Canon iP1300 Ink
PIXMA iP1300 Ink Cartridges

Canon iP1300 Printer Review

The Canon PIXMA IP1300 is an inkjet printer that focuses primarily on its photo output, providing home users with a cost-efficient option to print lab-quality images. The device offers quick borderless printing for 4x6-inch photos in just over 1 minute, but monochrome text documents have a slower output than comparable models, with maximum speeds of only 11 pages per minute. This machine offers many of the features seen in the top models in its class without the high price tag, making it a good solution for those that want to print projects like holiday cards and family photo albums at home.

Since the IP1300 lacks the standard color LCD and control panel features seen in the more expensive inkjet photo printers, users will need to depend on its provided software for editing and managing projects. This shouldn't be difficult considering the unit's Easy PhotoPrint software is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, which will enable users to use their computers to create personalize photo albums and enhance photos with operations like removing red eye. Users will also need their computer to print photos, since the device only includes a USB port and no support for memory cards or Wi-Fi.

Measuring only 17x9x6 inches and weighing approximately 6 pounds, the IP1300 is compact enough for desktop printing and can easily be tucked out of the way when not in use. Minimal paper handling allows the device to be so small, but it includes only a single input tray that can hold a maximum of 100 pages at one time. Accepted media includes glossy photo paper, high resolution paper and matte paper.

This device uses a ChromaLife print system, which will allow it to create photos that resist fading or diminishing in quality over time behind glass frames. Users will be able to print photos that offer a professional edge and sharp detail, reaching a maximum resolution of 4800x1200 dpi using color PIXMA IP1300 printer ink. For schoolwork and other standard text projects, the machine can print with crisp characters and fine detail using black Canon IP1300 printer ink.

Costs for Canon IP1300 ink cartridges are relatively low since the device only uses one tricolor and one black supply. The machine is designed for light-duty use because PIXMA IP1300 ink replacements can only last 100 pages for the color supply and 195 pages for the black tank. To ensure users are getting the best deal on replacements, they should consider remanufactured Canon IP1300 ink cartridges rather than the more expensive OEM supplies.

The IP1300 appeals to those who want a solution for printing personal images and the occasional text projects without the high cost seen in many of the premiere home photo printers. As a result, this printer is far more basic and excludes many popular features like direct printing from memory cards and a color display. If price and output quality are the top concerns for a buyer, this machine is worth a look.