The average printer should last between three to five years. But that’s only if you take care of the mini printer. These are tiny, delicate pieces of photography equipment and should be treated as such. While portable printers are hearty enough to withstand normal travel and use, if you plan on taking the printer mountain climbing or into the mosh pit, don’t expect it to last. If you notice the print quality is lacking, if you see lines and fragments in the image, or if it simply stops working, then it’s time for an upgrade. Luckily, portable printers are reasonably priced. If you get three years out of a $100 printer, that’s only $35 a year. Not too steep for a portable print shop.