Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One vs Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label

Design and build quality

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 features a standard all-in-one chassis designed for home desks. It includes a 1.5 inch segment LCD screen for user interaction directly on the device. The Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label printer is designed for workflow efficiency, focusing primarily on label output. Specific physical dimensions and weight are not provided in the data for either unit. The Canon unit integrates control buttons alongside the screen, while the Nelko relies on app-based control or USB connection for operation.

Printing Technology and Type

Product A utilizes inkjet technology with an all-in-one capability, allowing it to print, copy, and scan. It uses 2 easy-to-replace ink cartridges for full-color output. Product B uses thermal printing technology specifically for shipping labels and tags. It operates without ink, toner, or outsourcing costs. The Canon supports high-resolution paper and photos, whereas the Nelko is optimized for 203 DPI clarity on labels and stickers. This fundamental difference dictates the primary use case for each machine.

Performance and Speed

Print speeds vary significantly due to the different technologies employed. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 prints approximately 7.7 images per minute in black and 4 images per minute in color. This is suitable for standard home document tasks and schoolwork. The Nelko thermal printer achieves a rate of 72 sheets per minute at 150mm/s. This speed is designed to cut errors and waste in high-volume shipping environments. The thermal method allows the Nelko to outpace the inkjet in raw sheet output per minute.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Connectivity options differ based on intended use cases. The Canon offers Dual Band Wi-Fi supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. It supports Easy Wireless Connect without the need for a computer. The Nelko offers Wireless Bluetooth Printing via the NELKO app and a USB Connection for PC. The Canon connects to mobile devices using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service. The Nelko app works with iOS 13+, Android, Windows 7+, and Mac devices with M1/M2 chips.

Media Versatility and Functions

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 provides versatile media support including envelopes, photos, and high-resolution paper. It functions as a scanner and copier in addition to printing. Single-sided printing is noted for the Canon. The Nelko meets diverse printing needs for e-commerce, warehouse management tags, product price stickers, and classroom teaching labels. It does not list scanning or copying functions, focusing solely on label production. This limits the Nelko to specific business or organizational tasks.

Operating Costs and Maintenance

Maintenance requirements differ between inkjet and thermal systems. The Canon requires the installation of 2 ink cartridges which need replacement over time. The setup is described as easy with no mess. The Nelko explicitly ditches ink, toner, and outsourcing costs. This suggests a lower long-term consumable cost for the thermal printer compared to the inkjet model. Both units emphasize easy setup processes to get running in minutes. The Canon emphasizes easy-to-install ink while the Nelko emphasizes saving more by avoiding ink entirely.

Price and Value

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is listed at a price of $86.00. It offers value through its multifunction capabilities including scanning and copying. The Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label printer is priced at $69.99. It offers value through speed and the elimination of ink costs. Both units are positioned in the budget-friendly segment of the printer market. The rating for both products is listed as N/A with N/A reviews at the time of data collection. Value depends on whether the user needs general printing or specialized labeling.

Which one should you buy?

Selection depends on specific printing needs within your workflow. Choose the Canon PIXMA TS3720 if you require an all-in-one solution for documents, photos, and scanning tasks at home. It is suitable for Chromebook users and general schoolwork. Choose the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label printer if your primary workflow involves shipping labels, warehouse tags, or stickers. It is better for users seeking high-speed label output without ink maintenance. General users should prefer the Canon while e-commerce sellers should prefer the Nelko.