Canon Pixma MX310 Review
One of my graduation presents a few years ago was a Canon Pixma MX310 All-in-One. I’ve used it for a few years now, and would like to share my take on the quality and features of the product and provide some kind of final verdict.
As is the standard for All-in-one printers, the MX310 can Print, Scan, Copy and Fax. I have used all the features rather extensively except for the fax component. Each feature will be discussed separately and I will then talk about about a few other pertinent topics to the printer.
Printing with the MX310 is a snap. The software and manual are comprehensive and simple to get through and I was able to successfully connect the printer and print off a test document within minutes of opening the printer. The printing is fairly speedy and isn’t as jam-prone as other printers I’ve used. The ink usage is fairly high, unfortunately, and the cartridges cannot be refilled, but replacement ink is modestly priced and can be found online for as little as $22 at a reputable dealer. For the tech geeks, it prints up to 600×600 dpi in monochrome at 22 pages/minute and 4800×1200 dpi in color at 17 pages/minute.
Copying is also easy. The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is effective and comfortably holds up to thirty pages.. Quality, of course, is great, as would be expected from Canon-branded anything. Copying of photos on photo-quality paper produces products almost impossible to distinguish from professionally developed photos.
The scanner is also a quality tool. My only issue with the printer, it seems, is when it comes to using the scanner feature. I have always had issues getting the printer to shift to the scan function. It will generally take several attempts of pressing the ‘scan’ button before the machine ambles into the scan function. After the scanning is complete, the quality, however, is great.
The fax feature is something I am unfamiliar with. From what I’ve seen online, opinions vary. People like the 20-number storage capacity, but don’t like how few options it has. I would really suggest you try elsewhere for information about the fax’s specific capabilities.
My biggest complaint about this printer is its size. It’s massive. It extends over most of my desk! Not even my laptop fits on the desk if the printer is in place. The printer is also very loud. The cartridge will probably still have around 30-40 pages of printing left in it when the low ink-refill light comes up. I don’t know if this in intentional on Canon’s part, but it’s not very eco-friendly.
Pros: Produces high-quality products, functions quickly and without jams.
Cons: Ink glutton, large size. Can’t use ink refills for printers.
Final Verdict: A 3 out of 5. Although the printer has high productivity, I just can’t afford to keep replacing ink at the rate I do, and the large size makes it difficult to fit onto a desk. It’s a good printer, but I will be looking for smaller, more efficient models when I buy my own.
