As someone who’s always juggling small business projects and personal creative endeavors from a home office, I vividly recall the frustration of not having a printer that could keep up with diverse demands. The need for crisp, professional-looking documents, vibrant marketing materials, and even large-format prints was constant. Without a capable device, presentations looked amateurish, client proposals lacked impact, and personal photo projects remained stuck on screen. This constant struggle for quality and versatility was the initial problem that pushed me to seek a robust solution, one that a machine like the Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer would have helped me solve significantly.
- OS compatibility: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 , Windows 7 SP1, Windows Vista SP1, Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 32 bit13; Mac compatibility: Mac OS X v10.6.8 v10.913
- Utilizes Air Print, Google Cloud Print and Pixma Printing Solutions (PPS)
- Fine print head technology (Full photolithography inkjet nozzle engineering)
Key Considerations Before Acquiring a Business Inkjet Printer
When you’re in the market for a new printer, especially one tailored for business or creative tasks, it’s crucial to think about what problems you need it to solve. Are you tired of low-resolution prints, limited paper size options, or frustrating connectivity issues? A dedicated business inkjet printer aims to tackle these head-on, offering superior color accuracy, flexibility with various media types, and the convenience of modern connectivity. The ideal customer for a printer in this category is often a small business owner, a home office professional, a graphic designer, or a serious hobbyist photographer who frequently needs to produce high-quality documents, presentations, marketing materials, or large-format prints up to tabloid size.
However, it’s equally important to know who might *not* benefit most from a product like the Canon Pixma iX6820. If your primary need is for an all-in-one device that scans, copies, and faxes, or if your print volume involves thousands of monochrome pages monthly, a laser printer or a multifunction device with a scanner would likely be a better fit. Similarly, for someone who only prints basic text documents occasionally, a simpler, more compact inkjet might suffice. Before making a purchase, prospective buyers should consider several key factors: print resolution (especially for photos and graphics), maximum paper size handling, connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB), the type and cost of ink cartridges, print speed for both color and monochrome, and the overall physical footprint of the machine to ensure it fits comfortably in their workspace.
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Unveiling the Canon Pixma iX6820
The Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer is a dedicated inkjet printer designed with the needs of a small office or home business in mind. Its core promise is to deliver exceptional print quality for a wide range of documents and photos, including impressive large-format output up to 13″ x 19″. When you purchase this printer, it typically comes with the unit itself, a set of setup ink tanks (PGI-250 Pigment Black, CLI-251 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black), a power cord, and a basic setup guide.
Compared to some of Canon’s higher-end professional photo printers like the Pro-100, the iX6820 offers similar large-format capabilities and excellent print resolution but at a more accessible price point, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize output quality and size without needing all the specialized features of a dedicated photo lab printer. It stands apart from many typical “all-in-one” home printers by focusing solely on printing, which allows it to excel in its specific domain. This specific printer is ideally suited for individuals or small businesses that require high-resolution color prints, especially on larger paper sizes, and do not need integrated scanning, copying, or faxing functionalities. It’s not for users seeking a compact, all-in-one solution for basic everyday tasks, as its larger footprint and specialized features are overkill for such scenarios.
Here’s a quick overview of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Exceptional Print Quality: Delivers sharp text and vibrant, detailed photos with a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi.
* Large Format Printing: Capable of printing up to 13″ x 19″ (tabloid/super B size), perfect for posters, spreadsheets, and architectural drawings.
* 5-Color Individual Ink System: Efficiently uses five separate ink tanks, allowing you to replace only the color that runs out.
* Wireless Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print for flexible printing from various devices.
* Quiet Mode and Auto Power On: Convenient features that enhance user experience and energy efficiency.
Cons:
* No Automatic Duplex Printing: Requires manual flipping of pages for two-sided documents.
* Wireless Setup Can Be Tricky: Some users report initial difficulties connecting to Wi-Fi, often requiring specific instructions not found in the basic manual.
* No LCD Screen: Lacks a screen for direct control or status updates, relying on software or network configuration pages.
* Ink Consumption: While individual tanks are efficient, the printer can consume ink relatively quickly, especially with frequent color printing.
* Physical Size: Its ability to handle large paper sizes means it has a larger footprint than typical home office printers.
Exploring the Capabilities and Advantages
Having put the Canon Pixma iX6820 through its paces over an extended period, I can confidently delve into the features that make it stand out and explain the tangible benefits they offer.
Versatile Connectivity Options: Staying Connected, Your Way
One of the cornerstones of any modern business printer is its ability to connect seamlessly. The Canon Pixma iX6820 offers a trifecta of connectivity: Wireless (Wi-Fi), Ethernet, and USB.
Initially, like some other users, I encountered a bit of a hurdle with the wireless setup. The process wasn’t as intuitive as I might have hoped, lacking a clear LCD screen to guide me. However, with a little persistence and by leveraging the Canon Print app on my smartphone (as well as some helpful tips from online forums), I managed to get it connected to my network. Once established, the Wi-Fi connection proved incredibly stable and reliable. This allowed me to print from my laptop, tablet, and smartphone from anywhere in my office without the clutter of cables.
The Ethernet port is a fantastic backup or primary option for a more permanent, wired network connection, offering rock-solid stability ideal for shared office environments where reliability is paramount. For direct, no-fuss printing, the USB connection is always there, ensuring that even if network issues arise, you can still get your urgent prints done. The benefit here is immense flexibility; whether you prefer the freedom of wireless, the steadfastness of a wired network, or the simplicity of a direct connection, the iX6820 has you covered, ensuring that your workflow is never interrupted by connectivity limitations.
The Power of the 5-Color Individual Ink Tank System: Quality Meets Efficiency
At the heart of the Canon Pixma iX6820‘s impressive output is its high-performance 5-color individual ink tank system. This setup includes four dye-based inks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and a standard Black) for vivid, professional-looking photos and graphics, complemented by a pigment-based black ink (PGI-250) specifically for producing exceptionally crisp, laser-sharp text documents.
The individual ink tank design is a game-changer for cost-efficiency. Unlike printers that use combined color cartridges, here you only replace the specific color that runs out. This dramatically reduces waste and ongoing costs, especially if your printing habits favor certain colors over others. I’ve found this particularly useful when printing documents with extensive black text but only occasional color graphics; I don’t have to throw away a cartridge just because one color is depleted. While some users have noted that the ink can run out quicker than expected, especially with heavy color use, the ability to replace only the necessary tank somewhat mitigates this. I’ve also found success with compatible third-party inks (like Arthur Imaging Ink, as mentioned by other users), which can further reduce running costs without compromising quality, though it’s always wise to check compatibility and potential warranty implications. The benefit is clear: professional-grade output with a more economical approach to ink management.
High-Resolution Printing with FINE Print Head Technology: Detail in Every Dot
The most compelling feature of the Canon Pixma iX6820 is its ability to deliver stunning print resolution, boasting a maximum color dpi of 9600 x 2400. This is achieved through Canon’s Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE) print head technology, which can precisely eject incredibly tiny 1-picoliter sized ink droplets.
In practical terms, this means that both your business documents and your photographs will exhibit incredible quality and detail. Text is incredibly sharp and defined, even at small font sizes, making reports and legal documents look impeccably professional. For images, the resolution translates into smooth color gradations, fine details, and impressive depth, rivaling what you might expect from a commercial photo lab. I’ve printed numerous large photos, including detailed NASA images, and the results have consistently been exceptional, with blacks that are truly deep and colors that pop. The precision of the FINE print head technology ensures that every detail, from the smallest character to the most subtle shade in a photograph, is reproduced with remarkable clarity.
Expansive Large Format Printing: Unleashing Your Creative and Business Scope
For many users, myself included, the ability to print on larger paper sizes is a primary draw of the Canon Pixma iX6820. This printer can handle media up to 13″ x 19″ (Super B/tabloid), a capability not commonly found in this price range for inkjet printers.
This feature dramatically expands the possibilities for both business and creative projects. Imagine printing impactful marketing posters, detailed spreadsheets that don’t require tiny fonts, large presentation charts, or stunning borderless panoramic photos right from your desktop. The 150-sheet auto sheet feeder handles various media types, including plain paper, high-resolution paper, glossy photo paper (Pro Platinum, Plus Glossy II, Glossy), semi-gloss (Plus Semi-Gloss, Pro Luster), and matte photo paper, even U.S. #10 envelopes. This versatility in media handling, combined with the large format capability, means you can produce a wide array of professional-grade materials in-house, saving time and money compared to outsourcing. The freedom to conceptualize and execute larger prints without limitations is incredibly empowering.
Seamless Wireless Printing Technologies: Print From Anywhere
Beyond standard Wi-Fi, the Canon Pixma iX6820 is equipped with several modern wireless printing technologies designed for ultimate convenience. These include AirPrint for Apple devices, Google Cloud Print for Chrome OS and Android users, and Canon’s own PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS) app (now Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY).
These features mean you’re not tethered to a computer to print. I’ve frequently printed documents and photos directly from my iPhone or Android device using AirPrint or the Canon PRINT app, often without even needing to be in the same room as the printer. Google Cloud Print further extends this by allowing you to print from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. This level of mobile flexibility is invaluable in a dynamic work environment, enabling quick, on-the-go printing without the hassle of transferring files or setting up complicated drivers.
Thoughtful Smart Features: Enhancing User Experience
Canon has integrated several smart features into the Canon Pixma iX6820 to improve daily usability and efficiency.
The **Auto Power On** feature is remarkably convenient. When the printer detects a print command from your network, it automatically powers up from standby mode and prepares to print. This means no more waiting for it to manually turn on or forgetting to switch it on before sending a print job. Similarly, the **Auto Power Off** setting helps conserve energy when the printer hasn’t been used for a while.
Another appreciated feature is **Quiet Mode**. This allows you to print at reduced noise levels, a significant benefit in a home office or shared workspace where minimizing disturbances is important. While the printer isn’t inherently loud, Quiet Mode makes a noticeable difference during late-night printing sessions or when others are on calls. These seemingly minor details contribute significantly to a more pleasant and efficient user experience, making the printer feel more integrated and less intrusive in your daily routine.
Comprehensive Software Solutions: Boost Your Creativity and Productivity
The Canon Pixma iX6820 also comes bundled with a suite of software designed to enhance your printing projects.
**My Image Garden** is a versatile application that consolidates various printing features, including special filters for photos, Full HD Movie Print (for capturing stills from videos), and tools for organizing your photos by calendar view or facial recognition. It also offers creative templates, sparking inspiration for photo projects and collages.
For business users, Canon offers exclusive downloadable **Solution Templates**, including posters and business documents. This feature is a real time-saver, eliminating the need to design every document from scratch and providing professional layouts right out of the box.
Furthermore, owning the iX6820 provides access to **CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM**, an exclusive service for genuine Canon ink users, offering a wealth of photos, templates, and other creative content. These software tools not only simplify common printing tasks but also open up new avenues for creative expression and professional presentation, adding significant value beyond just the hardware itself.
What Real Users Are Saying
After sifting through numerous online discussions and reviews, a consistent picture of the Canon Pixma iX6820 emerges. Many users laud its exceptional print quality, especially for photographs and larger formats, with several expressing genuine astonishment at the vibrancy and detail of their 13″ x 19″ prints. Its durability also comes up frequently, with multiple accounts of the printer functioning perfectly even after long periods of inactivity – an impressive feat for an inkjet. While the initial Wi-Fi setup can be a point of frustration for some, the consensus is that once connected, the wireless functionality is reliable. Concerns about ink consumption and the lack of automatic duplexing are common, but for those prioritizing high-quality, large-format output, these are often seen as minor trade-offs for the overall value and performance.
Final Thoughts and Our Recommendation
The problem of achieving professional-grade, versatile printing, especially with larger formats, within a home or small business setting is a real one. Without a capable device, your documents and creative projects can lack impact, appearing unprofessional and limiting your creative output. The Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer stands out as an excellent solution to this challenge. Its exceptional 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution ensures every print is remarkably sharp and vibrant. Its ability to handle paper sizes up to 13″ x 19″ offers unparalleled flexibility for diverse projects. Moreover, the efficient 5-color individual ink system and robust connectivity options make it a practical and reliable workhorse. For anyone needing high-quality, large-format prints, this printer is a fantastic fit.
Click here to check out the Canon Pixma iX6820 and transform your printing capabilities today!
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API