Are you in the market for a portable printer and scanner? If so, you’re going to want to stick with the major brand names. In this case, I’m referring to Canon specifically. While it would be tough to go wrong with Hp, Brother, or Epson, Canon is the leader in this area. They’re also well aware of different markets and budgets, which has led them to design different models for different people and different situations.
As is the case with any type of printer, there are going to be a plethora of options, but if you want to stick to high quality, then pay close attention to this article. I’ll only be doing brief reviews for two Canon models, but there should be enough information for you to make an educated decision.
Canon PIXMA iP100 Mobile Photo Printer
[easyazon-image-link asin="B0012W9APQ" alt="Canon PIXMA iP100 Mobile Photo Printer" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41gQQLeshQL._SL160_.jpg" align="left" width="160" height="160"]The first model to cover, and the one that I’ll focus on most, is the Canon PIXMA iP100 Mobile Photo Printer. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many consumers, this is the best portable printer out there. This model has a ton of features, but what stands out most is the print quality. Resolution of photo prints can reach as high as 9600 x 2400 dots per inch, which is by far the best you’re going to find for a portable printer. Those impressive numbers are the primary reason this model has a 4.5 of 5 customer satisfaction rating. That said, there are other impressive statistics and features as well.
The Canon PIXMA iP100 can print up to 20 pages per minute. This is about average for a desktop, but well above average for a portable machine. It can also produce a borderless print in 55 seconds. The iP100 can hold up to 50 sheets – also impressive for a portable printer. This model supports legal, USB, and infrared connectivity. Bluetooth is optional. You will have the ability to print directly from digital camera or wirelessly from a PC, PDA, or camera phone.
The PIXMA iP100 uses a 5-color ink system and 1,856 nozzles. This has everything to do with the amazing quality. An ink cartridge for the Canon PIXMA iP100 costs $17 and will get you 249 pages, which is a great value.
An Auto Image Fix feature will adjust exposure, color, brightness and contrast. You don’t have to do anything to ensure high quality prints. It’s all taken care of for you. One of the best aspects of this machine is that it’s extremely easy to set-up and use. The only real negative is that it doesn’t come with a carrying case. Its dimensions are 2.4 x 12.7 x 7.2 inches. Canon listed its price at $250 but you may get it at a much lower rate at Amazon for $194.
[easyazon-image-link asin="B003HJ114A" alt="Canon imageFORMULA P-150 Portable Document Scanner (Scan-tini)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31qNZj61teL._SL160_.jpg" align="left" width="160" height="129"]The Canon imageFORMULA P-150 Portable Document Scanner is a personal document scanner that works perfectly well with the Canon PIXMA iP100 Mobile Photo Printer. Its compact size, simple use, and advanced feature-set takes document capture beyond the walls of the office to just about anywhere. The P-150 Scanner combines productivity, practicality, and value in a sleek, portable design.
The imageFORMULA P-150 Scanner is what makes the iP100 a more powerful portable tool in the everyday life of the business executive, professional or even a college student. Available at Amazon for around $265.
Canon BJC-50 Portable Color Bubble Jet Printer
[easyazon-image-link asin="B00000JH71" alt="Canon BJC-50 Color Bubble Jet Printer" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/614C42512JL._SL160_.gif" align="right" width="160" height="68"]If you want a cheap portable printer, consider the Canon BJC-50 Color Bubble Jet Printer. It is quite difficult to get an old model like this one new, but at Amazon, you may be able to get it used at around $73.
It won’t give you as much in return as the Canon PIXMA iP100 Mobile Photo Printer can but it is a good option if you want something very light – it weighs 2.1 lbs. This model can print 5 pages per minute. It’s compact, easy to use, and easy to carry. An IrDA port allows you to print without cables. One downside of this old model is that you can only scan if you purchase the IS-12 scanning cartridge separately. You have to be constantly on the look-out for this cartridge as it is currently not available on Amazon. The other is that this model only feeds one sheet at a time. However, this can be improved if you purchase an optional feeder.
The Canon PIXMA iP100 Mobile Photo Printer is obviously the better option. If it’s within your budget, it’s highly recommended. You will not find a better portable printer and its compatible scanner on the market.
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