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🖨️ Review: Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer – A Compact Workhorse for Home and Small Office
The Canon PIXMA TR4720, often bundled with essential accessories like a DGE USB Connection Cable and a Small Business Software Kit, positions itself as a versatile and economical 4-in-1 solution for the modern home or small office. Offering printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities, plus an integrated Auto Document Feeder (ADF), this compact machine aims to streamline workflow without occupying excessive desk space. But does it deliver a compelling balance of performance, features, and cost-effectiveness? Let's take a deep dive.
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| Review: Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer – A Compact Workhorse for Home and Small Office |
✅ Key Features and Design Overview
The PIXMA TR4720 is a sleek, moderately-sized inkjet printer available in Black (model 5074C002) and White. Its design is typical of a budget-friendly All-in-One (AIO), but with several thoughtful additions that boost its functionality for a busy user:
All-in-One Versatility: Offers all four core office functions: Print, Copy, Scan, and Fax.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): A crucial feature for multi-page scanning and copying, handling up to 20 sheets of legal size paper.
Wireless and Mobile Printing: Supports Wi-Fi connectivity, alongside mobile printing apps like AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App. It even integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Auto 2-Sided (Duplex) Printing: Automatically prints on both sides of the page, helping to save paper and time.
Hybrid Ink System: Uses a 2-cartridge system (one pigment black, one dye color) designed to produce sharp text and vibrant color prints.
User Interface: Features a simple 2-Line LCD display and a number keypad for easy operation and faxing.
🔬 Performance: Where It Shines and Where It Doesn't
Print Quality: Excellent Photos, Mixed Documents
The PIXMA TR4720 truly excels at photo printing. Utilizing its dye-based color inks, the printer produces stunning, vibrant photos with above-average resolution and excellent color accuracy, particularly with skin tones. For users who frequently print pictures or colorful graphics, the TR4720 offers a premium output that outperforms many rivals in its class.
However, its document printing performance has been noted as somewhat underwhelming. While sharp enough for general use, some reviewers have observed less-than-perfect black text, appearing sometimes grayish or slightly inconsistent, especially in duplex mode. For high-volume users requiring razor-sharp text documents, this might be a minor drawback. The maximum print resolution is an impressive 4800 x 1200 dpi.
Speed and Efficiency
The print speeds are moderate, aligning with its budget-friendly designation: approximately 8.8 ipm (images per minute) for black and 4.4 ipm for color documents. Photo printing, particularly full-page borderless prints, can be slow, taking around a minute or more for a 4"x6" photo.
The 20-sheet ADF and Auto Duplex Printing are significant boosts to efficiency, allowing users to handle multi-page tasks without constant manual feeding.
Usability and Setup
Setting up the TR4720 is generally reported as simple and straightforward, especially when using the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App to establish the wireless connection. The 2-cartridge system is also easy to install and replace.
A common point of critique, however, is the 2-Line LCD screen. It is small and lacks a backlight, making it difficult to read and navigate without external lighting, which can be frustrating during complex setup or operation.
💸 The Elephant in the Room: Operating Cost
This is the most critical consideration for potential buyers. While the initial purchase price is low, the TR4720 uses a hybrid ink system with PG-275 (Black) and CL-276 (Color) cartridges. Review analysis consistently points out that this model has a high operating cost due to the rapid consumption of ink. Per-page costs can be significantly higher than competitor models or those using high-yield tank systems.
Note: The high running cost means the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is best suited for low-to-moderate volume users (e.g., a student, remote worker for light tasks, or a family that only prints occasionally). High-volume users will find the cost of replacement ink prohibitive.
📦 The Value of the Bundle: DGE USB Cable + Small Business Software Kit
The specific bundle mentioned (DGE USB Connection Cable + Small Business Software Kit) adds value, particularly for home office users:
DGE USB Connection Cable: While the printer is primarily wireless, having a dedicated USB 2.0 cable is a massive advantage. It guarantees a rock-solid connection for initial setup or for printing when Wi-Fi connectivity is unreliable, bypassing common wireless setup frustrations.
Small Business Software Kit: This kit often includes productivity tools such as PDF Editors, Resume Makers, and basic Photo/Creative Editors. For a startup or home office, this software can provide useful tools without an additional purchase, enhancing the printer's value proposition right out of the box.
⭐ Conclusion: Who is the Canon PIXMA TR4720 For?
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer is a feature-rich, compact, and affordable entry-point AIO.
It is an excellent choice for:
Casual Home Users/Students: Those who need basic printing, scanning, and occasional photo prints, and value the versatility of having a fax machine and ADF for convenience.
Users Prioritizing Photo Quality: The vivid color output for photos is a significant strength.
Buyers on a Budget: The low initial price makes it highly attractive.
It is less ideal for:
High-Volume Users: The high operating cost will quickly make this printer expensive over time.
Users Needing Flawless Text Quality: While adequate, the text quality is not the best in its class.
Users Who Hate Tedious Screens: The small, unlit LCD screen can be a frustrating element of the user experience.
Overall, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 bundle offers a commendable package of functions and accessories at a great price. It's a true all-in-one with essential office features that simplify occasional, multi-page tasks—provided you are mindful of its long-term ink costs.