Canon LaserBase MF3110 review

Inkjet multifunction devices (MFDs) are all very well for printing photos, but ask them to produce a bulky text document and you could be kept waiting.

You might pay more, too; a single text page can cost 4p. For high-quality text in a hurry, you should choose a laser device.

The printer at the heart of Canon's LaserBase MF3110 helps illustrate the point. Canon says it can produce up to 20 pages per minute (ppm), and each should cost well-under two pence.

The MF3110 is also able to scan or copy documents without needing to be attached to a PC. Each copy takes around 14 seconds, and simple zooming and re-sizing options are available from the control panel. The printer limits copying to black and white, but documents can be scanned to a PC in colour.

Laser MFDs often have scanners with comparatively low optical resolution, which is less suitable for capturing highly detailed originals such as photos. The MF3110 can scan at 1,200x2,400 dots per inch (dpi) - high enough for photos or detailed graphics.

Scanning was fast, with an A4 preview taking 17.5 seconds. The MF3110 needed only 22.5 seconds to capture the same document at 300dpi, but we weren't happy with the results. Areas that should have been white suffered from a creeping blue colour cast. This normally means the document mat isn't holding an original flush to the scanner's glass.

Performance from the MF3110's printer was more impressive. It delivered all five pages of our text document in just 24 seconds, and our A4 photo in only 14 seconds.

The MF3110's fast performance, impressive printer and reasonable running costs ought to make it perfect for business users. Sadly, its scanner is below average for regular office uses.

Author: Simon Handby