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This is a four ink two cartridge offering. This does mean that if you use more of one colour than the others there could still be ink left when you need to change the cartridge. However this is not really a printer for a heavy user. There is nothing wrong with it and in my tests it performed perfectly well.

A 1500 word document with some coloured text was produced at 7PPM and a 200 word black text document came through at close to 12 PPM. This is using draft mode and unlike some other manufacturers it is quite acceptable for things like memos. Other modes would be slower.

See also: Inkjet printers

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All inkjet printer manufacturers are 'optimistic' in their claims for print speed. Their claim of up to 20PPM in black and 14PPM in colour are no worse than other manufacturers, I just wish one manufacturer would bite the bullet and give 'obtainable' figures, in the long term I am sure the public would thank them and then others would have to follow.

This unit has the ability to print direct from some digital cameras using 'PictBridge' technology. As there is no display on the printer all selection is done on the camera. While this works it is easier and quicker to make selections on a PC.

I do not like calling this an entry level printer as it can do lots of things other entry level offerings cannot. It can print borderless in both A5 (15x10cm postcards) and full A4.

Printing four images borderless on an A4 sheet of photo paper takes only 3 minutes and 40 seconds. I tried this several times and also with two images also on A4 borderless and again the same time. This is excellent as some photo printers can take nearly ten minutes. However with photographs - to me anyway - speed is not that important quality is and using a range of test images I compare what numerous other printers have produced over the years and this was as good as the best of my samples. All the recent Canon printers have 2 PL micro nozzles (small ink droplets) that produce excellent results.

The unit is rather boxy in shape 40x34x26cm (with paper trays in place and open). There are only three buttons located on the right front edge. Should you try to print without opening the - drop down - output door a message appears on the PC screen.

260MB of space is what the range of software provided will take, the Easy-Print Tool Box is ideal for the novice user but everyone should enjoy Easy-Photo Print perhaps the easiest and most comprehensive printing aid around. I just wish it worked with other peoples printers.

There is a perfectly acceptable Getting Started sheet that should enable even the real novice to setup and begin using the printer. Connection the PC - or MAC - is by USB and just follow the onscreen instructions once the installation CD is inserted. Dabs have it for less than £65.

Link : http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/printers/bubble_jet/PIXMA_iP2000/