Improving on the Canon ImageClass MF7460’s unique and powerful hardware set, the Canon ImageClass MF7470 builds upon the model design by adding full network compatibility including network scanning, while maintaining the same strong specifications found in its sister device, such as an oversized document glass, and touch screen panel.
Operating at speeds of up to 25 pages per minute, the Canon ImageClass MF7470 is certainly not at the top of its class or price range on speed alone, but what it does excel at is a very unique hardware set that can perform versatile functions that other models in the category don’t even make an attempt at. A ¼ VGA touch screen panel almost seems excessive for a model of this size, and it quite possibly is, but with so many fine tuning options available and a long feature list, easy navigation through menus can be critical for those interested in going beyond legal sized text documents.
Automatic two sided printing, as well as copying, faxing, and even scanning, are made possible via a built in duplexor. With fully automated duplexing, combined with an automatic document feeder, huge stacks (up to 50 sheets) of double sided input can be scanned automatically, and even sent over a network, as opposed to only a single host computer.
Unique to the Canon ImageClass MF7470 is its enormous tablet / ledger sized document platen glass which allows users to scan huge 11 x 17 documents. For three dimensional objects such as magazines and books, the flip top cover can open up to accommodate these items at a scan area of up to 11.75 inches by 17 inches. The ADF is also oversized for automatic scanning of multiple ledger documents.
Many networking devices that are multifunctional have limited network support, and do not allow features such as network scanning or PC faxing, whereas the Canon ImageClass MF7470 supports both. With network scanning, and dedicated scan to document and scan to e mail controls, imported hard data can be sent digitally to any properly configured computer on the network, and even interpreted from images to editable text via text recognition software.
A fax machine is also included with the Canon ImageClass MF7470 and relies on a standard 33.6 Kbps Super G3 fax modem that can pull off outgoing and reception speeds of around 3 seconds per page. The duplexor allows the machine to both send and receive two sided faxes, and a 1,000 page fax reception memory speeds up the receiving process, and keeps important data safe while the device is occupied with other processes.
The Canon ImageClass MF7470’s paper handling abilities come in the form of dual 250 sheet capacity paper trays and an 80 sheet multi purpose tray, allowing for a limited amount of special media types, as the ImageClass MF7470 does not do well with heavy weight paper. For those interested in using the model with a single host computer, Canon also incorporates a USB 2.0 port, but networking is really where the unit stands out.
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