Canon L170 Toner
FAXPHONE L170 Toner Cartridges

Canon L170 Printer Review

The Canon FAXPHONE L170 is a laser fax machine that can also print, and copy. While it lacks some of the features of a more advanced multifunction device, it could be a good choice for those buyers who do a lot of faxing. Super G3 transmission speeds are fast, and it can print at up to 19 pages per minute, though OEM Canon L170 printer toner is expensive.

Unlike the typical multifunction machine, the L170 incorporates a vertical input tray and a front-loading 50-sheet document feeder, with no flatbed scanning surface. This is somewhat limiting when it comes to scanning books and other larger items, but it also keeps the design more compact. Since the machine measures only 13.7x20.4x23 inches and weighs 24.7 pounds without the FAXPHONE L170 toner installed, users with limited space will likely appreciate the tradeoff.

Faxing supports Super G3 transmission speeds of 33.6 Kbps, so pages are sent and received in about 3 seconds each. Up to 450 pages can be stored in the machine's memory, so running out of paper or Canon L170 toner won't result in missed faxes. A telephone handset is also included, making it easier to troubleshoot line problems, or just making it possible to use the device as a phone.

One of the main reasons to choose a laser device is the affordability of toners, but Canon L170 toner cartridges are somewhat expensive. Users can instead choose to use remanufactured FAXPHONE L170 toner cartridges, however, which are often available for less than a quarter of the cost, while still providing the same excellent output quality.

The FAXPHONE L170 may not have the same broad appeal as competing multifunction models that include scanning, but offices that need a robust faxing solution will find a lot to like. Those who manage their running costs can make it an affordable solution as well.