Canon PIXMA TR160 Review: Portable Printing Freedom
Review of the Canon PIXMA TR160 portable printer: Features, specs, benefits, and who should buy it. Perfect for home offices and travel.
Introduction
The Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer isn’t just a printer; it’s a promise of print-on-the-go freedom. In today’s dynamic world, the need to print important documents, flyers, or even vibrant photos isn’t confined to the office or home—it extends to coffee shops, client meetings, and even while traveling. The PIXMA TR160 elegantly solves this challenge, offering a compact, lightweight design coupled with robust functionality, empowering users to print seamlessly wherever inspiration strikes or urgent documents are needed.
Forget cumbersome, desk-bound printers. The PIXMA TR160’s portability unlocks a new level of productivity and creative control. Its sleek profile and optional battery power (sold separately) liberate you from the constraints of power outlets, allowing you to print practically anywhere. Whether you’re a freelancer, a busy professional, or a passionate hobbyist, this printer provides a flexible and convenient printing solution.
Overview
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is a marvel of engineering, combining portability with essential printing capabilities. This compact inkjet printer boasts a minimal footprint and an incredibly lightweight design (just 4.5 pounds), making it ideal for mobile professionals and anyone who values space-saving convenience. Its 1.44” monochrome OLED display provides clear visibility of printer status and settings, simplifying operation even when on the move.
At its core, the TR160 utilizes a 5-Color Hybrid Ink System, ensuring both sharp, detailed black text and vibrant, borderless color prints. It connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi or USB, and supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service for easy printing from various devices. The target user is anyone needing portable printing capabilities, from small business owners and students to travelers and creative individuals.
Features
LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: The PIXMA TR160 is engineered for life on the go. Its ultra-compact design and featherlight weight (4.5 lbs) make it easy to slip into a bag or backpack, offering unparalleled portability. No more lugging around heavy printers!
HIGH-QUALITY PRINTING ON THE GO: Don’t sacrifice quality for portability. The 5-Color Hybrid Ink System delivers crisp black text and stunning, borderless color prints up to 8.5” x 11”. Print documents and photos that truly stand out, wherever you are.
SIMPLE & EASY CONNECTIVITY: Printing is effortless with the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service. Connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi or USB, and enjoy seamless printing from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Setting up a wireless connection is simple and fast.
WIRELESS DIRECT MODE: Print directly from your compatible device without a wireless router! Wireless Direct Mode provides a secure, point-to-point connection, perfect for printing when a network isn’t available. No more reliance on internet connections.
1.44” OLED DISPLAY: Navigating printer settings and monitoring ink levels is easy with the integrated 1.44” Monochrome OLED display. Quickly check the printer’s status and make adjustments on the fly, eliminating guesswork.
Benefits
MAXIMUM PORTABILITY: Free yourself from the constraints of a traditional office setup. The TR160 empowers you to print critical documents or creative projects from virtually anywhere – coffee shops, client meetings, or on the road.
ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY: Don’t wait until you get home or back to the office to print essential documents. The PIXMA TR160 facilitates immediate access to printed materials, accelerating workflows and boosting productivity.
SUPERIOR PRINT QUALITY: Produce professional-looking documents and vibrant photos with the 5-Color Hybrid Ink System, ensuring every print is impactful and visually appealing.
SIMPLE SETUP AND OPERATION: The user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make the TR160 a breeze to set up and operate, even for those unfamiliar with printing technology.
COST-EFFECTIVE PRINTING: While optional battery power requires additional investment, the ability to avoid outsourcing printing tasks can provide significant cost savings over time.
Usages
IDEAL FOR HOME OFFICES: Perfect for freelancers and remote workers who need a compact, portable printing solution for creating invoices, reports, and other essential documents.
PERFECT FOR PHOTO PRINTING: Capture and share your favorite memories with high-quality, borderless photo prints on the go. Ideal for travelers and creative enthusiasts.
GREAT FOR STUDENTS: Print assignments, essays, and research papers from anywhere, offering a convenient alternative to crowded library printers.
ESSENTIAL FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL: Keep your business operations flowing seamlessly while on the road. Print contracts, presentations, and other crucial documents from hotels or client meetings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely portable and lightweight
- High-quality print output (color and black & white)
- Simple connectivity options (Wi-Fi, USB, AirPrint, Mopria)
- Easy-to-use interface with 1.44” OLED display
- Cost-effective printing solution
Cons
- No duplex (two-sided) printing
- Relatively slow print speeds compared to laser printers
- Optional battery increases total cost
- Limited paper capacity (50 sheets)
FAQs
What is the print speed of the Canon PIXMA TR160?: The TR160 offers a print speed of up to 9 ppm for monochrome documents and 5.5 ppm for color prints.
Does the PIXMA TR160 support duplex printing?: No, the PIXMA TR160 is a simplex printer, meaning it prints on one side of the paper only. Duplex printing is not supported.
What type of ink does the TR160 use?: The TR160 utilizes CLI-36 dye-based color ink tanks and PGI-35 pigment-based black ink tanks. These tanks offer improved ink efficiency and vibrant color reproduction.
Can I print directly from my smartphone without a Wi-Fi network?: Yes, the TR160 supports Wireless Direct Mode, allowing you to print directly from your compatible device without a wireless router.
Does this printer use a battery?: The PIXMA TR160 can operate using a wired power supply, but an optional battery is available for sale. Without the battery, you will need access to a wall outlet.
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | Inkjet Printer |
| Print Speed (PPM) | 9 ppm (Black), 5.5 ppm (Color) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 4800 x 1200 dpi (Color), 4800 dpi (Black & White) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB Type C |
| Duplex | Simplex |
| Supported Media Sizes | 3.5” x 3.5”, 4” x 6”, 5” x 5”, 5” x 7”, 7” x 10”, 8.5” x 11”, Legal, U.S. #10 Envelopes |
| Ink/Toner Type | CLI-36 Dye-Based Color, PGI-35 Pigment-Based Black |
| Dimensions | 12.7″D x 7.3″W x 2.6″H |
| Warranty Type | Limited Warranty |
Ratings
| Print Quality (Color & Sharpness) | 4.6 |
| Ink Efficiency / Yield | 4.3 |
| Connectivity & App Integration | 4.4 |
| Print Speed (Pages per Minute) | 4.1 |
| Build Quality & Design | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
Recommendation
We highly recommend the Canon PIXMA TR160 to freelance professionals, students, and anyone who values portability and convenience in their printing solution. Its compact design and robust functionality make it an ideal companion for on-the-go printing needs.
Conclusion
The Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and innovative technology. It successfully bridges the gap between portability and functionality, providing users with the freedom to print wherever they go. Its ease of use, high-quality output, and reasonable cost make it a valuable addition to any workspace.
Beyond its immediate printing capabilities, the PIXMA TR160 represents a commitment to flexibility and efficiency. It’s more than just a printer; it’s a tool that empowers users to work smarter, create more freely, and stay connected, regardless of their location.
