Printer parts.

You could be forgiven for mistaking the iP5000 for the iP8500, outwardly there isn't much to differentiate between the two, other than the small iP5000 logo on the top cover. As with the iP8500, Canon have opted for a sleek black finish, which looks great now but I suspect it may not look so good after a few weeks use. Fingerprints and dust will take their toll on the delicate surface. Use a soft cloth to clean the surface to ensure micro scratches are kept to a minimum (Mrs Oliver suggested this point). I would have liked a choice of colour - perhaps Pillar box red or Aqua blue, in fact anything other than black.

Just a little imagination and printing could be more colourful

The printer is a compact unit which when fully closed takes up very little desk space. I like the flat top surface, this can then double as a place to put documents and other paper work when the printer is not in use. (not recommended for coffee cups).

The iP5000 is a compact unit	Black is not good for fingerprints
Push the front fascia to access the paper trays	A single front extension is sufficient to catch media
A flush fitting top paper feed tray	Single extension for rear feed paper holder
Firm paper guide	Front paper tray

To open the printer you must push the front fascia inwards, this releases a small catch. From here you can extend the front paper catcher. This is a single extension unit which doesn't feel flimsy and does what is says it will. The top paper feeder is hidden under a flap which also doubles a a single extension rear paper holder. The paper guide is stiff to move which should guarantee that the media is held in place.

As with the iP8500, the iP5000 also has a front loading paper tray. This will hold up to 150 sheets of paper (Plain paper). There are markings for A4, Ltr, 5X7 and 6x4 media. When A4 media is loaded the tray protrudes by about 3.5 inches, for 6x4 media the tray can be collapsed and pushed all the way in the printer body. There is a smoked plastic cover which should keep the dust and flies of your A4 media, unfortunately this is not hinged, it sits on top of the tray.

6x4 media loaded in the bottom tray	tray with A4 media loaded
Rear Jam fixer	Rear USB connection

On the rear of the printer there is the USB socket and a back panel opens should a paper jam occur.

I will return to CD printing and PictBridge options after I have published the first prints.