Long conversation with Canon service a couple of days ago, during which I asked how the new M1 was doing re: Pro-xx/Prograf-xx printers. Rep said something like: "Work great with WiFi". And with USB? "Much better with WiFi".

Since I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on buying a new M1 to replace my aging Mini, does anyone have any experience to relate, especially with pro-style printers? Canon, Epson, HP - any brand? All-in-One office units?

(Posting also on General Chit-Chat forum)

You got that right, Bob.

Every tool has a different scope of purpose. The scope of a smartphone encompasses — potentially — a couple of million wildly different applications. The scope of a dedicated camera encompasses a more targeted selection of use cases.

I own a few Swiss Army Knives. I always have one in my car, and another in my desk drawer. I use them when I have no access to better, dedicated tools. Yesterday, I tightened the screws of a switch plate in the bathroom across the hall. I used the Swiss Army Knife flat blade screwdriver. I was too lazy to go out to my tool shed and get the electrician's screwdriver.

Yesterday, I also photographed the label of a wine bottle with my iPhone, so I'd remember to buy it again, sometime. I often whip out the iPhone to take pictures of products and prices in stores, or document something I'm doing. It's great for gathering visual ideas to use later, during the process of planning a presentation. It's great for taking notes at a lecture. It's great for family snapshots. But it is also my:

phone, GPS, weather checker, calculator, email communicator, browser, radio, music player, cable TV over WiFi, alarm clock, news reader, and about 100 other things.

I wouldn't normally use my serious camera kit without a plan, even if that plan were simply to go on a photo hike. Usually, I know pretty clearly what I'm going to create with it.

My iPhone upholds the Boy Scout Motto (Be Prepared). My camera kit supports part of a sequence or thought process similar to Business Analysis and Project Management... turning worthy thoughts and goals into carefully crafted words and grounding, arresting images — for the purpose of leading people to some desirable action.