🖨️ Canon PIXMA MX860 Wireless All-In-One Office Printer (Renewed): A Second Look at a Home Office Workhorse
In the rapidly evolving world of office technology, devices often become obsolete within a few years. However, some models, like the Canon PIXMA MX860 Wireless All-In-One Office Printer, possess a lasting functionality and quality that keeps them relevant, especially in the secondary or "Renewed" market.
Originally released around 2009, the MX860 was positioned as a feature-rich, high-quality multifunction printer (MFP) for the home and small office. Today, purchasing a renewed version offers a cost-effective way to acquire a robust machine capable of printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, complete with network connectivity.
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| Canon PIXMA MX860 Wireless All-In-One Office Printer (Renewed): A Second Look at a Home Office Workhorse |
Key Features at a Glance
The Canon PIXMA MX860's feature set was comprehensive for its time, making it a powerful AIO. Its core capabilities include:
Wireless Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n compatible) and Ethernet, offering flexible network setup.
5-Ink System: Utilizes five individual ink tanks (Pigment Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and a Dye-based Black), known for producing excellent photo quality and crisp text.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): A fully integrated, 35-sheet ADF supports Auto Duplex Scanning and Copying, a feature often reserved for higher-end models.
Auto Duplex Printing: Built-in duplexer for two-sided printing, saving paper.
High Resolution: Features a maximum color print resolution of up to 9600 x 2400 dpi (with 1 picoliter droplets) and an optical scan resolution of 2400 x 4800 dpi.
Media Support: Includes a 2.5-inch Color LCD, a built-in memory card reader (CF, SD/SDHC, MS/Pro, xD), and PictBridge support.
Performance and Output Quality
Where the MX860 truly shines, even years later, is in its output quality.
📸 Photo and Color Quality
The 5-ink system is the secret weapon here. Reviewers consistently praised the MX860's ability to produce excellent photo quality with vibrant colors and fine detail, thanks to its high resolution and microscopic ink droplets. For anyone needing an AIO that can double as a capable photo printer, the MX860 delivers professional-looking borderless prints.
📄 Text and Document Quality
Text output is generally sharp and rich black, suitable for professional business documents and correspondence. While printing speeds (around 8.4 ipm black and 5.6 ipm color for documents) are noticeably slower than modern equivalents, they are generally acceptable for a home office environment where large-volume printing isn't the primary need.
⚙️ All-in-One Functionality
The standout feature for office productivity is the integrated Auto Duplex ADF. The ability to automatically scan, copy, and fax two-sided multi-page documents is a significant time-saver and a huge benefit for a renewed machine in this price segment. The fax function is also robust, with a 33.6 Kbps modem and up to 250 pages of memory.
The "Renewed" Trade-Off: Design and Speed
When considering a renewed MX860, it's important to balance its high-quality output and features with its age-related drawbacks.
🧱 Bulky Design
The MX860 is unapologetically a product of its era. It's large and relatively bulky (around $19.4 \times 17.1 \times 8.9$ inches and 26.4 lbs), taking up a considerable amount of desk space. Its matte gray exterior has a decidedly "office machine" aesthetic that might clash with modern, minimalist home office setups.
🐢 Slow Speed
As mentioned, document print speeds are slower than contemporary inkjet and laser MFPs. Network setup, particularly the initial wireless connection, was sometimes noted as cumbersome compared to the streamlined process in newer printers. Additionally, printing images over Wi-Fi can be particularly slow.
🖥️ Software and Driver Compatibility
While the original OS compatibility was broad (Windows 7/Vista/XP and Mac OS X 10.5 and later), modern operating systems like Windows 10/11 or the latest macOS versions may require finding the most up-to-date drivers from Canon's support website or relying on generic print/scan drivers. Users should verify current OS support before purchase.
The Verdict on the Renewed Canon PIXMA MX860
The Canon PIXMA MX860 Wireless All-In-One Printer, as a renewed option, represents excellent value for its feature set and print quality.
It is an ideal choice for:
Home Office Users who need a reliable, full-featured AIO (print, scan, copy, fax) with the crucial addition of an Auto Duplex ADF.
Users Prioritizing Photo Quality over blistering speed. The 5-ink system delivers genuinely superb photos.
Budget-Conscious Buyers looking for a workhorse machine who don't mind its conservative design or slower speeds.
If you are looking for a sleek, lightning-fast printer for high-volume work, a modern laser or newer inkjet might be a better fit. However, if you seek a robust, highly capable, and quality-focused all-in-one printer with full duplex capabilities at a fraction of its original price, the renewed Canon PIXMA MX860 is a classic workhorse well worth considering.