Get a Canon Pixma MX492 wireless all-in-one printer for $44.99
From the Cheapskate: AirPrint and Google CloudPrint, borderless photos -- this multifunction does it all. Plus: one seriously awesome contest.
CNET's Cheapskate scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets and much more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page. And find more great buys on the CNET Deals page.
I'm still a little bummed about that instant-sellout printer deal from Monday, so consider this my attempt at a make-good.
For a limited time, and while supplies last, BuyDig has the Canon Pixma MX492 wireless multifunction printer for $44.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code mobileprints at checkout. Regular price: $52.99, which is already a crazy-good deal.
This multifunction printer will set you back just $45.
This is actually a much better buy than Monday's laser printer. Like that model, the Pixma offers automatic duplex printing. Unlike that model, it prints in color. It also scans, copies and faxes -- again in color. All for just $5 more.
Update: BuyDig's product page includes printer specs "From the Manufacturer" that refer to automatic duplex printing. However, according to at least one review and Canon's own product page, duplex printing does not appear to be a supported feature. I apologize profusely for the error (which, technically, is BuyDig's, but I still feel terrible if anyone bought this printer based on that capability).
Of course, this is an inkjet, and as everyone knows, replacement cartridges can end up costing a small fortune. Fortunately, if you don't mind remanufactured, the damage isn't severe: I found high-yield black and color cartridges for $17.99 and $19.99. (Yes, I know, that's almost as much as the printer itself costs. But you're going to have to buy ink or toner for any printer. Doesn't it make sense to get the best possible deal on the hardware?)
I don't have any hands-on experience with the Pixma MX492, but I like the specs I'm seeing: 4,800x1,200 print resolution, borderless photo printing and, arguably most important of all, built-in support for AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.
As for for reviews, check this Google page that aggregates user reviews from the likes of Best Buy and Staples. Total score: 4.3 stars out of 5, based on over 400 ratings.
Much as I love a cheap laser, something like this adds a lot more versatility to your home office. And $45 out the door is a ridiculously good deal. Your thoughts?
Contest time! Have you checked out CNET's awesome new Roadshow? Here's a little added incentive: the Ready to Race Sweeps has one seriously amazing grand prize, including roundtrip airfare to Nice, France, five nights at a hotel and two grandstand tickets for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix. The "price" of entry is literally nothing more than an email address. You can bet I'll be entering this one. What? I'm not allowed? Hmph. Um, say, have you met my friend, Brick Roida?
Story time! How much do you love sci-fi? Yeah, me, too. That's why I didn't think twice about grabbing the 2016 Immerse or Die Bundle, a curiously named but decidedly appealing collection of sci-fi novels. These nine DRM-free indie titles will set you back just $12, or you can name your own price for the first five in the bundle. You also have the option of donating to charity 10 percent of your purchase price.