Canon PIXMA IP4850

This was to replace an older version pixma, just wish I had done it sooner.It is almost idiot proof, so easy to install, giving great quality photo print,and some handy software with the installation disc, quieter and faster than previous model, great value for money.

There are no issues with the printerit does everything it says it does and came with a full set of ink tanks which were full and not just enough to set the print up. All in all I'm very happy with this machine, so if your looking for a printer that ticks all the box's and dosen't cost an arm and a leg then this is the one to choose

My primary requirement was for quality photo printing and since I will be on low volumes I was not too concerned with costs per print or speed. No further comment on that. I rate this printer on :- build quality (sturdy and all mechanisms appear solid and it operates smoothly and reasonably quite, colour reproduction (excellent with selectable profiles), paper handling (excellent with a tray feed for A4 and top feed photo paper will select source automatically, can print duplex without manual change, adjustable paper guides), software (great software and driver, easy to use with lots of options including multi page layout, duplex and booklet), online service (access to online templates - not my thing but quality images), setup (first time use needs a bit of setting up READ THE MANUAL and follow instructions. Note the A4 tray extends to fit A4 so it sticks out a front not an issue for me), Prints on CDs/DVDs (appears a solid mechanism but not tried it). ALL parts that sick up/out can fold flat/in for transporting reducing risk of damage. Read online full spec for more.

The Canon Pixma IP4850 is the latest incarnation of a long running dedicated bubble jet printer aimed at the HomeOffice market. It is almost identical to my elderly IP4000 that I had to retire, very slight styling changes. Now I know I am a bit nerdy about my printing but I do love the instant duplex priting on both sides, the borderless printing that it copes with superbly and the twin cassettes, so I can instantly print either on draft(re-cycled)paper for all those web sites that spew out multiple pages or switch to best quality paper for those final letters, all without changing or moving anything. Have not got round to printing direct onto DVD's yet, but I sure it will cope well as with everything else. So far brilliant, just what I want from a printer.

This latest model unfortunately begins to answer my puzzle as to why it is so cheap to buy, cheaper than to get the ink remover replaced on my old machine. What they have tinkered with on this model is the ink cartridges, same machine, to all intents and purposes, but different, smaller cartridges at, more or less, the same price. You get the drift. Each Xmas I do lot of heavy printing of, more or less, similar material. This year my ink cartridge usage has doubled, if not trebled. That is a huge increase in print costs, yes finer dots, better quality but treble the cost?

So on that basis, despite the real advantages for a print nerd, look elsewhere, this is the end of the Pixma road. Priced themselves out.