Canon Pixma MX330 Performance and Conclusion

Pixma MX330 Performance
Canon is now measuring print speeds in images/impressions per minute (ipms) as opposed to pages per minute which is the standard measurement among most manufacturers.

The new measurement standards come from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and are still in the FCD stage (not official). But the ISO standards for print speeds actually make sense.  It is a series of tests using three common document programs: Word, Excel and PDF.  The ISO standard times how long it takes each program to print four standard test pages excluding the processing time (processing time is given separately though).

I could ramble on about this new measurement system for awhile but I think instead I’ll refer you to Canon’s website and let you read the info at your own discretion.

Anyways, Canon has documented that the MX330 prints 7.5 ipms – which I found to be accurate in comparison to my own print test.  In normal mode, I found that the MX330 can print up to 8 pages per minute; in fast mode about 9 pages per minute.  I used my standard print job (an all text word document) so my times are a bit faster if anything.

Canon also got the photo print speed on the money.  The MX330 printed a 4x6 photo in 47 seconds - on average.  Photo quality was good for an office-centric machine and the colors were decent, although I expect nothing less from a Canon inkjet printer.

Copy speeds were not bad, either.  Using the automatic document feeder, the MX330 copied and printed four pages text (various lengths) in approximately 40 seconds, so about ten seconds per page.  Copying one page of text using the scanner took about the same time, 11 seconds.

One of the nicest features on the MX330 is the 30 page automatic document feeder.  It is obviously useful when faxing but great for scanning large jobs onto your PC/Mac.  In general, I’m a fan of device that keeps me from having to lift the scanner lid a hundred times to change sheets.  I always end up either: scanning the same document twice, leaving an important document on the scanner or mixing up the order of my print job.

The scanner is good; the maximum resolution is 1200 x 2400 dpi.  I tested the scanner by scanning a 4x6 photo to my PC and then printing it on the MX330.  The quality of the photo was as good (at least to the naked eye) as the original I printed directly from my PC.

The MX330 has manual duplexing so it obviously takes longer than normal print jobs because you have to reinsert the paper.  But it saves paper and, overall, it’s a good feature for a low budget machine.

The fax can be set up as a fax only or as a telephone/fax combination so users can still receive phone calls on the fax line.  In the Getting Started guide, there is a section on plugging in the telephone line cable to either the telephone line jack (for setting up the telephone line through the printer) or the fax line jack (fax only). and on adjusting the fax settings.  You can set the MX330 up to receive fax only, fax priority, telephone priority or a distinctive ring.

Telephone jack, fax line jack

I had no problems with the fax machine when I tested it; easy to use and functional.

Pros

• 30 page automatic document feeder
• Easy to set up (especially fax)
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Slow print speeds for office machine
• Not network ready

Conclusion
The MX330 is a solid choice for those consumers looking for a home office printer around $100.  It’s a 4-in-1 device that does everything decent, if not good, and it is visually appealing.

The obvious downsides for purchasing an MX330 for an office would be the slower print speeds and the limited connectivity options but in the appropriate environment, the MX330 could be the right device for you.

Pricing and Availability
The MX330 is now available on the Canon website for $109.99. 

Ink and paper can also be purchased on Canon’s website; the normal ink cartridges will run owners $15.99 for black, $20.99 for color.

Paper varies depending on size and quality.  Get 15 sheets of 8.5x11 sized photo paper for $6.98 and 100 sheets of 8.5x11 sized high resolution paper for $9.95.  Get 50 sheets of 4x6 glossy photo paper for $6.25 or 50 sheets of 4x6 semi-gloss photo paper for $12.49.

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• Canon Pixma MX330 sneak peek