Canon PIXMA MG2522 Inkjet Printer review versatile all-in-one for everyday tasks

Description

Compact Design and User-Friendly Setup

The Canon PIXMA 2522 Series All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer surprised me with its compact size and lightweight build. Weighing just about 7.6 lbs and with dimensions of 16.8″ x 12.1″ x 5.8″, it fit perfectly on my crowded desk without feeling bulky. The simple design makes it easy to set up, especially for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. Connecting it to my laptop via the Hi-Speed USB interface was seamless, and the included printer cable was a thoughtful addition. Its minimalist style won’t win any design awards, but it’s functional and doesn’t scream for attention in a home or small office space.

Print Quality and Resolution

As someone who prints documents and photos regularly, I was eager to test whether this printer lived up to its claims. The 4800 x 600 dpi resolution produced crisp and clear text documents. When printing photos on glossy paper, the colors were vibrant and detailed, though they lacked the depth I’ve seen in higher-end models. It’s not something I’d use for professional photo printing, but for everyday needs, it’s reliable. The 8.0 ipm (images per minute) for black-and-white and 4.0 ipm for color printing felt a bit slow, especially when I had larger documents to process. Still, for casual home use, it’s not a dealbreaker.

Versatility: Print, Copy, Scan

What I appreciated most was the all-in-one functionality. With the ability to print, copy, and scan, this printer covered all my basic needs. I tested the scanning feature with photos and documents and found it user-friendly, though the 600 dpi maximum scan resolution limited its ability to capture finer details. The copying function worked as advertised, duplicating documents with decent clarity. While it’s not equipped with advanced features like duplex printing or Wi-Fi connectivity, its simplicity makes it a solid choice for straightforward tasks.

Key Benefits

Several features stood out during my time using this product:

• Compact and lightweight: Ideal for small spaces.
• All-in-one functionality: You get printing, copying, and scanning in one device.
• High print resolution: Crisp text and decent photo quality for everyday use.
• Printer cable included: No need to hunt for additional accessories.

Shortcomings

That said, there are some areas for improvement worth noting:

• Print speed: Could feel sluggish for larger jobs.
• No wireless connectivity: Limits flexibility for mobile printing.
• Limited input tray capacity: The 60-sheet paper tray requires frequent refills for bulk printing.

Competing Products

Comparing this printer to competitors in the same price range, like the HP DeskJet 2755e or the Epson EcoTank ET-2800, it holds its own in basic functionality. However, it lacks the innovative features of some rivals. The HP DeskJet offers wireless printing and a more modern design, while the Epson EcoTank eliminates the need for costly ink cartridges by using refillable tanks. That said, the Canon model’s affordable upfront cost makes it appealing for users who don’t need advanced features.

Financial Value

From a cost-effectiveness perspective, this printer is an excellent choice for those on a budget. The initial price point is reasonable, and while the print speed and features might not compete with premium models, it’s more than sufficient for casual home or small office use. However, frequent users might find themselves spending more on replacement ink cartridges, which could offset the initial savings.

Ultimately, this printer strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, providing just enough features to satisfy basic needs without overwhelming users with unnecessary extras. It’s not perfect, but it delivers on its promises.

Additional information