It's been easy to overlook some of the innovations coming out of the RepRap community as of late.

Between regular MakerBot releases and announcements for new types of printers like the B9 Creator and Form 1, as well as a steady stream of big company announcements, the system that helped launch the home 3-D printer market has been a bit overshadowed. A couple new machines deserve attention though, offering unique features that the more mainstream devices don't have.

One of those printers is the $699 Portabee ($480 unassembled), based on the RepRap Wallace, which brings low cost and portability to the 3-D printing market.

Overall, the specs are what you would expect in a low-cost machine. A 120x120x120 mm (4.75 inches) build volume makes it competitive with other printers in its price class, but is still less than half the volume of the new MakerBot Replicator 2. The heated build platform helps prevent model warping during print jobs, but the bare-bones case design also increases the chance of accidental burns and damage during transport. The Portabee uses 3 mm filament and a 0.5 mm extruder nozzle — both good specs, but moving toward obsolescence with higher-resolution 1.75 mm filament and 0.4 mm nozzles becoming more widespread.

Don't call it the iPrint Air, but Portabee is aiming for a super-portable design. Photo: Portabee

While the Portabee might not lead the market in most categories, it is definitely among the most portable. Daniel Warner, one of the project creators, says, "Just a simple thing like taking it to your friends place to demonstrate an actual 3-D print is really convenient. During the engineering phase we did have the option of producing another big, lumbering 3-D printer, but we grew more attached to the concept of portability and minimalism as we progressed." Their goal was achieved — not only does the machine weigh in at a paltry 6.2 pounds, it also folds down flat.

Another option for the budget- and space-constrained comes from PrintrBot. The $399 PrintrBot Jr is a kit-based system that has been stripped down to the bare minimum — it only prints PLA plastics and has a plywood build platform, but is an accessible option for children.

The case might be a bit rustic for James Bond, but the 3-D printer inside is Q-worthy. Photo: PrintrBot

The $1,499 PrintrBot Go has more impressive base specs — 200x185x150 mm build area (339 cubic inches compared to 410 cubic inches for the MakerBot Replicator 2). The base unit is limited to 3 mm PLA filament, but can print ABS with an upgrade to a Printrbot heated bed. What really sets this printer apart is its integrated "spy-worthy" attaché case.

Both solutions lack the polish of the FoldaRap, but stand apart from that machine by being available in kit or fully assembled form, not just a list of parts to be purchased.

If you're looking for a lightweight way to get started with 3-D printing but don't want to drop $2,000 on a Makerbot, these might be just what you need.