When it comes to printers for college students, two popular options stand out: the Canon PIXMA TR4720 and the Epson EcoTank ET-2760. Both models offer a range of features that cater to the needs of students, including compact design, wireless connectivity, and affordable printing costs. In this comparison, we'll delve into the details of each printer to help you decide which one is best for your academic and personal printing needs.
Design and Build
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 has a sleek and compact design, measuring 17.2 inches wide, 11.7 inches deep, and 7.5 inches tall. It weighs around 13 pounds, making it easy to move around or place on a small desk. The printer features a 1.44-inch LCD display and a simple control panel with buttons for basic operations.
In contrast, the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 has a slightly larger footprint, measuring 19.8 inches wide, 13.7 inches deep, and 9.4 inches tall. It weighs around 15 pounds, which is still relatively lightweight. The printer boasts a 2.4-inch color LCD display and a more extensive control panel with buttons for advanced features.
Printing Performance
Both printers offer excellent printing performance, but they differ in terms of speed and quality. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 prints at a rate of up to 8.8 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white and 4 ppm in color. It produces high-quality text documents with crisp font rendering and vibrant colors.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760, on the other hand, prints at a slightly faster rate of up to 10.5 ppm in black and white and 5 ppm in color. Its print quality is also impressive, with detailed text and images that are perfect for printing essays, reports, and presentations.
Ink Costs and Efficiency
One of the most significant differences between these two printers lies in their ink systems. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 uses traditional ink cartridges, which can be replaced individually when they run out. While this system provides convenience, it can become expensive over time, especially for frequent printers.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760, as its name suggests, employs an innovative eco-tank system that eliminates the need for individual ink cartridges. Instead, the printer uses refillable ink tanks that can be filled with bottled ink. This approach significantly reduces printing costs, making it an attractive option for college students who print frequently.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Both printers offer wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile printing capabilities. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 supports Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Mopria Print Service, allowing users to print documents and photos directly from their smartphones or tablets.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 also supports these services, as well as its own Epson Connect app, which enables wireless printing, scanning, and sharing of documents. Additionally, the printer is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-controlled printing.
Additional Features
Both printers come with a range of additional features that cater to college students' needs. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 includes:
- A built-in scanner with a 600 x 1200 dpi resolution
- A copier function with adjustable zoom and contrast settings
- A compact paper tray that holds up to 100 sheets
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 offers:
- A high-resolution scanner with a 1200 x 2400 dpi resolution
- A built-in fax machine with speed dialing and memory storage
- A larger paper tray that holds up to 150 sheets
Conclusion
When it comes to printers for college students, both the Canon PIXMA TR4720 and Epson EcoTank ET-2760 offer excellent performance, compact designs, and affordable printing costs. However, the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 stands out with its innovative eco-tank system, which significantly reduces ink costs over time.
If you prioritize printing efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 is an excellent choice. Its refillable ink tanks and high-yield printing capabilities make it perfect for frequent printers who need to produce a large volume of documents.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional ink cartridge system and don't mind replacing them occasionally, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a solid option. Its compact design, user-friendly interface, and excellent print quality make it an ideal choice for college students with moderate printing needs.
Ultimately, both printers are suitable for college students, but it's essential to consider your specific printing habits, budget, and preferences before making a decision.
