The Canon MX310 (Review)
For a graduation present, I received a Canon Pixma MX310 All-In-One a few years ago. I’ve used it for a few years now, and would like to share my take on the quality and features of the product and provide some kind of final verdict.
Faxing, printing, scanning and copying are features offered by the MX 310. I have used all the features rather extensively except for the fax component. I will address each in turn and then talk about some other considerations.
The print feature on the MX310 is excellent. Within minutes of opening the box, I was able to connect everything and print a test document, thanks in part to the comprehensive installation software and user manual. The print speed is pretty good and I’ve had limited trouble with paper jams compared to other printers I’ve used. The ink usage is fairly high, unfortunately, and the cartridges cannot be refilled, but replacement ink is modestly priced and can be found online for as little as $22 at a reputable dealer. For the tech geeks, it prints up to 600×600 dpi in monochrome at 22 pages/minute and 4800×1200 dpi in color at 17 pages/minute.
Copying is also easy. The document feeder holds up to 30 pages and the automatic feeder (ADF) works well. As would be expected from the quality Canon brand-name, the copies and very crisp and clear. Copying of photos on photo-quality paper produces products almost impossible to distinguish from professionally developed photos.
The scanner is of similar high quality. The scanning feature, however, has always given me cause for an issue. I have always had issues getting the printer to shift to the scan function. It will generally take several attempts of pressing the ’scan’ button before the machine ambles into the scan function. After the scanning is complete, the quality, however, is great.
I don’t have any experience with the fax component. From what I’ve seen online, opinions vary. People like the 20-number storage capacity, but don’t like how few options it has. I would really suggest you try elsewhere for information about the fax’s specific capabilities.
My biggest complaint about this printer is its size. The thing is huge. It extends over most of my desk! I can’t fit my laptop on my desk if the printer is on it. I’ve used a variety of printers, so I can also say that the printer is relatively loud. Also, when the printer indicates it is low on ink, there are actually 30-40 pages left (from my experience). It’s not very eco-friendly, and I hope it wasn’t intentional on Canon’s part.
Pros: Produces high-quality products, functions quickly and without jams.
Cons: Ink glutton, large size. Can’t use ink refills for printers.
Final verdict: 3/5. Although the printer has high productivity, I just can’t afford to keep replacing ink at the rate I do, and the large size makes it difficult to fit onto a desk. It’s a good printer, but I will be looking for smaller, more efficient models when I buy my own.
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