Finding the right printer can make all the difference when it comes to home office equipment. Whether you're printing documents, photos, or scanning essential paperwork, the Canon PIXMA TR8622a promises to be a versatile option for personal and professional use. But does it live up to its claims? This comprehensive review dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Canon PIXMA TR8622a, helping you determine if it’s the right printer for your home office.
Overview of the Canon PIXMA TR8622a
The Canon PIXMA TR8622a is part of Canon's line of all-in-one inkjet printers, offering the full range of printing, copying, scanning, and faxing functions. Designed with versatility in mind, it caters to home offices, small businesses, and families alike. One of the key selling points is its compact yet feature-rich design, making it ideal for tight spaces without compromising functionality.
Key Specifications:
- Print Technology: Inkjet
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax, Auto Duplex Printing
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Cloud Printing (Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, Mopria)
- Print Speed: Up to 15 ppm (pages per minute) black, 10 ppm color
- Paper Handling: Front and rear paper feeding, Auto Document Feeder (ADF), supports various media sizes
- Display: 4.3-inch color touchscreen
- Dimensions: 17.3" x 13.8" x 7.5"
- Weight: 17.4 pounds
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Design and Build Quality
The first thing users notice about the Canon PIXMA TR8622a is its sleek, compact design. Despite its multi-functionality, it doesn’t occupy too much space on a desk or shelf. Measuring just 17.3 inches wide and 7.5 inches tall, this printer is perfect for home offices with limited room. The matte black finish gives it a professional appearance that blends seamlessly into any workspace.
The 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen stands out as a major design feature. The screen is highly responsive, allowing for easy navigation through menus and settings. Users appreciate the intuitive layout that makes controlling the device a breeze without needing a computer. However, some users have noted that the screen can feel a bit too small for those with larger fingers.
Setup Process
Setting up the Canon PIXMA TR8622a is relatively straightforward. The package includes a quick start guide, which simplifies the process for even the least tech-savvy users. Whether you're connecting via Wi-Fi, USB, or Ethernet, the setup process takes no more than 10-15 minutes.
One notable feature is the wireless setup. Using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, users can connect their smartphones or tablets directly to the printer. The app guides users step by step, and the printer connects to Wi-Fi effortlessly, allowing for wireless printing from various devices. The printer is compatible with cloud-based services such as Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint, making it a good fit for users who frequently print from mobile devices.
Printing Performance
Print Quality
The Canon PIXMA TR8622a excels in printing both documents and high-resolution photos. Canon is known for its superb photo printers, and the TR8622a doesn’t disappoint. The colors are vibrant, sharp, and rich, which is especially noticeable when printing photos on glossy paper. With a print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, it ensures clarity even for professional-quality images.
When it comes to documents, the text quality is crisp and clear, whether printing in black or color. For business users who need to print reports, contracts, or presentations, the TR8622a delivers sharp, professional-looking results.
Print Speed
For a printer in this price range, the TR8622a's print speed is decent. Canon rates the printer at 15 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white prints and 10 ppm for color. While this may not be the fastest in the market, it’s sufficient for most home office tasks. Users who frequently print large documents or need fast turnaround times may find the speed slightly lacking, but for everyday use, it should meet the needs of most individuals and small businesses.
Duplex Printing
Another standout feature is the automatic duplex printing, which allows for printing on both sides of the paper without manually flipping the pages. This not only saves time but also reduces paper usage, making the TR8622a an eco-friendly option for offices looking to minimize waste.
Scanner and Copier Features
The scanner on the Canon PIXMA TR8622a is a significant asset, featuring a 1200 x 2400 dpi optical resolution, which results in clear and accurate scans. Whether you're digitizing documents or scanning photos, the quality is more than adequate for most tasks. The inclusion of the Auto Document Feeder (ADF) simplifies the process of scanning multiple pages in one go, without needing to manually place each sheet on the flatbed.
For users who frequently copy documents, the TR8622a delivers efficient and accurate copying. The copy speeds are on par with the print speeds, and users can expect high-quality copies, particularly with text-heavy documents. The color accuracy when copying images is commendable as well, although it might take slightly longer than when copying black-and-white documents.
Faxing Capabilities
Although faxing might seem outdated to some, it remains a necessary feature for many businesses. The fax function of the Canon PIXMA TR8622a works seamlessly, with features such as memory transmission (storing fax jobs if the machine is busy) and speed dial for frequently used numbers. For those who still rely on faxing for business, this feature adds considerable value to the printer.
Connectivity Options
The Canon PIXMA TR8622a offers a range of connectivity options, making it highly versatile for different users. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB connections, enabling users to print from virtually any device—whether a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Wireless Printing: The wireless setup is a breeze, and users can easily print directly from their mobile devices using the Canon PRINT app.
Ethernet: If you prefer a wired connection for greater stability, the TR8622a also includes an Ethernet port for reliable network printing.
Cloud Printing: Users can print documents directly from their cloud storage accounts, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, making this printer perfect for a modern, cloud-based workflow.
Paper Handling
The Canon PIXMA TR8622a offers dual paper feeding trays, one at the front and one at the rear. This setup allows users to load different types of media—such as plain paper in one tray and photo paper in the other—without needing to swap them out constantly. This feature saves time and adds convenience for users who need to print both documents and photos regularly.
The printer supports various paper sizes, from 4" x 6" to 8.5" x 14", and can handle envelopes, labels, and cardstock. Its 100-sheet capacity is standard for home offices, although it might feel limited for busier small businesses.
Ink Efficiency
One of the most common concerns with inkjet printers is the cost of ink. The Canon PIXMA TR8622a uses the PG-260 and CL-261 ink cartridges, which are standard for Canon printers in this range. For users who want to save on ink costs, Canon also offers XL versions of these cartridges, which provide more prints per cartridge and reduce the overall cost per page.
The ink efficiency of the TR8622a is reasonable for a printer in this class, although heavy users may find the cost of replacing cartridges a bit high. If you're printing a significant amount of color photos, you'll likely go through ink faster. For those focused on document printing, the black ink tends to last longer, making it more cost-effective.
Pros and Cons of the Canon PIXMA TR8622a
Pros:
- Excellent Print Quality: Whether you’re printing documents or photos, the TR8622a produces sharp, vibrant results.
- Compact Design: The small footprint is perfect for home offices with limited space.
- Versatile Functions: Print, scan, copy, and fax—all in one machine.
- Wireless Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, making it highly versatile.
- Auto Duplex Printing: Saves paper by automatically printing on both sides of the sheet.
- Dual Paper Feeding: Convenient for users who print both documents and photos regularly.
Cons:
- Print Speed: While acceptable for most home offices, the speed may be too slow for users who print in high volumes.
- Small Touchscreen: Though functional, the small size can be a bit challenging for users with larger fingers.
- Ink Cost: Frequent photo printing can lead to higher-than-expected ink expenses.
Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TR8622a?
The Canon PIXMA TR8622a is an excellent choice for home offices, students, and small businesses that need a reliable all-in-one printer. Its compact size, versatile functionality, and impressive print quality make it a great fit for those who need to print.
