Canon PIXMA G1220 Review: Low-Cost, High-Volume Printing
Comprehensive review of the Canon PIXMA G1220 MegaTank printer. Discover its features, benefits, printing quality, and value for money. Is it right for you?
Introduction
Are you tired of constantly replacing expensive ink cartridges? Do you need a reliable printer for your busy home office or small business, but don’t want to break the bank? The Canon PIXMA G1220 MegaTank Inkjet Printer is designed to tackle these challenges head-on, delivering impressive print volumes at a significantly lower cost per page than traditional cartridge-based printers.
Many users find themselves caught in a cycle of frequent cartridge replacements, leading to frustration and a drain on their budget. The PIXMA G1220 breaks this cycle, offering a solution that prioritizes both performance and affordability, making it an ideal choice for those who value efficiency and long-term savings.
Overview
The Canon PIXMA G1220 MegaTank Inkjet Printer is a single-function printer focused on delivering exceptional value through its innovative ink tank system. This printer boasts a compact and modern design, replacing the traditional cartridge setup with refillable ink tanks that offer dramatically higher page yields. Its user-friendly interface and straightforward connectivity options make it accessible to everyone, from casual users to small business owners.
At its core, the PIXMA G1220 utilizes a hybrid ink system – pigment black for crisp text and dye-based colors for vibrant photos. Coupled with a USB connectivity, this printer is designed for those who need reliable, high-volume printing without the recurring expense of cartridge replacements. It is perfectly suited for home offices, small businesses, and students who print frequently.
Features
High-Yield Ink Tank System: The PIXMA G1220’s defining feature is its MegaTank ink system. It comes pre-filled with enough ink to print up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages – equivalent to approximately 30 standard ink cartridge sets. This massively reduces the frequency of refills and significantly lowers your printing costs, offering a long-term advantage over traditional printers. The inclusion of two bonus black ink bottles further extends the initial print volume.
Hybrid Ink System for Exceptional Quality: Canon’s hybrid ink system combines pigment black ink for sharp, clear black text with dye-based color inks for vibrant, photo-realistic prints. This combination ensures that both your documents and photographs look their best, delivering professional-quality results. It’s capable of producing prints with a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for exceptional detail and color accuracy.
Fast Print Speeds for High-Volume Printing: Don’t let the low running costs fool you – the PIXMA G1220 maintains impressive print speeds. It can print up to 9.1 images per minute (ipm) in black and 5 ipm in color, allowing you to complete large print jobs efficiently without unnecessary delays. This ensures that your productivity isn’t hampered by slow printing.
Versatile Paper Handling: The PIXMA G1220 can handle a variety of paper sizes and types, including glossy photo paper, letter, legal, and custom sizes up to 8.5” x 14”. This versatility allows you to create a wide range of documents and photo prints to suit your specific needs, expanding the printer’s usefulness beyond everyday tasks.
Benefits
Dramatically Reduced Printing Costs: The MegaTank system offers a significantly lower cost per page compared to cartridge-based printers, saving you a substantial amount of money over time. The initial investment is quickly offset by the long-term savings on ink.
High Page Yield for Less Frequent Refills: Print thousands of pages before needing to refill the ink tanks, minimizing interruptions and saving you valuable time and effort. The extended print life reduces the hassle of constant cartridge replacements.
Vibrant and Accurate Color Printing: The hybrid ink system delivers rich, vibrant colors and sharp black text, ensuring that your prints look professional and eye-catching.
Fast Printing Speeds Increase Productivity: Print large documents and photo albums quickly and efficiently, saving you time and allowing you to focus on other tasks. The fast print speeds help maintain workflow efficiency.
User-Friendly Design and Operation: The straightforward design and simple operation make the PIXMA G1220 easy to set up and use, even for those with limited printing experience.
Usages
Perfect for Home Offices: The PIXMA G1220’s affordability and high page yield make it an ideal choice for home offices where printing needs are frequent and budgets are tight.
Ideal for Small Businesses: Small businesses can benefit from the printer’s low running costs and reliable performance, reducing overhead expenses and ensuring consistent print quality.
Great for Students and Frequent Document Printing: Students who print essays, research papers, and assignments can save money and avoid the frustration of cartridge replacements with this cost-effective printer.
Useful for Photo Printing Enthusiasts: While a dedicated photo printer might offer slightly more advanced features, the PIXMA G1220 delivers surprisingly good photo quality for occasional photo printing needs, particularly given its low cost per print.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional ink efficiency and low cost per page
- High page yield reduces cartridge replacements
- Impressive print quality with hybrid ink system
- Fast printing speeds for increased productivity
- Compact design suitable for various workspaces
Cons
- Lacks wireless connectivity
- Single-function printer – no scanning or copying capabilities
- Initial investment might be slightly higher than cartridge-based printers (but quickly offset by savings)
FAQs
How much does it cost to refill the ink tanks?: Refill ink bottles are significantly cheaper than traditional ink cartridges. The cost per page is dramatically reduced, saving you money over the long term. Exact costs will vary depending on supplier and volume purchased.
What is the printing speed?: The printer has a black print speed of 9.1 ipm and a color print speed of 5 ipm, allowing for efficient printing of large documents.
Can I connect to my computer wirelessly?: No, this specific model (PIXMA G1220) is designed for USB connectivity only. It lacks wireless capabilities.
Are the ink bottles compatible with other Canon printers?: Ink bottle compatibility varies by model. Refer to Canon’s website for a list of compatible printers.
How often do I need to perform maintenance?: Canon provides clear maintenance instructions. Regular cleaning and head alignment are recommended to ensure optimal print quality and longevity.
Product Specifications
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| DPI Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi (color), 600 dpi (black & white) |
| Ink Type | Pigment Black & Dye-Based Colors |
| Page Yield | 6,000 black / 7,700 color pages |
| Print Speed | 9.1 ipm (black), 5 ipm (color) |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Dimensions | 13″D x 17.6″W x 5.4″H |
| Weight | 10.6 Pounds |
| Duty Cycle | N/A |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Ratings
| Technical Specs | 4.3 |
| Print Quality | 4.6 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 4.9 |
| Usages | 4.4 |
| Overall Value | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Canon PIXMA G1220 is an excellent choice for home users who print frequently, whether it’s documents, reports, or occasional photos. Its low running costs and reliable performance make it a wise investment for anyone tired of constantly replacing ink cartridges.
Small businesses looking to reduce their printing expenses should seriously consider the PIXMA G1220. The high page yield and affordability provide a significant cost advantage over traditional printers, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about excessive printing costs.
Conclusion
The Canon PIXMA G1220 MegaTank Inkjet Printer offers a compelling combination of affordability, performance, and convenience. Its high-yield ink tanks dramatically reduce printing costs, while the hybrid ink system delivers impressive print quality. While the lack of wireless connectivity might be a drawback for some, the benefits of the MegaTank system far outweigh this limitation.
If you’re seeking a reliable, cost-effective printer for frequent printing needs, the PIXMA G1220 is a worthwhile investment that will provide long-term value and save you money over time. Its ease of use and impressive capabilities make it a standout option in the competitive inkjet printer market.
