Canon PIXMA G1200 Megatank Single Function Printer, Print Only, Black

I bought this printer to replace a 10 year old canon printer (ip4200) that finally died. And now I'm glad it did because I didn't realize how well these things have improved, especially the software. It amazes me that it will scan to pdf format all with one click. Of course the best thing about this model is that you buy ink by the bottle. Note that all printers are about the same price; the cheap ones just come with an expensive subscription to proprietary ink cartridges. Some reviewers complain about features. Note that this printer comes in four versions so you only pay for what you get. The add-ons are scanner, wi-fi, and auto-doc feed. The scanner and printer are faster than I expected.I did have a problem with initialization. The tanks are a bit more complicated than cartridges. More problematic, though, is after filling the tanks, you must trigger the initializtion proceedure. The manual just says it takes six minutes but never says how to tell if it completes successfully. After connecting to computer it took an hour for me to realize something was wrong and another hour to find their error codes. The canon website is huge with deadends and loops. I suggest registering and using the MyProducts page to start. This quickly locates manuals, videos, trouble shooting, and an on line tech chat. Once I found this, the problem was quickly resolved with a replacement. I also suggest looking at the support videos that show setup. I give 5 stars because this printer has a well thought out design and works good, canon provided excellent support, and buying ink by the bottle is very satisfying.

I have had this printer for almost 6 years, I print all the time for a non-profit I volunteer with, for my homeschool kids programs and for personal things, I have printed literally thousands of copies. In that time I have only spent $60 on ink!!! The alignment is just now (23,000+ copies use later) starting to be a little bit off and I can't seem to correct it, but that is my only complaint. My daughter and I just did the math and for how much I've used this printer, I've spent about a penny per copy - almost always full color!!! (23,000 copies using 3 orders of ink + original purchase price of the printer).I don't mind that it isn't wireless because it connects automatically. It is so easy to use!

IMO, false advertising. I work in an office without computers. My old all in one wasn’t working well anymore, so I decided to get the megatank all in one to avoid toner cartridge costs. Arrives this model and I follow the set up instructions to the letter. Here’s why I’ve requested a return:—No *print* button. That’s right!—No option to scan a document and print 5-10 copies of that document. Not kidding. Each copy has to be scanned every time. Need 10 copies, you’ll need to scan the document 10 times to get that.—No option to feed the documents into the printer. So, if you have a 20 page document to copy, you’ll need to scan each page individually to accomplish the task.—Reduced functionality (due to a lack of buttons, such as.......drumroll please.....*print*, or *number of copies* on the actual “printer”) if one uses it without a computer interface. This is where the false advertising comes into play, IMO. A product which cannot function as an all in one (yet is marketed to both computer users and non-computer users) should be clearly labeled as such. ALL limitations for standard useage (ie no computer interface) must be clearly identified. The photos of the unit fail to clearly show this design issue. The description fails to disclose this.I just bought an “all in one” that cost $280 and can only print one page at a time.....maximum!!!!!! My last, Cannon, all in one functioned the same with or without a computer.Second criticism: cheap construction. The connection for the power cord is so poorly designed, that after being fully inserted into the printer port, it fell out and had to be replaced....twice. IMO, this printer just feels flimsy.Third: while I managed to install ink cartrages B and C during the set up, this was no small feat. They are difficult to install. Carefully, I did manage to get them into their proper place.Conclusion: avoid this printer. I had such high hopes being a Cannon again (all of my printers have been Cannon over the years). I also had high hopes about the functionality due to its status as an “all in one”.I’d give it zero stars if I could.