Value MFD good, but not great: PIXMA MP130
- — 14 July, 2005 07:53
The Pixma MP130 is Canon's answer to Epson's $209 Stylus CX3500 MFD (multi-function device), and weighs in with a bundle of great features for a fairly modest $199.
It may not be the most robustly built MFD, but the MP130's specifications are more than adequate and Canon's micro-nozzle technology promises strong print quality.
Unlike the CX3500, the MP130 doesn't have a true high-speed graphics mode. Even at the fastest setting, it can manage only 3.3ppm (pages per minute). For any sort of quality and realistic colour you're looking at around 1.1ppm, compared with 1.9ppm for the Epson.
The colours are bright and vibrant, though, and on text work it proves superior to the Epson. Strong output is possible at a zippy 6.8ppm. Scanning is basic and a bit slow, but the quality is reasonable. A 300dpi A4 picture takes 42 seconds, and 600dpi takes almost four times as long.
Verdict For text printing, this is a good alternative to the Stylus CX3500, and the memory card slots are welcome. As an all-round MFD, however, it doesn't quite keep up with the Epson. When you take the price difference into consideration, the Stylus becomes a clear first choice.
Canon Pixma MP130
Price: $199
Vendor: Canon
Phone: 1800 021 167
URL: www.canon.com.au
Specifications: Max print resolution 4800x1200dpi; optical scanner resolution 1200x 1200dpi; quoted print speed B=18ppm C=13ppm; actual print speed B=8.7ppm C=3.3ppm; supported interface types USB 1.1/2.0; 433x423x276mm; 5.4kg; print life (pages) B=140 C=140; flash memory drive; 1-year warranty
Features: 6 Value: 8 Overall: 7
