A networked inkjet that prints on CDs (Canon Pixma iP5200R)

Member Name: scarysuzzy

Product:	Canon Pixma iP5200R
Date:	02/11/08 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Prints on almost anything, excellent quality, wireless

Disadvantages: Chipped ink cartridges

Bought initially to print on CDRs, a job the printer performs admirably. It also has a USB connection allowing you to print directly from digital cameras - and not only Canon cameras. What it does lack compared to similar devices is an LCD screen for previewing images. It even prints on normal plain paper, too!

Duplex mode is a great timesaver for printing large documents on both sides of the paper, a feature previously only found usually on high-end printers. That's not to say that this printer is of low quality!

Connectivity is excellent with USB, wired and wireless ethernet included. Setup is easy enough and the wireless connection supports security such as WEP and WPA.

There's something of a gotcha concerning the ink. Unfortunately Canon decided to chip the ink cartridges when this model was released, which makes obtaining compatible ink either more expensive or more inconvenient depending on the type you buy - either way, you may well be left without an ink level indicator. Full sets of original ink can often be found at a discount on the high street, however.

In summary: print quality is excellent, operation is smooth and reasonably quiet (although the printer can rock from side-to-side on less sturdy furniture) and they can probably be found going for a song these days.

Summary: A good choice for those printing on CDs who don't want to compromise on quality

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