Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw Driver

Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw Driver– The Canon ImageClass LBP236dw is a mono laser printer specifically designed for small-to-midsize offices and workgroups with high demands.

This printer offers a set of specifications, paper handling capabilities, and speed that closely match its competitors, including the Lexmark MS431dw, B3342dw, and Canon’s own ImageClass X LBP1238 II. During our tests, these models performed similarly for simplex (one-sided) printing.

Super Easy Setup

Weighing only 19.4 pounds, the LBP236dw is lightweight and can be easily moved by a single person. With dimensions of 9.8 by 15.8 by 14.7 inches (HWD), it is compact and can fit into any office space.

The depth increases slightly when the 100-sheet front multi-purpose tray is open and loaded with paper. Setting up the printer is a breeze: simply remove the packing materials, connect the power cord, and you’re ready to go. The toner cartridge comes pre-installed in the printer, so it’s ready for immediate use.

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Alternatively, you can choose a PCL6 or PostScript 3 driver if required. The installation process is mostly automated, offering options for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or USB connection. The website provides clear instructions on when to connect the cables. For mobile printing, Canon offers the Canon Print Business app, available for iOS and Android devices.

Impressive Paper Handling and Capacity

The LBP236dw shares the same paper capacity and handling features as the aforementioned printers. Each model includes a 250-sheet drawer, a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, and automatic duplexing capabilities. If higher capacity is needed, you can add an optional 550-sheet drawer to the LBP236dw for an additional cost of $199.

Canon suggests a monthly duty cycle ranging from 750 to 4,000 pages. Although this maximum is lower than what Lexmark recommends for its printers, it is a more realistic estimation. With the optional drawer, the upper end of the range means refilling the printer slightly more frequently than once a week, on average.

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One minor issue with the setup process is that the user guide covers both the LBP236dw and a similar model, making it unclear when it refers to a feature exclusive to the other printer. For example, the manual provides instructions on how to enable printing from a USB key using the USB Type-A port on the back panel.

However, the control panel’s five-line LCD does not have the mentioned menu options. After contacting Canon tech support, it was confirmed that this feature is only supported by the other printer.

Secure Printing and Running Costs

One notable feature is secure printing, which can be advantageous if the LBP236dw is located far from your desk. This feature allows you to send a file to the printer but prevents it from printing until you enter a PIN at the front panel. This ensures that sensitive documents are not left unattended in the output tray, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

As always, it’s important to consider running costs, especially if you expect high print volumes. For the LBP236dw, the cost per page is approximately 2.25 cents when using the high-capacity cartridge.

It’s essential to assess the total cost of ownership, taking into account factors beyond the running cost, as explained in the article “How to Save Money on Your Next Printer.” Although the article primarily discusses inkjet printers, the same principles apply to mono laser printers.

Performance and Speed

The LBP236dw’s performance aligns with its rated speed of 40 pages per minute (ppm), putting it on par with the other mentioned printers. For a 12-page Word text file (excluding the first page), the LBP236dw achieved a speed of 41.3 ppm (16 seconds).

The first page out (FPO) time was 7 seconds, resulting in an overall speed of 31.3 ppm (23 seconds) for the entire file. The FPO times for the other printers ranged from 7 to 9 seconds, falling within the margin of error for the tests.

Performance across all printers remained comparable for the full business applications suite, which includes files with graphics and color images. The LBP236dw completed the suite in a total time of 1 minute and 7 seconds (22.4 ppm).

Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw Driver — **Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw**

The other three printers achieved times between 1:06 and 1:08 (22.4 ppm to 22.7 ppm), also within the error range.

Duplex printing speeds are not typically reported, as they usually mirror the simplex results. However, in this case, there is a noticeable difference. For the 12-page Word file (excluding the first page), the LBP236dw experienced a minimal speed reduction, achieving 37.9 ppm (19 seconds). Only the significantly more expensive LBP1238 II matched this speed.

Both Lexmark models dropped to roughly half their simplex speeds when printing in duplex mode, averaging 21.2 ppm and 22 ppm (31 and 30 seconds) respectively.

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In summary, there is little difference in print times among these four printers for simplex printing. However, when it comes to duplex printing, especially for text-heavy files that require minimal processing time, the Canon printers have a significant advantage.

The longer the file, the more noticeable the difference becomes. If you anticipate printing many lengthy double-sided text files, either of the Canon printers would be an excellent choice.

Exceptional Output Quality

The output quality of the LBP236dw is top-tier for a mono laser printer, and nearly flawless across the board. All fonts in our test suite, commonly used in business documents, were easily legible at 4 points.

Most fonts exhibited well-formed characters with proper spacing, even at 4 points. Even a heavily stylized font with thick strokes remained readable at 6 points. Another challenging font, which is more difficult to render accurately, remained easily readable at 8 points.

When it comes to graphics, some complex gradients appeared slightly smudged rather than smooth, but thin lines on a black background were well-preserved. Dithering patterns (dot arrangements that reproduce grayscale) in graphics and photos were subtle enough to be virtually unnoticeable in many images. When visible, they were difficult to discern. The photos maintained sufficient detail and subtle shading, making them suitable for use in trifold brochures and similar materials.

Conclusion

The Canon ImageClass LBP236dw stands out among desktop mono laser printers. With its compact size, efficient paper handling, and fast two-sided (duplex) printing, it outperforms its direct competitors. Furthermore, it offers a lower list price of $299 and an acceptable running cost. Based on these advantages, the LBP236dw earns our Editor’s Choice award in this category, replacing the Lexmark MS431dw.

By providing a hassle-free setup, a variety of connection options, secure printing, and high-quality output, the LBP236dw caters to the needs of businesses looking for a reliable and efficient mono laser printer. Whether you need to print simplex or duplex, this printer delivers impressive performance and speed.

Additionally, its exceptional output quality ensures that your documents and graphics look professional and sharp. With its overall value proposition, the Canon ImageClass LBP236dw is an excellent investment for any small-to-midsize office or workgroup.

Review: Canon ImageClass LBP236dw Specs, Ink, Cartridge, and Price

Specs
- Printer Type: Desktop mono laser printer
- Recommended Monthly Duty Cycle: 750 to 4,000 pages
- Paper Capacity: 250-sheet drawer, 100-sheet multipurpose tray
- Optional Paper Capacity: 550-sheet drawer ($199 for LBP236dw)
- Duplex Printing: Automatic
- Connection Options: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB
- Mobile Printing: Canon Print Business app (iOS and Android)
Ink and Cartridge
- High-Capacity Cartridge Cost per Page: Approximately 2.25 cents
- Running Cost Comparison: Consider total cost of ownership, not just running cost
Price
- List Price: $299
- Editors’ Choice Pick in its category

With its impressive specifications, reliable ink and cartridge performance, and competitive pricing, the Canon ImageClass LBP236dw is a top choice for businesses in need of a mono laser printer.