The Canon imageRUNNER C5180 is a multifunction color laser corporate work group printer complete with finishing options and great standard specifications; the C5180 sells for around $13,000.00.

The C5180 is powered by Canon’s imageCHIP system which allows for simultaneous printing, scanning, faxing and copying. A dual processor with standard 1 GB memory enables the printing of complex documents and is paired with network capabilities via 10/100BaseTX and USB connection which is typical of corporate printers. An 80 GB hard drive is standard as well as duplex printing while maximum paper capacity is at 5,000 sheets. A wealth of finishing options are available from Canon such as stapler/stackers, saddle stitching, mailboxes, and additional media trays. A super G3 multiline fax board may also be installed for further expansion making the Canon imageRUNNER C5180 exceed its competition. Scanning has a resolution of 600 by 600 dpi while 100 user inboxes and 50 secure mailboxes are included in the standard configuration.

Print color documents at close to 50 pages per minute and monochrome documents just as fast, although warm up time is a bit slow at 4 minutes after powering on. Toner cartridges are rated for 27,000 pages at 5% coverage and color prints cost around $.15 per page with monochrome prints at $.04; it should be noted that these are estimated results and depends upon the complexity of the document. Scan and copy at 70 impressions per minute using the 100 sheet auto duplexing unit; an additional EFI controller allows for simple use of a color intensive multi-user environment, although it will cost extra and drive up the price. Access your printer form anywhere via the wed access software which enables the secure sending of documents from anywhere on the web. The C5180 prints color and text documents equally well as it should for its price; no noticeable flaws were detected until extremely small stylized fonts were printed.

The Canon imageRUNNER C5180 delivers a wide variety of options and expandability to the corporate user; the printer is on the expensive side especially when the finishing options are used.