Canon MultiPASS C100 Ink Cartridges

Canon C100 Printer Review

The Canon Multipass C100 is an affordable solution for those looking to add an all-in-one inkjet printer to their personal desktop. Although maximum speeds of only 9 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 4 pages per minute for color projects are on the slower end of its class, the C100 is robust enough to handle light-duty use. While the unit presents a more simplistic design, its ability to fax, copy, scan and print documents for a low price tag make it an attractive option for those working from home.

The C100 bundles a very basic set of features, including a fax memory that can store up to 416 pages, memory of 6 MB and a monochrome LCD with a single-line display that makes it difficult to read at times. The fax machine is perhaps its most versatile function, providing users with an error correction mode, automatic telephone and fax switching and up to 110 quick dial locations. The scanner benefits from a 20-sheet automatic document feeder, but suffers from the inability to scan to multiple destinations, such as sharing over a network.

Connectivity is also minimal on the C100, with the most basic parallel and USB ports that will provide users with a wired connection to their computer if it runs with a Windows operating system. For connections like wireless, media slots and ethernet, buyers will have to check out more expensive models.

The machine can support standard media types like plain paper, cards and photo paper. Since it only includes a single 100-sheet input tray, the C100 is best suited to handle low volumes. The device doesn't have the best output compared to similar models, but it can print images and graphics with satisfactory detail and a resolution of 1440x720 dpi using color Multipass C100 printer ink. According to expert tests, the machine's ability to copy documents that mirror the quality of the original was hampered by a disappointing maximum resolution of only 360x360 dpi using Canon C100 ink.

One of the best perks to this device is its cost-efficient Canon C100 printer ink cartridges, which are inexpensive to replace if users choose remanufactured Multipass C100 ink over OEM supplies. The device uses cyan, magenta and yellow supplies that can last up to 420 pages each and a single black Canon C100 ink cartridge that can last for 750 pages.

While the C100 is one of the least expensive 4-in-1 printers on the market, it lacks many common connectivity options and front panel features seen in other multifunction devices. Overall, buyers that want a more versatile control panel with a color LCD and the ability to print wirelessly or over a network will not benefit from this inkjet printer.