The Canon Pixma MP170 is a significant improvement when compared to its multifunction predecessors because of additional memory card slots for better direct printing capabilities. This all-in-one device promises more value for money, but some of its features are rather outdated.
Design
This multifunction device can copy, scan, and print in full colour, and supports direct printing from memory cards and digital cameras. Canon integrated an inkjet 4-ink print engine into the Pixma MP170 with the FINE cartridge technology and 2pl Micro-Nozzles feature. The device is well-equipped for borderless printing and PictBridge compatibility. The copier and scanner share a flatbed CIS colour function with up to 19200x19200dpi of enhanced resolution. The Canon Pixma MP170 weighs 5.6kg and it is rather compact, measuring 381mm deep, 181mm tall, and 443mm wide.
Advantages
The Canon Pixma MP170 is easy to set-up and it is easy to navigate the menus and understand the functions of the printer. It can print in high resolutions at up to 4800x1200dpi, and output lasts longer because of the ChromaLife100 system. Users can directly print from a digital camera or memory card. Overall, print speeds and output of the Canon Pixma MP170 are very good, with black text looking clear and sharp and colour images looking natural but detailed.
Disadvantages
Despite having better direct printing features, the Canon Pixma MP170 still lacks an actual LCD screen, which can be helpful when users decide to print directly from a memory card. Instead, they would have to print a photo index sheet, which means wasting resources and ink. Inserting memory cards into their respective slots can be tricky and awkward. The photo editor that comes with the Canon Pixma MP170 is not as comprehensive as it should, so users are better off with a more advanced photo editing software. Colour ink tends to be wasted more because the printer uses it with black ink even when printing in monochrome.
