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Ease of Use (7)
The Canon ES2 printer itself isn't particularly user-friendly. Many of the on-unit buttons don't respond until a media card is inserted and using the creative option to add patterns and borders was a somewhat clumsy process. The software was also not particularly user-friendly as well, and both the printer and software took some time getting used to because of its navigation style. For example, in the Zoombrowser, where you can execute one edit at a time, or not being able to execute a print request from a PC when a media card is inserted into the printer.
On the contrary, replacing the ink and paper tray was very easy. Because the ink and paper tray are one unit, there’s almost no messing up or messy work in replacing them. Perhaps a more expensive method, it’s definitely an easier one.
Value (6.5)
Because the ink and paper are combined and you can only use Canon’s own ink and paper set for this printer, it is not the greatest bargain. And also because you can only purchase ink and paper sets in 50 or 100-sheet selections, it can get expensive if you want to stock up on the different paper types. The price of $199.99 is a better price than what the ES1 was released for ($249.99 was it’s original release price), and it’s also competitive with other printers in its class. The ES2 doesn’t come with some of the amenities that other portable printers come with, like a carrying case, so that’s a minus as well.
Comparisons
The ES2 is comparatively priced with some of its competitors: Panasonic KX-PX20 at $199.99 and Canon ES1 also at $199.99. While all three printers are dye-sublimation printers, the Canon ES2’s ink is slightly less expensive per page than the Panasonic KX-PX20. The Panasonic ranges at 46 cents per print and the ES2 prints at an average of 29 cents per print. The ES2 looses out in comparing the screen, since the Panasonic carries a 3.6" screen and the ES2 only has a 2.5" screen. The Panasonic is also smaller and about half the weight of the ES2. With all that said, the ES2 beat out all three with its performance in print speed and quality of prints. So for the same price as the ES1 and the Panasonic KX-PX20, the ES2 may lose out in some aesthetic categories, but comes running ahead in its performance and quality.
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