When it comes to printers for college students, two popular options that come to mind are the Canon PIXMA TR4720 and the HP Envy 6055e. Both of these all-in-one printers offer a range of features that make them suitable for students' printing needs, but they also have some key differences that set them apart.

Design and Build

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 has a compact design that makes it perfect for small dorm rooms or apartments. It measures 17.2 inches wide, 11.7 inches deep, and 7.5 inches tall, making it easy to fit on a desk or shelf. The printer weighs around 13 pounds, which is relatively lightweight compared to other all-in-one printers.

On the other hand, the HP Envy 6055e has a sleek and modern design that looks great in any setting. It measures 17.2 inches wide, 12.4 inches deep, and 7.6 inches tall, making it slightly larger than the Canon PIXMA TR4720. However, it's still relatively compact and weighs around 14 pounds.

Printing Performance

Both printers offer excellent printing performance, but they have some differences in terms of print quality and speed. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 uses a 4-color ink system and can print up to 8.8 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white, and 4 ppm in color. It also has a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi.

The HP Envy 6055e, on the other hand, uses a 2-cartridge ink system and can print up to 13 ppm in black and white, and 8 ppm in color. It also has a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. In terms of print quality, both printers produce excellent text documents and photos, but the HP Envy 6055e seems to have a slight edge when it comes to printing vibrant colors.

Scanning and Copying

Both printers come with built-in scanners that allow you to scan documents and photos directly to your computer or mobile device. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 has an optical resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, while the HP Envy 6055e has an optical resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi.

In terms of copying, both printers can produce high-quality copies of documents and photos. However, the HP Envy 6055e seems to have a slight edge when it comes to copying speed, with the ability to copy up to 6 ppm in black and white, and 4 ppm in color.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Both printers offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile printing. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is compatible with Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Mopria Print Service, making it easy to print from your smartphone or tablet.

The HP Envy 6055e also offers mobile printing capabilities, including compatibility with Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and HP's own ePrint app. It also has a built-in SD card slot, which makes it easy to print photos directly from your camera's memory card.

Ink Costs

One of the most important factors for college students is ink costs. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 uses a 4-color ink system, with individual cartridges available for around $15-$20 each. The HP Envy 6055e, on the other hand, uses a 2-cartridge ink system, with cartridges available for around $20-$30 each.

However, it's worth noting that the HP Envy 6055e offers an optional Instant Ink subscription service, which can help reduce ink costs over time. With this service, you'll receive replacement ink cartridges in the mail whenever your printer runs low, and you'll only pay a monthly fee based on the number of pages you print.

Conclusion

When it comes to printers for college students, both the Canon PIXMA TR4720 and the HP Envy 6055e are excellent options. However, they cater to different needs and preferences. If you're looking for a compact printer with excellent print quality and a range of connectivity options, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 may be the better choice.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a printer with faster printing speeds and a wider range of features, including an SD card slot and optional Instant Ink subscription service, the HP Envy 6055e may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two printers will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Recommendation

Based on our comparison, we recommend the Canon PIXMA TR4720 for college students who:

• Need a compact printer that won't take up too much space in their dorm room or apartment
• Want excellent print quality and a range of connectivity options
• Are looking for an affordable printer with relatively low ink costs

On the other hand, we recommend the HP Envy 6055e for college students who:

• Need faster printing speeds and a wider range of features
• Want to take advantage of optional Instant Ink subscription service to reduce ink costs over time
• Are willing to pay a bit more for a printer with advanced features and capabilities.