Canon takes a great idea and runs with it
Written: Sep 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Extremely fast
Cons: Expensive, complex interface
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| basilisk4's Full Review: Canon imageRUNNER® 600 Laser Printer |
A few months ago, the CEO of the internet start-up company where I've been working the last few months decided that we needed a higher-volume combination printer/copying machine. The Xerox DocuPrint N3225 we have had been sufficient thus far, but as the business began to grow and more items were being printed each day, it was decided that we would need something more.
The company settled on the Canon imageRunner 600, a huge, hulking mass of a machine that must weigh well over a hundred pounds. Though the imageRunner is primarily a laser copier, it's also a networked printer that can be connected easily either via 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (10BaseT/RJ45 or 10Base5) or 4/16 Mbps Token Ring LAN (RJ45 or DB9). It also supports just about any protocol you might be using, including TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, EtherTalk, and Peer-to-Peer. This thing even has a built-in scanner!
The imageRunner 600 is basically a computer in and of itself, with a fast 200 MHz microprocessor and 32 MB of RAM (upgradable to 64 MB). Unbelievably, it even has a 1.4 GB hard drive. To put things into perspective, I'm currently using a relatively current computer (Pentium III), and it only has a 6 GB hard drive.
With a capacity of 3,500 sheets of standard-weight 8 1/2" x 11" paper, you won't have to keep running back and forth to refill it. If ever you need to use a different size or weight of paper, have no fear -- the imageRunner 600 can handle paper up to 11" x 17" in size and from 16 to 110 lb. Bond in weight. If speed is your game, then you should be satisfied as well, as this machine spits out a copy per second (60 ppm). This is also one of those monstrous machines that has the ability to staple documents automatically (up to 50 sheets at a time). There are even several different ways in which you can choose to have your documents stapled.
The only possible downside to the imageRunner, other than the fact that it's extremely expensive, is the fact that it prints only in black and white. Even so, it does so in 256 shades of gray with brilliant 600 x 600 dpi resolution.
As far as durability is concerned, I doubt you'll have any problems with the imageRunner 600. We haven't so far, and it's been about 3 months to date since the company purchased it. With a duty cycle rated at up to 250,000 impressions per month (and a silicon drum that's designed to last up to 5,000,000 impressions), the imageRunner is a true workhorse that's unlikely to fold under pressure.
The truth is, your average user will have no use for many of the advanced features of this machine. Additionally, some of the features and the interface in general are relatively complex. If, however, your company is looking for a monster of an office machine that will do triple-duty as the office copier, printer, and scanner, all the while with excellent clarity and in record time, the Canon imageRunner 600 is definitely worth a good, long look.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
basilisk4
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Location: Atlanta, GA
Reviews written: 233
Trusted by: 214 members
About Me:
Soon-to-be married 26-year-old lawyer who likes electronics, computers, and cars.
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