Canon's latest Pixma printers do triple duty

Canon introduced two new Pixma printers on Monday, August 11, the Pixma MP480 and Pixma MP190. Both of them are all-in-one printers, meaning they also do triple duty as scanners and copiers. These new models are supposedly ideal for both work and home, and include several new features that make the printing, scanning, and copying processes much easier for the end user. In addition, they also take on a slightly updated look from previous Pixma printers, with a sleek, but versatile, style incorporating flip-top LCD screens and a matte silver and black palette.

The $70 Pixma MP190 is a low-level photo printer with a maximum resolution of 4,800x1,200dpi. The printer uses two ink four-color cartridges with a minimum two-picoliter droplet size for better quality photo print. In addition, the MP190 uses Canon's new ChromaLife 100 system that prevents photos from fading as a result of exposure to heat, light, and humidity. Another feature unique to the MP190 is the Advanced Z-Lid scanner that works on a vertical hinge, allowing you to pull the lid over bulky books and thick documents.

The $100 Pixma MP480 is a little more robust in its features, incorporating a large 1.8-inch TFT color display that flips up from the front of the console. The menu pad looks pretty basic with a minimalist design. The MP480 features two new software functions: the Auto Photo Fix and Auto Scan mode. The Auto Photo Fix uses Canon's Easy-Photoprint EX to detect whether the photo is a portrait or a scene, and automatically adjusts the brightness, contrast, color saturation, and facial tones without the use of Photoshop or other complicated software programs. The Auto Scan mode automatically detects the type of document being scanned and crops and saves the file based on the image type-- Photo, Post Card, Business Card, Magazine, Newspaper, or Document. Finally, the MP480 is also compatible with ChromaLife 100 dye ink that produces full color photos reportedly capable of lasting 300 years.

Both printers are available for purchase now, and look for a review of both coming soon.