The new Canon PIXMA Pro9000 dye-based inkjet had a tough act to follow in the i9900. But it brings down the house with vibrant color, fast printing and versatile media handling that challenges not just the i9900 but pigment-based 13×19 printers. We miss the FireWire option of the i9900 but once again enjoyed a straightforward installation process. We also missed the compact footprint (in comparison) of the i9900, but that’s the trend in 13×19s (the HP B9180 is much larger). At least the Pro9000 has wheels to make it easy to balance its weight and move it around.

But the biggest drawback to the Canon PIXMA Pro9000 is image quality. Looking at these gorgeous 13×19s we know we’re just going to spend a small fortune at the frame shop and, right after bringing them home, be calling our real estate agent to see if there are any small mansions with a lot of wall space going for a song…or a set of prints.