If your budget can handle the price tag, Canon's Pixma MP830 inkjet multifunction device provides one of the best mixtures of value and features that you'll find in machines aimed at SOHO users, making it a versatile option and a Consumer Guide Best Buy.

One of the Pixma MP830's best features for home users is its ability to print photographs. This unit includes a 2.5-inch LCD screen and slots for flash memory cards, allowing you to make a quick print directly from the memory card. Finally, the Pixma MP830's two paper trays make it easy to switch from photo paper to standard paper with no effort.

The Pixma MP830's print speeds are very good. It can print a 4x6-inch photo in about 36 seconds, and the photo quality is sharp. Text printing is sharp, too--Even in draft mode, the Pixma MP830's text printing is more than adequate. And the unit's maximum speed of 30 pages per minute is excellent in draft mode.

You can use the Pixma MP830 as a standalone fax machine or fax through a computer. It can send faxes at speeds up to 20 cpm, and the unit can store up to 250 pages in memory. The Pixma MP830's 35-sheet automatic document feeder is great for sending multi-page faxes. This unit can copy at speeds up to 29 ppm, and its scanner works very fast and creates sharp images with a maximum optical resolution of 2400x4800 dpi.

Finally, be prepared to clear some room on your desk for this machine: It weighs more than 32 pounds, and its footprint is nearly 20x20 inches. The Pixma MP830 is a good looking multifunction device, and its controls are easy to use. The price might be a little high for some customers, but it is a versatile unit that gives a great value.


Pros: Versatile unit, good features for printing photos, good business features, good speed and image quality
Cons: Large unit, price is a little high for inkjet, no Ethernet port

Warranty
1-year limited