Canon iP100 Mobile Photo Printer (1446B002BA) Buy Now

For an inkjet printer, this model is fairly expensive but there is an elegance about its design that appeals to me; especially when I need a versatile printer while traveling. This printer is about the same width and depth as a NETbook computer and about twice as thick. Print quality of text and color graphics on plain copy paper is excellent. This printer also does a superb and reasonably fast job of making photo-lab-quality color prints up to 8 ½ X 11 in size on glossy photo paper. Thus far I haven't experienced any paper feed problems.

Installation of the printer driver on my Windows XP Pro SP3 notebook computer went without a hitch. I avoided installing the other software that Canon included on their CD because it duplicated other applications. Since I did not buy the bluetooth adapter I didn't install their bluetooth configuration software either.

Weight of the printer by itself, without the optional battery pack and bluetooth adapter, is 4 pounds 6.5 ounces. With the AC power supply the total travel weight is 5 pounds 0.9 ounces. With plug adapters the power supply will work on either 120 or 240 volts. An optional 12-volt car adapter will also power this printer. A clam-shell type top, which serves as a paper support and guide when open, protects the innards of the printer when it is held closed by a magnet for traveling.

For several years, I've owned a PIXMA ip4000 color inkjet printer, which is considerably larger and was not designed for portable use. That printer also consistently produces excellent color images, so I was already familiar with Canon PIXMA printer quality before I bought this one. I might add that I've been using "compatible" cartridges purchased from Amazon for less than 1/2 the cost of the Canon brand and don't see any difference in print quality or cartridge life.

Aside from NOT having separate tanks for each ink color and dual paper trays this printer offers all of the features of my larger PIXMA printer, and even better print quality, without the bulk and weight. Since I usually have access to electric power during my travels, I didn't order the optional battery pack which adds bulk, $100 to the cost and nearly 2 pounds to the travel weight. However I can see how the availability of such an accessory would be valuable to those who need it.

Having this printer delivered to me the day after it was ordered using Amazon's free super-saver shipping was an unexpected and delightful surprise. No sales tax or other fees were added and Amazon's price was competitive. Amazon's advertised, "Save Big on the Canon iP100 Mobile Photo Printer" price was reduced another $15 one day after my printer was shipped. Amazon would NOT give me price protection and refund the difference. Considering the higher-than-average cost of this printer, I did find it annoying that Canon does not include a USB printer cable in the package. After shopping for what other manufacturers charge for their bluetooth adapters Canon's price seems excessively high. Aside from those two minor gripes, I am pleased with my purchase.Get more detail about Canon iP100 Mobile Photo Printer (1446B002BA).