In the age of the $70 photo printer, it might be hard to justify this $300 purchase (at least, one that doesn't include scanning, faxing and copying, too). Still, the i70 fills certain niches very well. If you own a Canon PowerShot, like the S45 I tested, you can use the i70's "Direct Print" technology; you plug the camera right into the USB jack, pick a photo, then choose from basic options like paper size. (Needless to say, the printer handles not just letter sheets, but 4"x6" and 5"x7" glossy photo sheets, too.) Without powering up the computer, you can even crop your shot, and opt for borderless printing like store-developed snapshots.

When you do turn on the computer, you'll find that Canon has developed a no-nonsense print utility that works for pros with no time to waste, as well as novices who need a little explanation. It's a three-step program that goes from image selection to paper selection to layout, with a helpful preview of the actual print job — in other words, in a world where paper and ink are valued commodities, it won't let you unknowingly do something stupid to waste them.

Finally, a word about portability: the i70's size is both its bane and its blessing. In a cramped office space, its compact size makes it a perfect "hideaway" printer, but you can't fit a ream of paper in the sheet feeder — max is 30 plain pages. It doesn't even have one of those paper catchers in front. But it's small enough to fit alongside a laptop in huskier shoulder bags, and its battery ensures a fairly decent run away from electric sockets. Besides, it's like the Betty Boop of inkjet printers — cute and sexy at the same time.