philgonet wrote:Anybody own one of these and know if you can use it as a copier without turning on a linked computer? With a CISS this might be useful in my wife's classroom as a 'cheap' photocopier... plus as a bonus I could link the computers to it so they could do wireless scans. Hmmm maybe I should 'just do it'.

This, or any other color inkjet printer, will NOT be a cheap photocopier -- trust me. The ink usage will chew up lots of $$$. If you want a truly cheap photocopier, I'd go pick up the cheapest plain-paper fax machine you can find. That's probably your best bet.

jpeckvoss wrote:I actually have owned this printer for the past 6 - 8 months. Yes it will warn you that ink is out but you can just click through the error and it will still let you print regardless if a certain ink is out.

Trust me I've done it many time when colors are out but I'm only printing black text.

Sure it's a little annoying getting the ink out pop up when you know it's only set to black and white but it will still print.

Good scanner, good printer. Each ink cartridge is about $12 at brick and morter stores.

I replaced a 12 year old HP with the Tri color cartridges that still even being this old was $85 to replace both black and color.

Quality Post from someone who actually has one, not the 'I know a guy who hates it and says its the same one, I think, and it doesn't print if one color is out'.

In for one, my epson 4500 print driver finally gave out and i need something that will do pictures and basic b/w.

scurr wrote:unrelated

Did this woot-off seem lack luster?

Also - can we have a scavenger woot-off sometime?
where woot alludes to random domains, and we have to guess them to find the next bargain. it could be loads of fun.... or horrible.

Shortest wootoff I have seen...hardly had time at work to watch it all day and expected to be entertained all day today with it...but noooooo...it's over. Nothing I saw during this one I just had to have unfortunately.

A scavenger one seems pretty fun : )

daver4470 wrote:This, or any other color inkjet printer, will NOT be a cheap photocopier -- trust me. The ink usage will chew up lots of $$$. If you want a truly cheap photocopier, I'd go pick up the cheapest plain-paper fax machine you can find. That's probably your best bet.

Actually, I have an Epson Workforce 610 that does just that at my house, and with a CISS the cost is well less than $.01 per page printed for the ink... I would DEFINITELY NOT do this using OEM cartridges though!

I'll just add one other tidbit of personal experience. I had the Canon i860 printer before I recently purchased the Canon MP990. I used 3rd party inks almost exclusively in the i860. I was getting each cartridge for around $2 each. While the price was great I found the color matching to be very poor and eventually the printhead started getting clogged to the point I needed to run a cleaning cycle(s) every week. With the 990 I have chosen to bite the bullet and buy only OEM ink. The only color I "might" consider trying 3rd party ink for is the larger "dye based" black tank.

planq wrote:Most electronics like this seem to have power supplies that can handle both (110 - 120 V, 60 Hz; 200 - 240 V, 50 Hz). The information I found says it does. Here's how to get to my source:

1. Go to the support page
   
2. Search for "power"
   
3. Go to this entry: What is / are the power / weight specifications?
   

Thanks very much for finding this. Now, I'm wondering if it supports both or if there are 2 different versions.

If anyone has this model, will you do me a favor and look at the power supply?

philgonet wrote:Actually, I have an Epson Workforce 610 that does just that at my house, and with a CISS the cost is well less than $.01 per page printed for the ink... I would DEFINITELY NOT do this using OEM cartridges though!

Yes, but CISSs make everything awesome....

Also, I probably should caveat that I was thinking only in terms of B&W copying. If you ONLY want B&W copying, it's hard to justify $80 for this plus another, say, $65 for a multicolor chipped CISS setup, when you can spend $50 on a cheap fax machine and get the same output.

If you want color copying, though -- this plus a CISS is pretty funkadelic.

deals.woot.com has a Canon Bluetooth adapter right now: Canon Bluetooth Wireless Print Server - Woot Price Drop for $45.00 + free shipping http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/d5539a82-c7e6-431a-a134-f8532692f92c/canon-bluetooth-wireless-print-server-woot-price-drop#0

Found three places for this printer, cheaper.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=Canon+PIXMA&cid=259957683001329209&ei=wcgkTO_AM4WUwQX4-9Aj&sa=title&ved=0CBkQ8wIwAzgA#scoring=tp

Shinespark wrote:Unless there are magic nanomachines in the ink, I don't see how a printer can detect whether the ink is refill.

CIS for these tend to be under $100, and can save you hundreds if not thousands over a few years.

My epson won't detect some refurb ink cartridges, but lets me override the warning. The result is I don't know how much ink is left in it because it can't connect properly. I think because the cartridge is just a hair different size, and OH, they want to sell you the ink.

So yes, the printer can't detect ink, but many of the carts now you can't refil (Epson has gotten good at it) but for $5 cheaper I can buy a knock off brand cart.

mikeligs wrote:Found three places for this printer, cheaper.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=Canon+PIXMA&cid=259957683001329209&ei=wcgkTO_AM4WUwQX4-9Aj&sa=title&ved=0CBkQ8wIwAzgA#scoring=tp

Wrong printer, but ok...

This one: Canon PIXMA MP640 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-In-One Printer

That one: Canon PIXMA MX330 Color Ink-jet - Fax / copier / printer / scanner

does anyone know if you need internet to use this printer?

daver4470 wrote:Yes, but CISSs make everything awesome....

Also, I probably should caveat that I was thinking only in terms of B&W copying. If you ONLY want B&W copying, it's hard to justify $80 for this plus another, say, $65 for a multicolor chipped CISS setup, when you can spend $50 on a cheap fax machine and get the same output.

If you want color copying, though -- this plus a CISS is pretty funkadelic.

So my initial question still stands "Do I need to have a "connected" computer turned on, or can I just make copies directly from the Pixma (and can I perform the same tasks -- ie color vs b&w, duplex, etc)?"

So, my order confirmation screen from yesterday's Book of Crap is still being processed. What do you think the chances are it ever times out or goes through? lol

speedoo wrote:Can some one tell me whether or not the cartridges this comes with are refillable? Some conflicting information has been posted and I'd like to know before buying, thanks.

They can be refilled however you have to make a hole to inject the ink. The refill kits come with a hole making tool. There's a recessed area on the top of the cartridge that indicates where to make the hole. You can also get re-manufactured/generic cartridges which have the hole already made. Be aware that if you refill or even use a generic cartridge you may get a low or no ink warning regardless of how much ink is in the cartridge. That can be ignored and you can print. I think that sensor only works reliably with new genuine cartridges.

goldiemcg wrote:Shortest wootoff I have seen...hardly had time at work to watch it all day and expected to be entertained all day today with it...but noooooo...it's over. Nothing I saw during this one I just had to have unfortunately.

A scavenger one seems pretty fun : )

They didn't even offer the ironman sports watch. And now I'm pissed - BAH!

philgonet wrote:So my initial question still stands "Do I need to have a "connected" computer turned on, or can I just make copies directly from the Pixma (and can I perform the same tasks -- ie color vs b&w, duplex, etc.))

It will work as a stand-alone copier. Just put in your document and push the scan button.

iamjamone wrote:So, my order confirmation screen from yesterday's Book of Crap is still being processed. What do you think the chances are it ever times out or goes through? lol

Is it not on your "What you've bought from Woot" on your account profile yet? Still sounds like you got it though. I got mine last wootoff...and well, I see why they call it crap, lol. 6 CDs (all the same) for the Disney Princess Video Camera (which I don't own), a cheap pedometer, a 4 bottle wine carrier (not too bad I suppose) and some of the Dirt seasoning (which I did use but it's really nothing I didn't already have in my kitchen. All in all it was fun getting the purchase

You gotta let us know what you get!

bsteenson wrote:Wow, so much misinformation. I own this printer, I love this printer and I'm buying another one for my son to take to college.

1) Printer will keep printing when one cartridge runs out of ink. Just dismiss warning and keep printing away.

2) Printer will use generic cartridges, although I have always had the best luck with Canon ink.

3) Name-brand cartridges can be found for around $10 or less each, and generics can be found for about half of that.

4) When printing B&W documents if your settings are correct you will only be using the black document ink, not any of the color inks. It doesn't "use all the inks even for black and white documents" unless you have it set to think it is printing a photo.

5) I've never had an ink cartridge dry out on me, and I sometimes go weeks between printing anything.

6) I've owned HPs and Epsons. Canon is my choice for most dependable by a wide margin.

7) Not the fastest printer in the world, but makes wonderful color prints and good B&W documents.

Thank you!

bobojackman wrote:does anyone know if you need internet to use this printer?

I have the MS620, but it's pretty much the same. You can connect directly to the printer like a standard printer or go through a wireless router. Large print jobs over wireless don't work well, but little ones are great.

Catrine wrote:What about printing envelops? Anyone with experience?

Used the MS620 to print to wedding invites for 2 sisters. I assume the 640 is very similar. There is a bypass tray in the back that flips up and it has the standard sliders to for envelopes. worked great and prints fast unless you put it on the highest printer quality.

philgonet wrote:Anybody own one of these and know if you can use it as a copier without turning on a linked computer? With a CISS this might be useful in my wife's classroom as a 'cheap' photocopier... plus as a bonus I could link the computers to it so they could do wireless scans. Hmmm maybe I should 'just do it'.

Yes you can use it as a copier without having a computer on. I do it all the time.

I know it says it is wirless, but can it also be connected to the computer for printing?

Does anyone have one of these AND use OSX 10.6 (snow leopard)? Can you use it to scan through photoshop CS5? Is there a PSD plug-in?

My wife and I had been looking for a good all-in-one printer for a while, but none of the inexpensive models we had seen looked impressive. So... I wooted on this. Just a little bit more until I get my Green Box.

I've never owned a wireless printer before. Are they easy to configure with all the encryption and stuff?

Works great as a camera too!! Place your mug against the bed, press the go button and voila, a picture suitable for framing. Don't recommend any pictures of the nether regions though, there is a weight limit...

aaee wrote:This is by far the most valuable piece of information I could possibly think of needing to make a decision on this printer.. Thank you!

Pass

That's true of most multi cartridge printers. If you don't want to throw out cartridges with ink left in them, you have to live with this limitation..

I have this printer hooked up to my Mac, and you can tell it to keep printing even when a tank runs out. It stops printing and gives you a warning, but you can disregard it and keep going. You can also print black-only anytime you want.

This is my third Canon inkjet. I have the Pro9000 for big prints, and this 640 replaced one that died after 5 years of use. I have been quite happy with them. Switched from Epson after I got tired of cleaning print heads. Have never had to run the cleaning cycle on the 640. My old 3000 went about four years before I have to run the cleaning cycle.

Michael

DrKK wrote:I got a guy on my ventrilo that says that the 5 ink system in this thing is stupid as f**k, and that if ANY of the 5 run out, you can't print *ANYTHING*, including BLACK ONLY, until it is replaced.

If true, that's got to be a deal breaker.

Yes it is USB.

npat wrote:I know it says it is wirless, but can it also be connected to the computer for printing?

It sounds like as far as inkjet AIO printers, this is fairly decent...

I think the concept is flawed though...
1) It's an inkjet. It'll last 1 year tops before the heads get clogged and can't be revived and you have to trash it, and you'll start getting white lines on your printouts the first time you go away on vacation for a week or two and let the ink sit in the heads.

2) It's an all in one. 99% of people buying AIO's only use it as a printer. And yet design compromises are made to give it all those other features, so it's less of a printer for the price. And if you're scanning stuff often, you'd have a dedicated scanner, because the AIO would not measure up.

3) Why exactly is it wireless? Let's hope it defaults to disabling the wireless, so when you have it plugged in and something goes dreadfully wrong, and you restore factory settings and it autoconnects to the local unsecured wireless network, the neighbors can't start printing kiddie bacon out on your printer. Wireless isn't even a useful feature for a network printer, it's not like you carry them around the house or something...

Best best best printer I have ever owned! Had 5 HP's before and they all gave me issues - paper jam, no paper, blah blah. This Canon - PERFECT from day one, use it daily, wireless connection is perfect, speed/noise/size great etc etc.

Cheap Canon OEM ink on ebay (just make sure they're sealed/fresh) - been buying them at about 50% retail for 9 months. Also cheap using sales/rewards and a $25 off $75 @ Staples, if you're not into ebay.

Tip - for jobs where quality isn't important, print in FAST mode to save ink. Helps a lot. (After clicking print, usually properties on the next screen, with an option to switch to fast - may have to manually do it each time though)

heyitsheather wrote:Does anyone have one of these AND use OSX 10.6 (snow leopard)? Can you use it to scan through photoshop CS5? Is there a PSD plug-in?

Not sure I understand your Photoshop question. How would you scan "through" PS? Or are you asking if once you scan a picture will the Canon software automatically open PS to view and edit the scan?

Can you print wireless from an iPad with this?

I own one of these printers. The thing I like the most about it is that it has the built in wireless. No more having to set up a computer to share the printer. All I have to do is look at the network on a new computer, select the printer, and hit connect.

I own 2 Canon printers and bought one for my mom. They are great. I am a total Canon fan. I have a wireless one simular to this one that I have owned for more than a year...no problems and print quality is the best. It was easy to install and can be placed anywhere there is an outlet as long as you have wireless at home. I love that!

I bought this model a while back and I've been satisfied with it but under very...specific conditions. I wanted as good a photo printer as I could get without spending 100's and I wanted an adequate scanner. WiFi was a convenience that I now appreciate more than I thought I would. Same for the built in media reader, it's very convenient to be able to slap in a CF or SD card, choose the already-prepped picture using the screen and print it.

Caveats? A few and they may be dealbreakers for you, for me they were irrelevant. I print everything except photos from a LaserJet, so ink price for docs was not weighed heavily if at all. As far as network connectivity goes...well, it is super easy to set up IF you have a very simple home network and Windows PC's. Not speaking to Mac's here, the Linux drivers are only partially functional as of 6 months ago, ymmv. And, the printer uses a proprietary protocol that doesn't route, similar to NetBEUI. Not even over "smart" switches, it's hub-or-same-segment only. Setting it up to work over WiFi on the other hand was flawless and simple, so I went that route and use a semi-dedicated WinXP box to prep and print photos. Oh, and the proprietary s/w to run the thing is huge, running multiple services and apps by default, with a big footprint. But on the XP, I have yet to find anything buggy about the drivers or apps. Haven't tried it on the Win7 / x64 laptop yet.

So, if you use WiFi or USB, use it only for photos, copies and scanning, hook it up to an old Windows box that you don't mind running their software on, this is a fantastic printer at a really good price!

kuo0830 wrote:Will this work with Windows 7 since it's not said in the descriptions?

Looks like it should.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/Windows-7/en-us/Details.aspx?type=Hardware&p=Canon%20Pixma%20MP640%20Wireless%20Photo%20All-in-One%20Printer&v=Canon&uid=3748B002&pf=2&pi=3&c=Printers%20%26%20Scanners&sc=Multifunction&os=32-bit

In for 1.

DrAzzy wrote:It sounds like as far as inkjet AIO printers, this is fairly decent...

I think the concept is flawed though...
1) It's an inkjet. It'll last 1 year tops before the heads get clogged and can't be revived and you have to trash it, and you'll start getting white lines on your printouts the first time you go away on vacation for a week or two and let the ink sit in the heads.

2) It's an all in one. 99% of people buying AIO's only use it as a printer. And yet design compromises are made to give it all those other features, so it's less of a printer for the price. And if you're scanning stuff often, you'd have a dedicated scanner, because the AIO would not measure up.

3) Why exactly is it wireless? Let's hope it defaults to disabling the wireless, so when you have it plugged in and something goes dreadfully wrong, and you restore factory settings and it autoconnects to the local unsecured wireless network, the neighbors can't start printing kiddie bacon out on your printer. Wireless isn't even a useful feature for a network printer, it's not like you carry them around the house or something...

Sorry, but I have to disagree with each of your points.

1) My last Canon inkjet lasted 4 years before it started experiencing clogging issues and I think that may have had as much to do with my using 3rd party inks vs. OEM.

2) I just finished scanning over 500 slides using the MP990 (big brother to this unit) and the quality was outstanding. The default scan setting was 1200 dpi!!!. I actually sold my Canon Lide35 scanner on Craigslist shortly after purchasing the 990. Having the scanner and printer combined in one unit is a space saver.

3) The wireless on the 990 was easy to set-up and works flawlessly. Saying wireless is meaningless is short-sighted. I'm guessing you don't own a laptop. Because if you had 3 in your house like I do (teenagers) then having wireless is priceless.

Probably been mentioned, but I have one of these (MP620) for about 6 months and it's been great so far. Plus, I get the inks for it from supermediastore, you can get them for about $5 each if you buy a couple of sets. They come with new chips (which is how the printer can tell if they are "genuine") on them as well, so you just pop them in and they work, and the seem to work as good as the Canon stuff for documents and pictures (granted, I'm not worried about pictures lasting for years or anything, either). So far I've had no complains with it

recchi8 wrote:Sorry, but I have to disagree with each of your points.

1) My last Canon inkjet lasted 4 years before it started experiencing clogging issues and I think that may have had as much to do with my using 3rd party inks vs. OEM.

2) I just finished scanning over 500 slides using the MP990 (big brother to this unit) and the quality was outstanding. The default scan setting was 1200 dpi!!!. I actually sold my Canon Lide35 scanner on Craigslist shortly after purchasing the 990. Having the scanner and printer combined in one unit is a space saver.

3) The wireless on the 990 was easy to set-up and works flawlessly. Saying wireless is meaningless is short-sighted. I'm guessing you don't own a laptop. Because if you had 3 in your house like I do (teenagers) then having wireless is priceless.

The next printer or AIO i get will be wireless for that very reason you mentioned above. Three people, three laptops, nuff said!