1.   A Sony photo printer scheduled for store shelves next month can accept and print images directly transferred to it from a camera by way of a Memory Stick.

2.   Photo printers, however, have arrived.

3.   Several camera companies have recently released photo printers that offer two huge advantages over the camera-to-PC, PC-to-inkjet routine.

4.   Sony hopes to redress the balance with a portable photo printer small enough to carry in the camera bag.

5.   The photo printer and scanner are expected to be available later in the summer.

6.   They promise to make it easy to get professional-quality prints of digital images without the expense and hassle of setting up a color photo printer at home.