A cheap effective printer (Epson Stylus C40)

Member Name: JB01

Product:	Epson Stylus C40
Date:	05/08/06 (131 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Inexpensive and available

Disadvantages: Quality

4 years ago I bought an e machine from PC World, included in the package a free printer, they gave me the Epson C40 a small standard 4 colour inkjet printer, one of a series. Mine still works and I use it as backup and less sophisticated printing (I updated to a 3 in 1 Epson CX3200 - the brand impressed me). I’m looking to sell it now I am more confident with the CX3200.

***THE PRODUCT***

According to the label my machine was assembled in China with Japanese components, Epson Stylus is a trade mark of SEIKO EPSON. Like most Epson products it is compatible with Microsoft software and Macintosh. Its small round size and aesthetic design means it does not take up much space and fits neatly on a shelf or desk top. It’s operation is quite simple and online support is provided by the company, they even have an interactive section for quick solutions. The paper feed tray is simple and has a feature for envelope printing (addresses etc). Next to this 2 buttons, 1 for on/off the other is referred to as the maintenance button.

For it’s connectivity to the PC it has a USB interplay which allows simple plug and play printing. The quality of output is not to bad, low quality photos can be reproduced and images from the web can be reproduced. Mine came with samples of higher quality paper for photo standard reproductions. At this stage I’ve not developed much of an interest in digital photography and home printing so this was un necessary, but I have seen quality reproductions and the right paper is essential.
It runs on 2 ink cartridges 1 black the other colour. Both are expensive although compatible inks are becoming more reliable and cost considerably less (watch out for the status of the warranty when using them). It produces 1440 DPI quality.

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Pentium for Windows 98 and upwards, Mac OS 8.1.

***MY OPINION***

The printer is small, light and versatile and ideal for a 1st time user. I got mine free with my e machine from PC World, I probably would have bought it had it not as it produces a suitable quality for WP documents and it’s price is fairly low. The big cost of course is the inkjet cartridge, I got my 1st set with the machine. You can operate 1 with a scanner which is useful when trying to produce photocopies etc, this lacks a stand alone quality the Epson CX3200 has. It is quite robust, after 4 years mine is still producing several prints a week. Because of more sophisticated models on the market I would not recommend paying much for 1. Some companies will throw one in with a package.

Summary: Cheap, effective printer with a reliable label - the Epson C40

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