Canon iP1700 Ink
PIXMA iP1700 Ink Cartridges

Canon iP1700 Printer Review

The Canon iP1700 is a single purpose printer that lacks the features that newer units have. It is slightly outdated but quite a bargain for home users with basic photo printing needs. It can print up to 22 pages per minute in black and up to 17 pages per minute in color. It prints a borderless 4"x6" color photo in as little as 55 seconds. For approximately $50 and the quality of images, it is definitely a good deal. The printer ink isn't as pricy as other models, either. However, it falls short of the standard expectations for inkjet printers.

Using FINE, which is a nozzle technology found in almost all Canon inkjet units, images are printed with 4800x1200dpi resolution for color and 600x600dpi resolution for black. The 1,472 nozzles produce multiple dots of Canon iP1700 ink that blend together to make sharp and clear pictures. There are 2 Pixma iP1700 ink cartridges, one black and one tri-color. It is estimated that it costs 6 cents per page printed black and 8 cents for color. This is relatively inexpensive for printer ink. To replace the Canon iP1700 ink cartridges ranges from $20-$25.

This unit has no output tray, which isn't a deal breaker but makes it a job that needs babysitting. It also only has the capability to print directly from a PC rather than memory cards or digital cameras like newer models. The iP1700 has a 100 sheet auto feeder, and it is compatible with Windows and Mac.

The Canon iP1700 is compact and portable, measuring 17.2"x10"x6.5" and weighing only 6.6 pounds. Though it only has 2 buttons on it- cancel and power- it does offer PhotoRecord and Easy-PhotoPrint software, making it easier to enhance photos, adjust pictures, create albums or add text. The high quality of the Canon iP1700 ink also provides the opportunity to create t-shirt printouts.

Experts prefer the iP1700 over the Epson Stylus C88, which is very similar but $30-$40 more expensive. There are all-in-one printers in the same price range, such as the HP Deskjet F380, but the photo quality does not match that of the iP1700. The Canon Pixma iP1700 inkjet printer is a basic unit, but works fine for anyone with basic needs.