ones and electronics don't normally like that type of sinewave.

The Hp LaserJet has a power draw of around 8 amps which means you need a 1000 watt inverter at the minimum to cover the power on surge