Canon PIXMA MX372 Ink Cartridges

The Canon PIXMA MX372 stands out among competing multifunction home inkjet printers because it is very inexpensive, has photo-printing capabilities, and includes a built-in fax machine. While photo output speeds of only 46 seconds for a single 4x6-inch image are quick, the unit prints at relatively slow speeds of only 9 pages per minute for monochrome text documents. Positive attributes like its 4-in-1 design that includes standalone copying and faxing make it seem like a bargain for personal use, but this machine is held back by pricey PIXMA MX372 printer ink and limited connectivity.

The MX372 is a sleek looking printer whose small size of 18x15x7 inches is made possible because its small 100-sheet paper tray can be folded up to make it compact when not in use. On the front of the device is a control panel with enough tools to allow users to copy or fax documents without their computer, such as a number pad to store speeds dials and buttons to select between monochrome and color copying. Another perk to its design is a 30-sheet automatic document feeder, which provides continuous scanning and faxing for larger jobs.

The MX372's design is lacking in a few areas, such as its inclusion of a monochrome LCD over a color display that means users won't be able to preview photos prior to printing. The unit's photo printing is further hindered by its lack of a card reader, which is provided on slightly more expensive models like the Epson Stylus NX430 and enables direct printing from memory cards. Network and Wi-Fi connectivity options are also left out, forcing users to rely solely on its rear USB port for a wired connection to their computer. The provided driver CD can be installed for computer-based access to software like Easy Photo Print EX along with tools that will allow users to create albums and edit images.

According to expert tests, this unit's monochrome output is well bellow the standard set by other inkjet units in its class, printing text characters that may become hard to read in small fonts with a resolution of 600x600 dpi using Canon MX372 printer ink. The device's photo output performed slightly better, printing satisfactory detail that should suit amateur photographers with a resolution of 4800x1200 dpi using color PIXMA MX372 ink.

The machine operates with one tricolor supply that can last 400 pages and one black Canon MX372 ink cartridge with a yield of 300 pages, which may become expensive to replace for those with frequent print jobs. Running costs can be lowered if users opt to replace supplies with affordable remanufactured Canon MX372 ink cartridges.

The MX372 has a mixed bag of features, enticing buyers with additions such as an automatic document feeder for hands-free scanning, but leaving out popular connectivity options for wireless photo printing. The fact that it provides print, fax, scan and copy functions for such a low price tag may draw in some buyers, but those interested in a more well-rounded machine should consider the Epson Stylus NX430.

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