New York, NY -- Reviewed in February 2010 by Computer Shopper, the printer in many ways is a slightly less expensive version of the Pixma MX350. They have the same print engine, so the price difference is really more about features than anything else. The Pixma MX340 measures 7.8” x 18.1” x 16.4” (H x W x D) and weighs 19 lbs. It, too, is a 4-in-1 device offering users a printer, copier, scanner, and fax machine at the same time.
In terms of features, this model retained the automatic document feeder from the MX350, but it lacks memory card slots for printing directly without a computer. The LCD is also slightly smaller and it is not backlit like the one on the MX350. The text is readable, but there is no option for previewing photos.
The MX340 is both PC and Mac compatible and has all of drivers for the latest operating systems. It can be connected via USB cable, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi to make placing it that much easier. If you choose to set up a wireless connection over a secure network, you will have to type in the SSID from your computer. On the MX350, you can do it right on the control panel. The reviewer praised the quality of text, graphics, and photos that are outputted from the printer. In general, the printing speed like that of the MX 350, was a tad slower—black jobs in 8.4 ipm and color jobs at 4.8 ipm—than other devices, but the quality is likely worth the wait.
Unfortunately, the MX340 has somewhat expensive consumables. For one thing, it uses only a two cartridge system so when a color runs out, you are somewhat stuck with replacing it with an entirely new tri-color cartridge. To replace the black ink, a standard cartridge, the PGI-210 will run you $15.99 and each page will cost roughly 7.3 cents. The standard color cartridge, the CLI-211costs $20.99 for a cost per page of about 15.9 cents. There are high yield options for both (PG-210XL, $21.99 and CLI-211XL, $26.99) which can lower your costs to 5.4 cents and 13.1 cents, respectively.
Overall, if you can stomach the cost of the consumables and print speed is not a concern, this is a very good printer for you, your home office, or small business. If not, you can get almost the same features (with media card slots and better LCD) in the Pixma MX350 for $50 more and has the same print engine.
