It is not strange that a printer claiming that it can print a high number of pages per minute (ppm), which always be the first criteria referred by the end user before they decided to buy it. But does it really able to print that fast? I had a Canon ip3300 which just dead couple days ago that have a rating of a whooping (not so I know) 25ppm for black printing in fast (draft) quality. I did some testing last time where I printed a set of document that has around 50 pages, and of course I expect it will be ready for me to collect within 3 minutes. But apparently it did not; took it around 5 minutes to print all the pages that are full of words in draft quality. As a conclusion, the printing speed rating in ppm is not accurate as there is no standard on which type of document (full of words, one line of words etc.) used in the printing speed test. But still ppm is always referred as printing speed for all the different brand printers.
Images per minute (ipm)
So what is ipm? Apparently ipm is used in the new ISO print and copy measurement standards which applicable to inkjet printers launched 2009 onwards. For printing, they have used a set of famous office document application, such as Word, Excel and Pdf (4 pages/set) to do the printing speed test (by measuring the printing time for each set). Let’s have a look on how the ISO applied in printing and copying speed for printer:
If you interested for more information about the ISOs, do head here and download the pdf file from Canon.
Editor’s note
As we all know, ISO always have some very good standard reference for many different things. Back in the day, ppm is always be the first feature that I will look for whenever I buying a printer, but not anymore since there is no standard protocol/procedure to test for the speed. With these new ISO standards applied on printer, not only they are able to tell consumer the true printing power, but it can be an accurate reading for comparison with each of the different printer brand. However, it seems like only Canon Inc. is the only one printer company that applying these ISO (ipm rating), but I am pretty sure that these will become a trend for other printer brand. Why? For me, ppm rating seems no longer effective to persuade consumer to buy their printer, and quickly enough consumer will start losing confidence towards the companies that do not want to implement the ISO testing. We shall see, but I am going to get one new printer (with ISO24734/ISO24735 of course) from Canon very soon.
Techie Talkz 
Until other print manufactures use this standard, it misleading to assume that Canon is a faster printer because it uses it. One must be able to compare printers and then make a decision as to whether this is the printer I want to buy. Canon is a fast printer. You really can make any assumption based on the fact that Canon decided to go with this standard. Especially when the general consumer doesn’t know what IPM mean or does. If and when other Companies start using this then we can compare and make decisions.
Hi Harvey,
Yes, I couldn’t agree more with your statement. This is why I didn’t assume that Canon has faster printers, there are many good and fine printers manufactured by other brands. What I meant is that by using the ISO, we know what we can expect from the printer (since the ISO testing has a template for print out), so it won’t mislead the consumer. No one know how the ppm count is concluded by other brands (full of texts, texts with images etc.), and thus if people buying the printer based on the ppm rating, they might end up disappointed like me (the previous Canon ip3300).
Thanks for your comment. =)
Rgds,
Taylor
So in the end, what is best to buy? and which measure offers you the best resolution? I need to buy a printer, asap. I would like some advice, if possible. I was a bit unsure whether to buy one of these three printers:
HP Photosmart Q8433B
Stampante: Inkjet a 4 colori – Formato A4
Vel max: 16 ppm b/n, 12 ppm colori – Ris max: 600×600 dpi
Scanner: Superficie piana – Ris ottica: 1200 dpi
Fotocopiatrice: Vel max: 30 cpm b/n, 28 cpm colori
Interfaccia: USB 2.0 – Display LCD a colori da 3,68cm con
cornice TouchSmart
or
CANON Pixma MP250
Stampante: Inkjet a 4 colori – Formato A4
Vel max: 7 ipm b/n, 4,8 ipm colori – Ris max: 4800×4800 dpi
Scanner: Risoluzione 600×1200 dpi
Fotocopiatrice: Vel max: 39 sec. a colori
Interfaccia: USB 2.0
or
BROTHER DCP-195C
Stampante: Inkjet a 4 colori – Formato A4
Vel max: 33ppm b/n, 27ppm colori – Ris max: 1200×6000 dpi
Scanner: Superficie piana – Ris ottica: 1200×2400 dpi
Fotocopiatrice: Vel max: 22 cpm b/n, 20 cpm colori
PictBridge, Card Reader – LCD da 16 caratteri per 1 linea (I guess this one…yet I would l appreciate some advice)
One more thing what is the best measurement in the end PPM or IPM?
Hi nat.quack,
Based on your three choices, it depends what you really need, either is the sharp printing (high DPI) or high res scanning. If all three are priced the same, I would suggest you go for either the Canon or Brother. HP is out of question because it doesn’t have any advantages compared to the other two.
Well, your question is a good one. My personal opinion of course IPM is the best measurement method, but seeing that only Canon using it, it can actually cause confusion to the consumer if comparing the brands. Because there is no standard procedure for PPM measurement, 33ppm might not having much difference from 7ipm. But one advantage for buying the Canon printer is that you can easily get hold of the third party cartridges or ink refill compared to the other brand.
You make the call. 🙂
Rgds,
Taylor
I’m looking into the Lexmark Genesis S816
33ppm
I get that people are saying that because there are no standards, it could be misleading.
But this Canon PIXMA MX882 I’m looking at is 12 ipm
Just by numbers and not reality, because I understand that the Lexmark could be slower than it claims, how can you compare ppm and ipm?
Also, if anyone happens to know which one is better quality for printing and scanning resolution, as well as the noise level difference (because some canon’s can be pretty noisy and temperamental compared to some HPs – but I have no idea about Lexmark printers), that’d be awesome 🙂
Hi Jess,
While I am not able to tell you which is a better one, but based on my personal experience, I would say go for Canon one. Their printing quality is the best so far, and I have used Lexmark printer and had a big disappointment with it, not to mention the pricey ink cartridge that they have.
After all, all these measurement still doesn’t really reflect the real world situation. I would say go for the one that is cheaper and easier to maintain rather than the cheaper purchasing price.
Rgds,
Taylor
If both printers meet your needs then look at the long term costs, ie how much does it cost to run. Investigate the cost per page. That should help you make an imformed decision.