Though ominous looking, this all black imageCLASS MFC from Canon is actually designed specifically with user friendliness in mind. The Canon Copier imageCLASS MF4270 comes equipped with network capabilities, but many of its features are obviously aimed at the individual user, such as its small size and limited network options.
Faxing and printing are fully accessible via a network thanks to the built in Ethernet port and yet, in a bizarre twist of fate, scanning is not. Though the Canon Copier ImageClass MF4270 does come equipped with dedicated “scan to” options, you can also activate scans via desktop controls. That being said, ONLY a computer connected via the USB port can integrate with the scanner, which makes this MFC seem a lot more like a personal printer than an office network machine.
The overall size and durability of the model also suggests its tendency towards a home office setting. With dimensions of 15.4″(W) x 17.4″(D) x 17.9″(H) and a light weight of 27.6 pounds, the unit could theoretically fit under a desk, though this is never a good idea when dealing with flip-up flatbed doors. Its compact footprint is by no means a negative point, but a limited maximum duty cycle of 7,500 printed pages certainly cuts back on its appeal for use in a high demand office setting.
Other than the weird scanning and network limitations, the Canon Copier imageCLASS MF4270 is fairly typical for a home office level printer. Its speed is above average for a home laser, clocking in at 21 pages per minute. Resolution is also good at 1200 X 600 dots per inch, which is enough quality to go beyond simple texts to the realm of graphs and charts, though they will be restricted to monochrome because, like most laser printers, this imageCLASS operates exclusively in black and white.
As a fax machine we, again, see some high marks. The Super G3 modem speeds along sent and received data at a rapid rate of 33.6 kb per second. Reception and transmission memory capacities are both 256 pages, and the fax resolution can be set up to 203 X 391; fairly typical statistics for any fax machine. The dual line fax capability and answering machine interface are excellent features on their own, but with a drastic lack of additional versatility in the fax department, the unit stands as very basic.
The Canon Copier imageCLASS MF4270 backs itself into a corner as far as mass appeal. Price range is a big factor in this. The unit is more expensive than other models in its class due to its networking capability, but the scanning is limited in this function. As a fax machine, the unit is simple and straightforward making it easy to use, but, again, limited. The printing is basic, but fast, and of good quality. When the math is done on the unit, it emerges as an option for someone looking for a network printer that’s cheaper than higher performing units, and not intended for major fax or scan use. In this sense, the Canon Copier imageCLASS MF4270 succeeds.
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