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The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable basic home printer that handles printing, scanning, and copying. It offers excellent print quality with a high resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, which means your documents and photos will look sharp and colorful. While the color print speed is moderate at about 5 pages per minute, the black-and-white speed is faster at 10 ppm, good enough for everyday printing needs. One of its biggest strengths is the large ink tank capacity—this model uses refillable ink bottles instead of cartridges, which can print thousands of pages (up to 4,500 in black and 7,500 in color) before needing a refill. This not only cuts down on running costs but also reduces plastic waste.
Connectivity options include both USB and Wi-Fi, allowing easy printing from computers and mobile devices via an app, which is convenient for home use. Paper handling is straightforward with support for standard sizes and a 100-sheet input capacity, though it only supports single-sided printing by default. The printer also features a flatbed scanner and copy functions, adding more versatility. On the downside, it doesn't support automatic double-sided printing, which might slow down larger print jobs. The print speed for color pages is not the fastest, so if you need quick volume printing, this might feel a bit slow.
The printer is somewhat large compared to typical home printers, so it requires a decent amount of desk space. This Epson ET-2800 is well suited for home users who want quality prints without the hassle and cost of cartridges, with easy wireless use and solid basic features, but it might not be the best fit for those needing high-speed or duplex printing.
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a versatile all-in-one printer that excels in providing cost-effective and eco-friendly printing solutions. Its standout feature is the cartridge-free design, which uses high-capacity ink tanks. This significantly reduces the cost of printing, saving up to 90% on replacement ink and providing enough ink to print up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages. This makes it ideal for users who require frequent printing without the hassle of constantly replacing cartridges. Additionally, the EcoTank system helps reduce waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Print quality is impressive due to Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, delivering sharp text and vibrant graphics on various paper types. The inclusion of a high-resolution scanner, copier, and fax, along with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), makes it a comprehensive solution for home office needs. It supports modern connectivity options like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and even voice-activated printing through the Epson Smart Panel App, enhancing its convenience and versatility.
However, the ET-4800 has a relatively modest print speed, with 10 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 5 ppm for color prints, which might be slower compared to other printers in its class. Additionally, the paper handling capacity is limited to 100 sheets, which could be a drawback for high-volume users. Despite these limitations, the ET-4800's combination of cost savings, print quality, and multifunction capabilities make it a strong candidate for home office users seeking an efficient and environmentally friendly printer.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and ET-8500 printers offer a refreshing take on printing with their cartridge-free design, making them suitable for users who print frequently and want to save on ink costs. One of the standout features is their remarkable ink tank capacity, which allows for substantial printing before needing a refill. With the ET-2800, you can print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 in color, while the ET-8500 excels at producing high-quality photos and creative works with vibrant colors.
Both printers promise impressive print quality, utilizing advanced ink technology to ensure sharp text and vivid images. The ET-8500, in particular, is designed for photo enthusiasts, capable of printing borderless pictures and handling various media types, which is a bonus for those looking to explore creative projects. Print speed is decent, with the ET-8500 able to print a 4 x 6 photo in about 15 seconds, making it suitable for quick photo sessions. The connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, make it easy to print from smartphones or other devices, enhancing user convenience.
However, while these printers shine in many areas, they may not be the best fit for everyone. Users who occasionally print might find these models to be more than they need, and the upfront cost could be a drawback compared to traditional printers. Additionally, some users may prefer the simplicity of traditional cartridge systems over the slightly more complex ink tank refilling process. Another consideration is that although the EcoTank system reduces cartridge waste, the initial setup and maintenance might require a little learning for those unfamiliar with ink tank systems.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and ET-8500 are excellent choices for frequent users, particularly those who value cost-efficiency in ink and high-quality prints, especially for photos. They may not cater as well to casual users or those who require a straightforward printing solution.