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"Very good all in one" on by Paul Zam
Pros: Solid print quality; low cost per page
Cons: Big; scans don't go to edge; not networked; manual duplex
Summary: I've had this for about 2 weeks now. Overall I am very happy. Print quality is excellent, both in color and B&W. This is an area where Canon excels in my mind. Printing is quick. ADF and scanner work well. I've printed at least 100 pages and have plenty of ink left (unlike my 'free' Lexmark which burned ink cartridges like crazy). I like the fact that there are only 2 cartridges -- one B&W and one color. Past experience with multiple color cartridges was that when one went dry, the others were only a matter of days behind. I also like the fact that you can buy higher capacity cartridges. The ADF works very well. I thought about waiting for the MX300 with no ADF, but frankly I've been surprised at how convenient I've found the ADF to be, and how much I use it. Overall this is a very solid printer.
There are a few minor disappointments though that keep this from being a 9/10. First, the scanner does not capture about 1/8-1/4" around the edges. This isn't much of a problem for documents, but it would be for pictures. --Not sure why this is the case, as other scanners I've had never had this issue. It states it in the manual so it isn't a surprise, but it is an annoyance. Second, duplexing is manual. My Canan iP4000 had automatic duplex, which was especially nice when printing from a remote computer. With the MX310, you have to print one side then flip the paper to print the other. --Not a big deal, unless you really like using duplex a lot and print remotely. Third, this is a big printer. I like the fact that I can ditch my flatbed scanner, but this printer is pretty hefty -- more like you'd have in an office than at home. As for the lack of ability to plug into a network doesn't bother me much -- but other competing printers offer this. (I've never had a problem just hooking it up to one computer, and printing from others). My final gripe is that there is a single paper tray. Again, the iP4000 had 2 trays, which was nice for loading envelopes in one and paper in the other. Now, if I want to print an envelope I have to remove the paper, adjust the guide, and adjust the thickness lever. --Not the end of the world, but it could be better.
My cons are all pretty minor (although frankly, the scanning one bothers me a bit). Overall, I highly recommend this printer unless one of the cons is something that would continue to bother you. Especially for $100, I feel it was a great buy. -
"Great Value and Performance" on by Analyst7
Pros: Excellent photo and doc printer
Cons: Subtle limitations of all-in-one color cartridges
Summary: I've owned this printer for three months, and am extremely pleased with its operation, output quality, interfacing software and compact design. The ink usage is a little expensive, but what ink isn't these days -I'm now trying the larger-capacity cartridge to see if I get more bang for the buck. I still appreciate the convenience of replacing just one color cartridge when necessary vs. replacing a single color when it runs out. Photos print beautifully, scans and faxing are very acceptable, and Canon provides a lot of creative printing options if you're project oriented. A Canon "printer solutions" box opens automatically with Windows if you command, so you have easy access to set preferences for any job, which I prefer to do from the computer vs. the printer's menu. All told, for the $90 I paid for it at Best Buy, I am very pleased with the MX-310, a printer that is off most people's radar, but shouldn't be. I can't imagine a better value out there.
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"Works well -- meet expectations/NO USB CABLE" on by ArtL7
Pros: Prints clearly; includes scanning software
Cons: NO USB CABLE PROVIDED/no alert to buy cable
Summary: This is a new Canon printer with fewer color printer inkjets, designed for text printing -- not primarily photo printing -- that prints color and b&w texts, plus has copier and scanner. It's designed for home office/small business use, and seems comparable, but less expensive, than Canon's previous budget Multi-function printer, MP530. For more details, go to www.consumersearch.com -- the review aggregator.
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"Great Value" on by lslcs4lif
Pros: Price, Full Ink Cartridges included, stylish
Cons: None as of yet
Summary: I work at a store that sells only ink and ink cartridges, and this was my choice. Mine is "refurbished" (There was a minor manufacturing defect in a batch of these. It was fixed, boxed, and we sell it for $40. It is brand new, but legally had to be sold as refurbished) Can't beat it for the price. Canon is one of only a few who sell the printer with full ink cartridges instead of "starters" that run out after only a few pages. Best bang for the buck out there. If you can find a refurb, pick it up if you can get it for $40. Heck, for that price...get it as a backup.
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"Very effective as compact multifunction device." on by OBigRondog
Pros: It's an attractive unit and performs all functions nicely. I've had the MX310 for about 2yrs. now, and haven't had a problem with its functionality. For its size, it's surprisingly quiet. I use it in my home office and it suites me fine.
Cons: It's rather large, so make sure you read the specs. and have enough space for it. As usual the unit is thirsty and uses a lot of expensive ink.