Product:
Price:
Intended Users:
imageCLASS MF424dw/MF426dw
$349-$449
Small businesses
Speed Color:
Processor:
Memory:
Not applicable
Canon Custom Processor
1 GB
Product Overview
Canon debuted two new black-and-white imageCLASS multifunctional printers aimed at small businesses. They are the imageCLASS MF424dw ($349) and the imageCLASS MF426dw ($449). Both MFPs print at up to 40 ppm, and include printing, copying, scanning and faxing functions. The main difference between the two devices is that the MF426dw supports the PostScript printing language, while the MF424dw does not.
The devices include the Canon Custom Processor, 1 GB of memory (not expandable), and a 5″ color touchscreen control panel. The touchscreen works like a smartphone and supports customized printing workflows.
One way it does is Canon’s Application Library, a platform that lets administrators set up one-touch button for seven key functions: Print Template, Standby Slide, Scan-to-Preset Destination, ID Card Copy, Consumables Information, Copy (Eco) and Copy (Bleed Reduce).
First-print-out time is six seconds. They support Canon’s proprietary printing language, as well as PCL. USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi are standard. Users can directly print JPEG, PDF, and TIFF files.
Mobile and cloud printing is also supported. Users can print from their mobile devices using any of the following apps: Apple AirPrint, Canon PRINT Business, Mopria Print Service or Google Cloud Print.
More details on the devices is in our Features section below.
The imageCLASS MF424dw and MF426dw both include robust features aimed at small businesses that have low printing, copying, and scanning volume needs.
Features
The MFPs include a 250-sheet paper tray and a 100-sheet bypass. Canon offers an optional 550-sheet tray that adds to a maximum paper capacity of 900 sheets. All paper trays accept up to 8.5″ x 14″ paper.
The output capacity is 65 sheets. The recommended monthly page volume is between 750 and 4,000 pages. Duplexing is standard. There is a single-pass duplexing document feeder that scans up to 70 ipm in black and 26 ipm in color. It holds 50 sheets.
Users can scan to email, SMB and FTP destinations. They can also scan documents to their mobile devices with the Canon PRINT Business app. File formats supported include TIFF, JPEG, and PDF (both compact and searchable). LDAP authentication is supported.
The faxing function uses a 33.6kbps modem with JBIG compression. It supports up to 512 pages of fax memory. Internet fax is supported.
The MFPs ship with a standard toner cartridge of 1,600 pages. However, Canon offers a high-yield aftermarket toner cartridge that yields 9,200 pages. Using the high-yield cartridge, we calculate the cost per page as 2.2 cents. It’s a pretty reasonable cost for a small business.
Aside from using the high-yield cartridge, businesses can save on printing expense by taking advantage of Canon’s environmental features, such as duplexing.
Security features include department ID authentication, secure print, IP/MAC address filtering, and Wi-Fi authentication.
The standard warranty is three years. However, users can optionally purchase one-year or two-year warranty packages.
- Automatic Document Feeder?
- Duplexing?
- Ethernet Connectivity?
- Wireless Connectivity?
- Mobile Printing/Scanning?
- Finishers?
Shortcomings
The imageCLASS MF424dw and MF426dw are not intended for companies with a medium or high printing/copying/scanning volume. They also don’t support color output.
About
Canon is the number-one copier company in the U.S. if measured by the total number of units sold.
The company has an impressive line of multifunctional devices, and it’s one of the leaders in this market. Most of Canon’s multifunction printer (MFP) line carries the imageRUNNER brand name.
Over the years, Canon’s print controller strategy has involved partnering with EFI, the third-party controller company that dominates the color market. The company also relies on controllers developed by Canon itself. The controllers, which feature Canon’s IP architecture (the “IP” stands for “Image Platform”), can be found on all imageRUNNER models.
Canon’s MEAP architecture (Multifunctional Embedded Application Program) has been a significant addition to Canon’s controller strategy. It’s featured on most of its mid-to-high-volume models. The MEAP platform features an open architecture for providing custom software applications, some for private use and others sold on the open market as add-on products from third parties.
