As someone who runs a demanding home-based business, I vividly remember the struggle of managing documents before I invested in a truly capable printer. Dealing with single-tray devices, constant paper refills, and unreliable print quality was not just an inconvenience; it led to wasted time, unprofessional documents, and unnecessary stress. I knew I needed a robust solution to avoid these complications, and a device like the Canon MAXIFY MB2720 Inkjet Multifunction Printer would have been invaluable in streamlining my operations.
- Two paper cassettes provide a combined capacity of 500 sheets - or a full ream of paper, so you're ready for any job
- The Canon PRINT app has great features so you can scan, copy and print right from your favorite mobile devices
- Print laser-sharp text that is highlighter and smudge resistant with the Dual Resistant High Density (DRHD) Inks
Essential Considerations Before Investing in a Multifunction Printer
Before diving into any specific model, it’s crucial to understand why you might need a multifunction printer in the first place. These devices consolidate printing, scanning, copying, and often faxing into one unit, offering immense convenience, cost savings, and space efficiency for home offices and small businesses. An ideal customer for this product category is a home business owner, a remote worker, or a small office that juggles diverse document tasks and requires consistent, high-quality output without breaking the bank. They need a machine that can handle moderate to heavy print volumes reliably.
However, a multifunction device might not be for everyone. If you only print a few pages a month and don’t need scanning or copying capabilities, a simpler, single-function printer might be more cost-effective and take up less space. Similarly, if your primary need is professional photo printing, a dedicated photo printer would likely offer superior results. For those considering a multifunction printer, key aspects to evaluate include print quality (especially for text and graphics), print speed, paper handling capacity, connectivity options (USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet), ink or toner costs, the printer’s overall duty cycle (how many pages it’s designed to print per month), its physical footprint, and the intuitiveness of its user interface. Thinking through these points ensures you choose a device that truly aligns with your workflow.
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Introducing the Canon MAXIFY MB2720: Your Home Office Workhorse
The Canon MAXIFY MB2720 Inkjet Multifunction Printer is designed as an all-in-one solution tailored for the demands of a home office or small business environment. It promises to deliver efficiency, reliability, and professional-grade print quality for all your business needs. Upon purchase, you typically receive the printer unit itself, a set of starter ink cartridges, a power cord, and a setup CD with manuals and drivers. This specific model distinguishes itself from basic home printers with its robust feature set and capacity, aiming to bridge the gap between entry-level devices and high-end office machines. While it may not compete with enterprise-grade laser multifunction printers in sheer speed or advanced security for very large corporations, it offers a significant upgrade in terms of capacity and durability compared to previous, more consumer-focused MAXIFY iterations. This specific printer is ideally suited for home business owners, remote professionals, and small offices that require a versatile device capable of handling printing, copying, scanning, and faxing with consistent performance and professional output. It’s less suited for large corporate settings that might need significantly higher print volumes or more specialized network management tools, or for individuals whose printing needs are minimal and infrequent.
Pros:
* High Paper Capacity: Two paper cassettes provide a combined capacity of 500 sheets, reducing frequent refills.
* Dual Resistant High Density (DRHD) Inks: Produces laser-sharp text that is highlighter and smudge resistant.
* Robust Duty Cycle: Built to last with a 20,000-page peak monthly duty cycle, ideal for business volumes.
* Comprehensive Connectivity: Supports Networkable, USB, and Wireless options, including AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.
* Intuitive Touchscreen: A 3.0-inch intuitive touchscreen LCD display for easy navigation and settings.
* Full Multifunctionality: Offers printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities.
Cons:
* Slow Job Processing: Can take a noticeable amount of time to ‘think’ about a print job before it actually starts printing.
* Ink Consumption: Some users report it burns through ink relatively quickly, especially if not using XL tanks.
* Faxing Reliability: Potential for paper jams when faxing multiple pages from the automatic document feeder.
* Barcode/QR Code Issues: Inconsistent performance when printing return labels with critical barcodes or QR codes.
* Large Footprint: Its physical size can be substantial for smaller home office spaces.
* Regional Compatibility Issues: A few reports of units not being officially supported for registration in specific regions (e.g., USA) if purchased from certain sellers.
Unpacking the Capabilities: Features & Their Advantages
Having used the Canon MAXIFY MB2720 for an extended period, I can speak to how its various features translate into real-world benefits for a busy professional. It’s not just a collection of specifications; it’s a carefully designed system that aims to simplify and enhance the document management process.
Dual Paper Cassettes (500-sheet Capacity): This is, hands down, one of the most practical features for anyone dealing with varied printing tasks. With two separate 250-sheet paper trays, I can keep plain letter-sized paper in one and specialty media like legal paper, envelopes, or even labels in the other. This eliminates the constant hassle of swapping paper types for different jobs. For instance, I can print a standard report from my main tray and then immediately print shipping labels from the second without ever touching the paper settings or physically exchanging paper. This convenience significantly speeds up workflow and prevents interruptions, especially when working on tight deadlines. The printer also allows for disabling the auto-switch cassette option, which is a lifesaver for ensuring specific jobs always pull from the intended tray, preventing frustrating misprints.
Dual Resistant High Density (DRHD) Inks: The quality of the output from the MAXIFY MB2720 is genuinely impressive, particularly the text. The DRHD inks produce laser-sharp text that truly lives up to its claim of being highlighter and smudge resistant. For business documents, proposals, or any important paperwork, this means a crisp, professional appearance that stands up to handling and annotation. I’ve found that even with aggressive highlighting, the text remains clear and doesn’t bleed, which is a huge plus for review and archival purposes. The colors, too, are vibrant and suitable for business graphics and presentations, ensuring your documents make a strong visual impact.
Robust Duty Cycle (20,000 pages): For a home office printer, a 20,000-page peak monthly duty cycle is quite substantial. This specification indicates that the Canon MAXIFY MB2720 is truly built to endure the demands of consistent, medium-to-heavy printing volumes without premature wear. It instills confidence that the device won’t falter under the pressure of a busy month, making it a reliable workhorse for ongoing business operations. This durability minimizes the need for frequent replacements and ensures a consistent performance over time.
Canon PRINT App & Mobile Connectivity (Wireless, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print): The freedom to print and scan from virtually any device is a game-changer. The integrated Wi-Fi connectivity allows for seamless integration into my home network. The Canon PRINT app provides an intuitive interface for scanning, copying, and printing directly from my smartphone or tablet, which is incredibly useful when I’m away from my computer. Support for AirPrint and Google Cloud Print further extends this flexibility, allowing me to print from my iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other cloud-connected devices without installing specific drivers. While I’ve noted that mobile apps sometimes default to tray 1 and don’t always offer explicit tray selection, the overall convenience of wireless printing far outweighs this minor quirk. There’s also Access Point Mode, which allows direct wireless connection to the printer even without a router, ideal for guests or quick tasks.
Quick First Print & Fast Print Speeds: In a business environment, every second counts. The MAXIFY MB2720 boasts a Quick First Print time of just 6 seconds from power on, meaning you’re not left waiting for the machine to warm up indefinitely. Once it starts printing, the speeds are impressive for an inkjet: up to 24 images per minute (ipm) for black and white documents and 15.5 ipm for color. This rapid output is critical when you have multi-page documents or need to quickly generate several copies, ensuring that your printing tasks don’t become a bottleneck in your workday.
Auto Duplex Printing: The ability to automatically print on both sides of a page is not just a convenience; it’s a significant cost-saving and eco-friendly feature. Auto Duplex Printing cuts paper consumption in half, reducing supply costs and environmental impact. For reports, presentations, or general documentation, it adds a professional touch and makes handling multi-page documents much easier. This feature is a must-have for any office aiming for efficiency.
Intuitive 3.0-inch Touchscreen LCD: Navigating printer settings, checking ink levels, or initiating a scan can often be cumbersome. The Canon MAXIFY MB2720 features a responsive 3.0-inch intuitive touchscreen LCD display. It’s easy to use, with a simple drag-and-tap interface that makes finding options like power settings, network configurations, or specific copy/scan profiles straightforward. This ease of use minimizes frustration and allows me to quickly get back to my primary tasks. You can even save custom profiles for frequently used copy, scan, or fax settings.
Comprehensive Multifunctionality (Print, Copy, Scan, Fax): The “multifunction” in its name truly means it. This Canon MAXIFY printer consolidates four essential office functions into one device. The flatbed scanner handles various document sizes, while the automatic document feeder (ADF) makes quick work of multi-page scans and copies. For those who still rely on faxing, it’s there. This all-in-one capability is invaluable for saving space and avoiding the cost and complexity of purchasing and maintaining separate machines.
Low Cost Per Print & High Page Yield (XL Ink Tanks): While initial ink consumption reports might raise an eyebrow, the design of the MAXIFY series focuses on efficiency, especially when utilizing Canon Genuine XL Ink Tanks. These high-yield cartridges significantly reduce the cost per print over time, making it more economical for sustained use. This design choice targets business users who need to keep operating costs manageable without sacrificing print quality.
Security Features (Setting Restrictions, Records of Use): For a shared home office or small business, security and accountability are important. The MAXIFY MB2720 offers setting restrictions, allowing you to password-protect network and device settings to prevent unauthorized changes. The “Records of Use” feature helps track what’s printed, which can be beneficial for monitoring usage, reducing waste, and managing costs, giving you greater control over your printing environment.
Networking & Management (Ethernet, MIB, Access Point Mode): Beyond wireless, the built-in Ethernet connectivity provides a stable and secure connection to your office network, which is often preferred for higher reliability. Standard Management Information Base (MIB) support allows for efficient remote monitoring and management of your MAXIFY printers, enabling IT-savvy users or small IT teams to keep track of ink and paper levels and receive printer notifications without being physically present.
Scan to Folder / Cloud with Concur: Enhancing digital workflow, the ability to scan documents directly to network folders is a fantastic time-saver, eliminating the need to scan to a computer first. Furthermore, integration with services like Concur allows for easy scanning of receipts directly to your Concur account, simplifying expense reporting. These features are designed to create a more streamlined, paperless office where digital documents are easily managed and shared.
Voices from Other Users: Social Proof
In my research and discussions with other users, a clear picture emerges about the Canon MAXIFY MB2720. Many users, like myself, praise its robust construction and dual paper trays, finding them incredibly useful for tasks like printing eBay labels alongside standard documents. The intuitive touchscreen and wireless capabilities are frequently highlighted as making setup and daily operation straightforward. People appreciate its quick printing speeds once a job gets started and its sharp print quality, making it a solid choice for a work-from-home setup.
However, some common frustrations also surfaced. Several users reported that the printer can take a surprisingly long time to process print jobs, sometimes up to ten minutes, before any ink hits the page. There were also concerns about ink consumption, leading to frequent cartridge replacements if not using XL tanks. For offices relying on faxing, issues with the automatic document feeder jamming multiple pages were noted. Critically, some users experienced problems with barcode and QR code printing on return labels, rendering them unreadable, which is a significant drawback for online shoppers. The physical size of the printer was also a recurring point, with many finding it larger than expected. A few isolated but serious issues included early hardware failure (Error B504) and difficulties with product registration in certain regions, indicating potential inconsistencies in the user experience.
Final Thoughts: Your Printing Solution Awaits
Ultimately, the need for an efficient, reliable, and versatile printing solution for any home or small business is paramount. Without such a device, you face the complications of wasted time, escalating costs, and the stress of dealing with unreliable equipment, all of which detract from your core work. The Canon MAXIFY MB2720 Inkjet Multifunction Printer – Color stands out as a great fit to solve these problems. Its high paper capacity and robust duty cycle ensure it can handle substantial workloads, offering consistent performance. The versatile connectivity, including mobile printing options, provides unmatched convenience and flexibility. Furthermore, the professional print quality, thanks to DRHD inks, guarantees that your documents always present a polished, professional image. To explore this powerful device further and see how it can streamline your daily tasks, click here.
Last update on 2025-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API