Canon LBP246dw Review – Fast Monochrome Laser Printer
Read our comprehensive review of the Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw laser printer. Learn about its speed, cost-effectiveness, and features for small offices and home use.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficient and reliable document printing is a cornerstone of productivity. Many small offices struggle with printers that are either too slow, too expensive to operate, or lack the features needed to streamline workflows. The Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw aims to address these challenges, offering a compact and feature-rich monochrome laser printer designed for single-function black and white printing.
From frustratingly slow print speeds to the constant drain of high-ink cartridges, printing issues often disrupt workflow and increase operational costs. The imageCLASS LBP246dw offers a compelling solution, combining speed, efficiency, and essential connectivity to create a dependable printing foundation for small businesses and home offices.
Overview
The Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw is a single-function, monochrome laser printer built for small to medium-sized offices where black and white document printing is the primary need. This compact printer boasts a clean, professional design in white, blending seamlessly into any workspace. Its core strength lies in its ability to deliver crisp, clear prints at a swift 42 pages per minute, while minimizing running costs thanks to its robust toner system and duplex printing capabilities.
At its heart, the LBP246dw utilizes Canon’s renowned laser printing technology, ensuring high-quality output. Featuring easy wireless setup and mobile device compatibility via Canon PRINT Business, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service, it caters to modern workflow requirements. The printer’s expandable paper capacity (up to 900 sheets) further enhances its suitability for businesses with moderate to high-volume printing needs.
Features
High-Yield Toner System: The Canon LBP246dw employs a high-yield toner cartridge (Canon 070 / 070H), significantly reducing the frequency of replacements. This not only minimizes operational costs but also cuts down on the environmental impact associated with frequent cartridge disposal, resulting in a lower cost per page.
Automatic Duplex Printing: Save paper and reduce your carbon footprint with the LBP246dw’s automatic duplex printing feature. This functionality allows you to print on both sides of the page without manual intervention, instantly cutting your paper consumption in half and limiting paper replacement needs.
Wireless Smart Connectivity: Staying connected is crucial in today’s dynamic work environment. The LBP246dw provides effortless wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and WiFi Direct, ensuring easy access from various devices. Coupled with compatibility with Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service, printing from smartphones and tablets is seamless and intuitive.
Expansive Paper Capacity: Large print jobs shouldn’t halt your workflow. The LBP246dw offers an expandable paper capacity of up to 900 sheets. The standard cassette holds 250 sheets, the multipurpose tray can handle 100, and an optional cassette AH-1 adds another 550. This extensive capacity minimizes interruptions and maximizes productivity.
Intuitive 5-Line LCD Display: Navigating printer settings and monitoring status is made effortless with the integrated 5-line LCD display. This monochrome screen provides clear information and simplifies printer management, making adjustments and troubleshooting a breeze.
Benefits
Enhanced Productivity: With a swift print speed of up to 42 pages per minute and a quick first print time of just 5 seconds, the LBP246dw significantly enhances productivity, ensuring documents are ready when you need them. Reduced wait times contribute to a more efficient workflow.
Significant Cost Savings: The high-yield toner cartridge and automatic duplex printing dramatically reduce running costs per page, delivering tangible savings over time. This makes the LBP246dw a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.
Seamless Mobile Printing: Print effortlessly from your smartphone or tablet with built-in support for Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service. No need for complicated drivers or software installations – just connect and print.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Automatic duplex printing minimizes paper consumption, while the high-yield toner cartridge reduces cartridge waste, making the LBP246dw a more environmentally friendly printing option.
Streamlined Workflow: The combination of fast printing speeds, wireless connectivity, and a user-friendly interface creates a streamlined printing experience, allowing users to focus on their work instead of battling printer issues.
Usages
Perfect for Home Offices: Ideal for individuals or small teams working from home, the LBP246dw provides fast, reliable, and cost-effective black and white printing for everyday document needs.
Ideal for Small Businesses: The printer’s combination of speed, efficiency, and essential connectivity makes it a great fit for small businesses requiring high-volume document printing.
Great for Students and Frequent Document Printing: Students or anyone who frequently prints documents will appreciate the LBP246dw’s speed, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use.
Useful for Print-Rich Retail Environments: This printer is useful for retail environments needing fast and reliable printing of receipts, shipping labels and other important documents.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast print speeds (up to 42 ppm)
- Automatic duplex printing
- High-yield toner for reduced running costs
- Easy wireless setup and mobile printing
- Expandable paper capacity
- Compact and professional design
Cons
- Single-function printer (no scanning or copying)
- Monochrome printing only
- Limited color capabilities
- Relatively basic feature set
FAQs
What is the page yield of the toner cartridge?: The Canon 070 toner cartridge yields approximately 3,000 pages, while the 070H high-yield cartridge provides approximately 6,400 pages. Actual yield may vary depending on usage patterns and print coverage.
What is the maximum printing speed?: The LBP246dw achieves a maximum printing speed of 42 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white.
How easy is the wireless setup?: The wireless setup is straightforward, guided by an on-screen wizard. The printer supports WPS push-button configuration for even easier connection.
What types of media can I print on?: The printer supports a wide range of media types, including plain paper, envelopes, and labels, with sizes ranging from 4.1” x 5.8” to 8.5” x 14”.
What is the warranty coverage?: The LBP246dw comes with a 1-year limited warranty, backed by Canon’s service and support network.
Product Specifications
| Print Technology | Laser |
| DPI Resolution | Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Ink Type | Toner |
| Page Yield | 3,000 pages (070), 6,400 pages (070H) |
| Print Speed | 42 ppm |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB |
| Dimensions | 14.7″D x 15.7″W x 9.8″H |
| Weight | 19.2 Pounds |
| Duty Cycle | Not Specified |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited |
Ratings
| Technical Specifications | 4.3 |
| Printing Speed | 4.6 |
| Wireless Connectivity | 4.4 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 4.5 |
| Usability | 4.2 |
Recommendation
The Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw is an excellent choice for small businesses and home offices needing reliable and cost-effective black and white printing. Its fast print speeds, automatic duplex printing, and easy wireless setup make it a productivity powerhouse.
If you primarily need to print black and white documents and require a printer that won’t break the bank, the LBP246dw represents an outstanding value proposition. Its efficiency and dependability make it a valuable asset to any workspace.
Conclusion
The Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw is a solid and dependable monochrome laser printer well-suited to the needs of small offices and home users. Its combination of speed, efficiency, and ease of use delivers a compelling value proposition, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a reliable and cost-effective printing solution.
From its impressive print speeds to its long-lasting toner cartridges, the LBP246dw offers a significant return on investment. If you are in the market for a single-function, monochrome printer, the Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw is definitely one to consider.
