Canon i860 user reviews

Pros fast, crisp text; cheap ink, excellent software, great photos

Cons just had my first paper jam in a year and a half, and had to get a pair of tweezers to get the paper out (not a lot of access to feeder)

Summary I am primarily a text printer, with the occasional photo. The photos I've printed have been excellent, and the pictbridge and photo paper feeder attachment are great base features.

On text,this thing is unparalleled at $130 (J&R, 2004). I've had multiple HP printers, and have used a Dell at work, and the i860 far surpasses them.

I just printed my wedding invitations from photoshop files, and the printer didn't bat an eye. 75 copies of invitation, reply card, envelopes, and info card, on heavy cotton-fiber paper ranging in size from 2.5"x3.72" to 5.75"x8," in color (well, brown.) Smooth, no jams, absolutely consistent excellent text quality--and all in under an hour.

The greatest advantage of this printer over it's competitor's models is the software with which it comes bundled. Not that there are a ton of bells and whistles (or at least ones that I use), but it works--perfectly. Installation was seamless, and maintenance and operation are flawlessly executed on the computer. I mention this because I have had bigger problems with other manufacturer's printer software than the actual printer, specifically HP's. Installation errors, execution issues, and freezes were commonplace with my HP printers after about 2 months.

I am overwhelming pleased with this choice of printer, and highly recommend it.

Pros fast black printing

Cons Canon seems to have a defective product line here.I purchased this printer last night and from the onset defective printing occurred. Canon Canada were called first thing in the morning and they confirmed the printer was defective and should be returned i

Pros can use inks from COSTCO

Cons none. If you want bigger prints try the i9100

Summary I have this printer so does my dad. We both got fed up with the Epson & HP, etc that rip you off with expensive ink cartridges.
Why play the inks game??

The i860 is awesome. Quality prints and can use COSTCO inks.

This printer uses an optical sensor to measure ink levels, not an EEPROM that WILL FORCE YOU to cough up another $30 for each cartridge even if you try to refill. (Most printers sadly do this). You simply get the i860 and get the refill kit from COSTCO ($16). Ink will last you a long time if you print like crazy. Quality is excellent. They sell the paper too. the inks will fade slightly (after 6 months in the sun), but you can always get archival paper if thats a concern or leave it in a photoalbum away from the sun. Most printing average people do is for documents anyways.

Never had it clog or any problems. People who have had problems with the i860 either are paid by cannon competators, are clueless, or should get a replacement. Consumer reports recommended it too.

If you want big photo prints get the i9100 (have that too). Both might be discontinued, but search on internet. Its well worth it.

Forget bells and whistles. Your saving big time on the ink cartridges.

Pros Prints well when operating correctly.

Cons Printing color gets out of balance with no way to rebalance that seems to work. Red does not print well in copy.

Summary I liked the printer at first, but it has proven to be unreliable and not very user friendly to someone of average computer knowledge.