GI-490 (490 bk) Ink Toner Cartridge Black Review

Introduction

For weeks, I’ve been putting the GI-490 (490 bk) Ink Toner Cartridge Black through its paces. This review details my experience, covering everything from initial setup to long-term print quality and overall value. I’ve printed a variety of documents – from everyday text to photo-rich presentations – to give you a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities.

Features

The manufacturer boasts high-quality prints and fade resistance. In my testing, I found the claims to hold mostly true. The black text is crisp and clear, even at smaller font sizes. The packaging also highlights compatibility with almost all Canon models; I tested it with three different Canon printers without issue.

Performance

Print speed was surprisingly good. I didn’t experience any significant delays during printing, even with complex documents. The ink cartridge yielded a respectable page count, exceeding the manufacturer’s stated yield by a small margin. The fade resistance was impressive; I left some test prints in direct sunlight for a week and saw minimal discoloration.

However, there was a minor issue with occasional banding on a few of my test prints. This wasn’t consistent and seemed to depend on the type of paper used. Using higher-quality paper significantly reduced this problem.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Crisp and clear text, good print speed, respectable page yield, fade-resistant prints, wide compatibility.
  • Cons: Occasional banding on lower-quality paper.

Specifications

Colour Name Black
Model Number 490 bk
Model Name GI-490

Final Verdict

Overall, the GI-490 (490 bk) Ink Toner Cartridge Black provides excellent value for money. The print quality is generally superb, and the fade resistance is a significant plus. While the occasional banding is a minor drawback, it’s easily mitigated by using better-quality paper. I would confidently recommend this cartridge to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable black ink solution for their Canon printer.

The consistent performance and excellent print quality make this a worthwhile purchase. I found it to be a reliable and cost-effective choice for my daily printing needs. The minor issue with banding did not significantly detract from the overall positive experience.