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parsec_kadets · Jul 8, 2003, 11:27 AM

I don't know how many noticed but Canon released a couple new printers a few weeks ago that I have my eyes on. Has anyone bought the Canon i350 yet? If so what are your thoughts about it?

For those who didn't see, here is the link: http://www.usa.canon.com/html/conCpr...;section=10213

sworthy · Jul 8, 2003, 11:43 AM

I have the previous version, the i320 and it's ok. It's exactly what a $60 printer should be. Performance is acceptable when printing documents, though if you're doing photo prints, you'll want to go at least a little higher up. If you're looking for something just to print documents and web pages you'll be fine, otherwise spend a little extra.

OreoCookie · Jul 8, 2003, 03:10 PM

I would rather recommend the i550. Faster, better output and far cheaper ink.

But hey, it's 60 $, what do you expect?

tooki · Jul 8, 2003, 03:42 PM

The more expensive the printer, the cheaper the ink will be.

Also remember that if you only print now and then (a common excuse to buy a cheap printer), you'll have to waste that much more ink cleaning it between uses -- inkjet printers need frequent use to prevent clogging. So, when once a month you print a page or two, you're chewing up 10 pages worth of ink just cleaning the heads. (The longer the printer has been sitting, the more extensive the head cleaning will be.) And on a cheap printer with expensive, small cartridges, that's easily $.50 or more of ink.

I just got an i850 and it's awesome, and uses dirt-cheap ink. $150.

tooki

parsec_kadets · Jul 8, 2003, 06:08 PM

Yeah, I'm just looking for basic printing here. I have the photo shop print my digital photos for me. Must easier and better. So this would be just for the occasional document. Probably use it to print mapquest directions the most.

tooki · Jul 8, 2003, 09:55 PM

I really don't recommend getting a cheap printer for occasional use, as you will spend tons of expensive ink cleaning the heads between uses.

If you can live without color, buy a cheap black and white laser printer. It will cost a bit more up front, but you incur no cost when it's sitting -- to a laser printer, being used after being turned off for a year is the same as after being turned off for a day.

It will save you money in the long run.

Or buy a $150 printer. It, too, will save you money in the long run. I only used my previous printer (also a low-end model) only occasionally, and ended up using more ink cleaning it than ever ended up on paper. And the ink was expensive -- nearly $60 for a set of cartridges that didn't print many pages.

tooki

tooki · Jul 8, 2003, 09:59 PM

P.S. The ink tanks the i350 uses are tiny. If you don't print frequently, you will use a large portion of each cartridge on the head cleaning.

tooki

OreoCookie · Jul 9, 2003, 02:43 AM

Tooki, the i550 uses the same cartridges as the i850 (or my S630 ...). I don't know how much it costs on the other side of the pond though.

tooki · Jul 9, 2003, 04:26 AM

::looks at package of ink cartridge for my i850::

Yup, it sure does! The i850 will just be faster and have higher print quality, but will be no less wasteful with ink than the i550.

The i550 seems to be going for $120, while the i850 is $150. I'd say that a mere $30 is well worth the i850's superior color print quality and speed, not to mention the spiffy metal lid, rather than plastic!

tooki