Canon i250 Ink Cartridges

Canon i250 Printer Review

The Canon i250 is a basic color inkjet printer available for a low price tag that is designed to primarily fit personal photo printing needs. Maximum speeds of only 12 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 9 pages per minute for color projects are on the slower end even for simple single-function home printers. What helps to make up for its disappointing output speed is its ability to print lab-quality images for a fraction of the cost of most comparable photo units.

The device does offer a number of other benefits such as its small size of only 12x7x6 inches and light weight of 4 pounds, which will allow users to use it on most desktops and easily transport it from place to place. Due to its compatibility with Windows and Mac operating systems the machine can be connected to most computers via its rear USB port. As it is designated as a photo printer, it would have been a nice touch if the i250 also provided front card slots to enable direct printing from popular memory devices. Instead users will have to first import their images to their computer.

The unit's maximum media capacity of 100 pages is a standard input compared to other devices in its price range and will allow it to handle light-duty use. Supported media ranges from glossy photo paper and matte photo paper to plain paper and envelopes, which will allow the machine to handle projects like school papers, addressing envelopes and family images.

With its MicroFine image enhancement technology, this device is able to print photos and graphics with precise color detail and a sharp maximum resolution of 4800x1200 dpi using color Canon i250 printer ink. While its monochrome printing is slightly less impressive with a maximum resolution of 600x600 dpi, text will still have enough detail to support basic projects.

Rather than separating each printer ink supply into an individual cartridge, the device bundles cyan, magenta and yellow into a single Canon i250 ink cartridge that can yield only around 160 pages. The device also uses one black Canon i250 ink cartridge that has a small capacity of 150 pages and is capable of handling low volumes.

The i250 is targeted toward a very specific group of buyers that are looking for a simple and inexpensive photo printer capable of delivering results with a higher quality than drugstore prints. Those interested in an inkjet printer that is more well rounded and offers a better assortment of connectivity and on-board features will need to keep looking.