The paper tray is a bit odd. The loading tray has an arm that rotates out with an end that folds out from that. For holding longer paper? Don't bet on it. The... out tray (?) has a piece that slides out to extend it, but even with that pulled all the way out, 8.5x11 sheets will fall off it onto the floor if the loading tray arm isn't extended.
I don't much like the included software, but you'll get the same with any Canon printer, I guess. It does duplex printing, though I have to remember to turn that on or off each time, and fight with multiple printer settings dialogs.