New York, NY -- Initially examined in November 2009 by PrinterComparison.com, the Pixma MP640 from Canon is one of the models situated just below the MP990 in price, so it is similar in form and function. It is a 3-in-1 printer that offers users the ability to print, scan, and copy in a single unit.
It offers a maximum printing resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi and a print speed of up to 8.1 ipm (images per minute) in color and 9.2 ipm in black and white. Images per minute is a new acceptable unit of measurement for printers manufactured 2009 and after. Featuring a 3.0” LCD screen and Canon’s EasyScroll Wheel, the MP640 measures 14.5" x 17.8" x 6.9" (H x W x D) and weighs 19.4 lbs.
It comes standard with two 150-sheet capacity paper trays (input and output) and automatic duplexing. It can be connected to your PC or Mac via traditional USB cable (though one is not included), Ethernet cable, or via a Wi-Fi connection. The drivers for Windows 7 and Snow Leopard are available for download from Canon’s website, for those who have made the switch/upgrade.
You can print pictures directly from a variety of memory cards (SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC Plus, CompactFlash, Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, and Memory Stick PRO Duo) or through the PictBridge port. In terms of ink the Pixma MP640 has a five-ink system that included 4 dye-based cartridges (CLI-221s for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) and one pigment based cartridge (PGI-220, black ink). Replacement ink is not overly expensive at $12.99 per cartridge for the CLI-221s and $14.99 for the PGI-220. There is also a 3-pack of the black pigment ink for $41.99 and a 4-pack with all the colors in it for $47.99.
