Canon MP360 Printer Review
Although it benefits from a low price tag and satisfactory photo output, the Canon MP360 has a number of kinks that make it one of the less-appealing options in its class of multifunction inkjet printers. While its speed isn't terrible, the MP360's output of 18 pages per minute for monochrome documents and nearly a minute and a half for a 4x6-inch photo is slower than comparable models. The main drawback to this device is that its 3-in-1 design leaves out a fax function and many standard all-in-one features, but those planning on using this as a home office unit still stand to benefit from its quality output and inexpensive Multipass MP360 printer ink.
Despite its ability to copy and scan documents, the MP360's design is geared primarily towards printing lab-quality photos at home with a sharp resolution of 4800x1200 dpi using Canon MP360 ink. This is aided by its software package that can be installed on a user's computer, which includes Easy-PhotoPrint, ArcSoft PhotoStudio and the Electronic Photo Application Guide. Since the unit lacks a color LCD or memory slots for direct photo printing, users will need to attach it to their computer via the rear USB port to access editing tools and management features.
Users won't need the assistance of their computer to copy documents, however, since its control panel is flexible enough to enable standalone use. The buttons will allow users to navigate through menu features or select the number of copies from 1 to 99, as well as reduce or enlarge duplicates. The scanner isn't quite as flexible, lacking useful features such as an automatic document feeder and network connectivity to make sharing jobs easier.
The device uses one black Canon MP360 ink cartridge with a capacity of 150 pages that can print with satisfactory detail and a resolution of 600x600 dpi. The unit packages cyan, magenta and yellow Multipass MP360 printer ink into a single supply that can last up to 160 pages. With such low yields, running costs may become expensive, but to help reduce them users can purchase remanufactured supplies over expensive OEM Canon MP360 ink cartridges.
In terms of all-in-one printers, the MP360 leaves out many common features from an automatic document feeder and LCD screen to network connectivity. Users that are more concerned with high-quality photo output and cost efficiency, however, will enjoy this inkjet printer's basic 3-in-1 features and focus on image printing.
