All About Dye-Sublimation Printers by John Sollars
Dedicated photo printers differ from all-purpose printers as they are designed to print photos only, as opposed to text or graphics documents in addition to photos. They are generally compact in size and lightweight, and some models even feature batteries that allow you to print without the need... The term "dye" in the name refers to the solid dyes that were used in the process instead of inks or toner. ... This is the reason it is common for dye-sub printer compatible paper packs to contain a transfer film capable of producing the same number of prints.

Printer Buying Guide by Jeffrey Lawrence
Printers are essential peripherals, performing a critical role as they render electronic information into tangible records or material output. You’re simply not using your computer to its fullest potential if you are unable to print reports, presentations, letters, photos, or whatever it is you... Inkjets with a single cartridge for the colored inks will incur higher replacement costs because the cartridge must be replaced as soon as one color runs out — even if the cartridge still contains plenty of ink for the other colors.