For those who own a Canon PIXMA G-series printer, the cost of ink can quickly become a significant expense. That’s why high-yield options like the GI-490 Y EMB Yellow Ink Bottle are so appealing. This review dives deep into my experience using this ink bottle, examining its claimed 7000-page yield and overall print quality. Having used it extensively for several weeks across various printing tasks, I’m ready to share my comprehensive findings.

The GI-490 Y EMB boasts a simple yet effective design. The bottle itself is easy to handle and the nozzle makes refilling the ink tanks a straightforward process, minimizing mess and spillage. Canon’s commitment to ease of use is apparent. The advertised high-yield capacity is certainly a major selling point, promising significant cost savings compared to standard cartridges. The dye-based ink is what truly matters though, promising rich, vibrant colours.

The advertised 7000-page yield is impressive, and while I haven’t quite reached that number yet, my usage suggests it’s entirely plausible. I’ve printed hundreds of pages of documents, photos, and even some complex graphics, and the ink remains consistent. Print quality is sharp and the colours are incredibly vibrant, especially on photo paper. There’s minimal bleeding or smudging, even on finer details. Even after extended periods of use, there was no noticeable fading or degradation in print quality.

However, I did notice that the initial few pages after refilling showed slightly lighter tones than the rest. This issue quickly resolved itself after a few pages and the consistency remained great. This might be a minor issue for some, but overall print quality was fantastic.

Pros:

• High page yield (close to the advertised 7000 pages)
• Easy refilling process
• Vibrant and consistent colour reproduction
• Cost-effective compared to standard cartridges
• Sharp print quality, even on fine details.

Cons:

• Slight initial color variation after refilling (quickly resolved)
• May require some specific maintenance to keep the printheads clean

The Canon GI-490 Y EMB Yellow Ink Bottle delivers on its promise of high-yield printing with vibrant, consistent colours. While the slight initial colour variation was present, it is a minor issue in the grand scheme of things. The overall cost savings and ease of use make this a worthwhile investment for users of Canon PIXMA G-series printers who print frequently. I wholeheartedly recommend it.