Introduction

The Canon PG-445XL EMB High Yield Cartridge Black promises a significant increase in print volume compared to its standard counterpart. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put this XL FINE cartridge through its paces, printing a variety of documents and images to assess its performance, longevity, and overall value. This review will delve into the details, providing a balanced perspective on its strengths and weaknesses.

Features

The PG-445XL EMB boasts a high yield capacity, designed to deliver up to 400 pages of A4 documents. This translates to a considerable cost saving per page compared to standard cartridges. The pigment-based black ink is ideal for crisp, sharp text, making it well-suited for document printing. Canon emphasizes the longevity of the prints, promising long-lasting results. The cartridge itself feels robust and well-constructed, fitting securely into my Canon PIXMA printer.

Performance

My testing involved printing approximately 350 pages of various documents – from text-heavy reports to spreadsheets containing graphs and images. The PG-445XL consistently delivered sharp, clear text, even at smaller font sizes. Image quality was acceptable for document printing, though not ideal for photo printing. The print speed was consistent with my expectations for this type of cartridge. Importantly, I experienced no clogging or other issues throughout the testing period.

The claimed page yield of 400 pages proved to be relatively accurate in my real-world usage. I was able to print just shy of the advertised number before the cartridge indicated low ink levels. This impressive yield is a significant advantage for high-volume printing users.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: High page yield, cost-effective per page, crisp text quality, reliable performance.
• Cons: Not ideal for photo printing, slightly higher initial cost compared to standard cartridges.

Final Verdict

The Canon PG-445XL EMB High Yield Cartridge Black is a solid choice for users who print frequently and value cost-effectiveness. The high page yield significantly reduces the frequency of ink replacements, saving both time and money. While not perfect for photo printing, its performance in producing crisp, clear text documents makes it a valuable asset. If your printing needs primarily involve documents, then I highly recommend this cartridge.