🔋 Review of the Canon CK-51 Cradle Kit for the i70 Mobile Printer
The Canon CK-51 Cradle Kit is an essential accessory designed to enhance the portability and convenience of the venerable Canon i70 Color Bubble Jet Printer. Introduced as a premium add-on to the already compact and fast mobile printer, the CK-51 Kit transforms the way users power and charge their device on the go and at a home base.
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| Review of the Canon CK-51 Cradle Kit for the i70 Mobile Printer |
Key Components and Core Functionality
The CK-51 Cradle Kit is a complete power solution that integrates seamlessly with the Canon i70, a printer known for its impressive speed (up to 7.5 pages per minute for text) and high-resolution output (up to 4,800 x 1,200 dpi).
The kit typically includes three main components:
The Desktop Cradle/Charger: This serves as a dedicated docking station for the printer. It is the main convenience factor, allowing the printer to be stood upright for a smaller desktop footprint while simultaneously charging the battery.
The Lithium-Ion Battery (LB-51): This powerful battery is the core of the i70's true mobility. It is designed to provide extended use away from a power outlet, with some specifications claiming up to a 6-hour capacity (though real-world use can vary depending on printing load).
The Battery Housing: This secures the battery to the i70 printer itself, ensuring a proper connection for operation and charging.
Advantages of the CK-51 Cradle Kit
The CK-51 Kit significantly elevates the user experience for the Canon i70, especially for those who rely on the printer for frequent travel or remote work.
Enhanced Portability with Extended Battery Life
The included lithium-ion battery is arguably the most critical component. The i70 printer, by itself, is exceptionally compact and light, easily fitting into a briefcase or tote bag. The addition of the proprietary LB-51 battery allows users to print documents and photos wirelessly (if using an optional Bluetooth adapter) or via USB without needing to search for an AC outlet. This extended battery life is crucial for business travelers or field workers.
Charging Convenience and Desktop Organization
The desktop cradle offers a major boost in convenience. Instead of fiddling with power cables and leaving the printer flat on a desk, the cradle provides a simple, drop-in charging solution.
Upright Charging: The cradle holds the i70 in an upright position, which saves valuable desk space.
Simultaneous Charging: It allows the battery to be charged while the printer is not in use, ensuring the device is always ready to go.
Genuine Canon Quality
As a genuine Canon accessory, the CK-51 ensures perfect compatibility and reliability with the i70 printer. This eliminates the risk of using non-standard batteries or charging solutions that could potentially damage the device or offer subpar performance.
Considerations and Conclusion
While the Canon i70 printer itself received high praise in its time for speed and quality, the CK-51 Cradle Kit, though expensive, was considered a necessary investment for maximizing the printer's potential as a truly mobile device.
The main point of concern for potential buyers was, and remains, the overall investment. The price of the CK-51 kit added a significant cost to the already premium mobile printer. However, for users who absolutely needed the functionality—like journalists, real estate agents, or delivery services needing on-site documentation—the trade-off for speed, reliability, and true wireless printing was often worth the price.
In summary, the CK-51 Cradle Kit is not just an accessory; it is the defining feature that completes the Canon i70 as a superior mobile printing solution. It provides the freedom of a powerful, extended-life battery combined with the effortless, desk-friendly charging of a dedicated cradle. For users of the Canon i70 looking for ultimate mobility, the CK-51 remains an essential, high-quality component.