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On the surface the Pro 9000 would seem like a fairly simple printer, but don't be fooled by appearances. The body of the printer has a 1.5mm reinforced steel chassis (almost armour plated) to ensure stable operation. The outer covering is a smart simulated brushed steel effect, and the dark plastic parts are a matte finish, which should ensure fingermarks are well hidden.
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Printer fully collapsed |
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Fully extended ready for printing |
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Rear paper support cover |
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Rear paper supports |
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Paper guide is a weakness |
as is the rear sheet feed |
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CD/DVD printing tray |
It only prints CD's - it doesn't play them |
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Handy wheel below the USB port |
allows you to move the printer with ease |
Canon have put a lot of thought into this printer, I like the way the printer packs away with dust proof covers. The front media catcher is has a triple extension which is robust and so far it has caught all my test prints - what more can you ask of it?. The rear paper holder has two sections, which can hold up to 150 sheets of photo or plain paper. The top part allows A3 media to lay back which should avoid any paper jams. The actual paper guide is perhaps the weakest point on this printer, it appears to come from the same mould as the entry level printers. However, the guide hasn't caused any problems on previous Canon printers that I have reviewed and used, so I wouldn't expect it to on this printer, but then again this is a professional printer and for that reason alone, I think the designers could have incorporated something more substantial.
I am was pleased to see the inclusion of a CD/DVD printing tray, these will give your CD/DVD a truly professional feel. I am often surprised when I see professional photographers give wedding photographs on a CD with either a marker pen label or a sticky paper overlay. For a few pence more you can easily create a great looking label on printable media. The only let down is the basic Easy CD LabelPrint software. I wish Canon could have included a simple TIFF template that could be opened in Photoshop or Illustrator thereby allowing more adventurous label designs. I don't think the CD printing option is included for the North American market. Perhaps someone could advise on the Forum.
A single USB 2.0 port is located on the rear right hand side of the printer, I would have also expected a Network port on this professional printer. Below the USB port is a handy wheel, just lift the front of the printer up by 45' and then you can roll the printer back and forth on your desktop - why? When you are printing large format prints using the straight paper path you need to have sufficient clearance at the rear. Putting the printer on wheels saves a lot of backache - try moving the HP B9180 on your desk a few times and you will soon appreciate the wheels.
To sum up, the printer has been made to a very high standard and the design compliments the Canon EOS range of cameras. The quality of materials used is excellent - the only thing that needs looking at is the paper guide.
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