Canon i-Sensys LBP7680Cx review

The LBP7680Cx is Canon’s first single-function laser printer that’s designed to be equally at home in small-business and enterprise workgroup environments. It supports Canon’s multifunction embedded application platform (MEAP) for integration into existing printer management systems.

MEAP allows Java apps to be run on the printer, and Canon’s focus is clearly its uniFLOW print and scan document management software. However, this won’t cut any ice with small businesses that will be more interested in value, print speed and output quality.

For installation, an automatic routine finds the printer and loads PCL, PostScript and Canon’s own UFRII drivers. The printer’s local menu control pad takes a while to get used to, but it provides access to all the features – including the new front USB port for walk-up printing.

The web UI has admin and user modes, so you can configure the printer or just view consumable levels. The admin mode also provides an option for selecting a local file or URL and sending it directly to the printer.

The printer delivers in the speed stakes: a 20-page Word document was despatched in one minute, with a time to first page of around 15 seconds; our complex 24-page DTP-style document – with graphics and photos – completed in 1min 11secs, with a time to first page of 15 seconds.

The driver’s Publication setting ups the interpolated resolution to a quoted 9,600 x 600dpi, and the DTP test took the same time as the General setting. Other driver output options are available; we were impressed with their impact.

Colour photos on the General setting were slightly pallid, but the Vivid Photo option produced rich, vibrant colours with good detail. Mono pictures didn’t benefit as much, but detail was still good and text was pin-sharp.

Running costs are similar to other colour lasers at this price: a mono page costs 2.7p and a colour page 12.4p. Output quality and speed are good as well, but you’re paying a premium for the MEAP feature.

Author: Dave Mitchell