Which Canon printer to get?

I can't decide on which Canon printer i want to order with my Macbook Pro that i'll be buying in 2 days. I'm looking at both the Pixma MP600 and Pixma MP530. I'll be using my whole setup for college next year, for printing and scanning documents and pictures. But i can't figure out which one to get, to pay $20 extra for the MP530 with a fax machine, or to not and go with the MP600 with a screen and memory card readers that i'll hardly ever use. Can anyone give me their opinions?

I never really cared for the multi function machines (Printer/Scanner/Fax/C​opier). I have always been of the opinion that they are a jack of all trades but a master of none. Unfortunately, one size does not fit all, that’s why you’ll need to weigh your options. What’s most important to you? Does the small footprint of the single multi function printer hold more importance than having a dedicated photo printer for high quality images? Will the optical resolution of the multifunction machine meet your needs for high quality photo scans? Do you really need a copy machine or a FAX?

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve never been a fan. They definitely have their place in the market, but they’re just not for me.

Packhorse-4 and I seems to have the same view on this subject.
I've always felt that too many operations get the thing that many more ways to malfunction. It isn't easy to find just a "printer" anymore,..at least a good one.

For college, i definately will need a scanner/copier, as well as a photo printer, so these multifunction ones are what i need.

mknabster wrote in post #3462111
For college, i definately will need a scanner/copier, as well as a photo printer, so these multifunction ones are what i need.

I understand your stance also.

I bought an HP V40 All-In-One five years ago (printer, scanner, copier, fax machine) and I'm continually surprised by the quality of the pictures it produces.

The only drawback is that the ink isn't terribly waterproof, and it sure won't last 200 years.

I have a MP600 and I am VERY impressed with the quality.. have printed several full page prints on good photo paper with results far exceeding what I ever imagined for a printer in that price range.

Packhorse-4 wrote in post #3461780
I never really cared for the multi function machines (Printer/Scanner/Fax/C​opier). I have always been of the opinion that they are a jack of all trades but a master of none...

This has ALWAYS been my opinion also, but...

Wobble wrote in post #3462897
I have a MP600 and I am VERY impressed with the quality.. have printed several full page prints on good photo paper with results far exceeding what I ever imagined for a printer in that price range.

I recently bought the Canon MP530 and I'm thrilled with it. This is the best printer I've ever had. Even though I haven't used the fax yet, at least it's there if I do need to, and the copier function with the feeder has already come in handy. I have changed my tune at least on multi function printers.

Phil Light wrote in post #3462920
This has ALWAYS been my opinion also, but...


I recently bought the Canon MP530 and I'm thrilled with it. This is the best printer I've ever had. Even though I haven't used the fax yet, at least it's there if I do need to, and the copier function with the feeder has already come in handy. I have changed my tune at least on multi function printers.

How is the photo quality of yours?

mknabster wrote in post #3464195
How is the photo quality of yours?

I don't have anything to compare it to since I've never had a photo printer before, but that's the part that blew me away. Up until now I've always thought it was dumb to print photos at home when you can get them done cheaper at local labs such as Costco, but the prints I get out of this printer are better than any I've ever had done at Costo, or someplace less than a professional lab. I really didn't even intend to use this as a photo printer, I just wanted the feature for the rare occasions when I might want just a print or two here and there. After I saw the print quality using the 5 sample sheets of photo paper that were included with the printer, I went out the next day and bought a box of 300 sheets of 4x6 paper.

Thanks Phil Light, you just helped me make up my mind.

mknabster wrote in post #3464399
Thanks Phil Light, you just helped me make up my mind.

Whatever you end up getting, I'll be very interested to hear what you think when you get a chance to put a couple of miles on it.

I'll definately do that, thanks again!