Canon imageClass MF3010

Canon imageClass MF3010

With a $149 direct price and a footprint that takes up less desktop real estate than most inkjets, the Canon imageClass MF3010 is clearly meant as a personal mono laser multi-function printer (MFP). What largely limits it to that role is that it connects only by USB, and it offers only limited paper handling, with a 150-sheet paper tray, no duplexer, and no paper handling upgrade options. If you're looking for a personal printer for light-duty printing, however, that may well be all the paper handling you need, no matter what size office you work in. The MF3010 has a lot in common with the Editors' Choice in this category, the slightly less expensive Panasonic KX-MB2000 ($130 street, stars). Both print, scan, and copy; both lack an automatic document feeder (ADF) and fax capability, and both have relatively high running costs, which, not so incidentally, is a another factor that limits them to light duty printing. (More on running costs later.) There are also some important differences between the two, however. The Panasonic KS-MB2000 offers a 250-sheet paper capacity and a network connector that the MF3010 lacks. These additional features keep the Panasonic KX-MB2000 firmly in place as Editors' Choice.