Once a good printer, but long overtaken by newer models. (Epson Stylus C42+)

Member Name: aled99

Product:	Epson Stylus C42+
Date:	22/09/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick installation on computer, Easy to fit cartridges.

Disadvantages: Slow printing speed, build quality no so good, expensive genuine cartridges

I have owned my c42+ for several years and use it as a spare printer. I wouldn't consider using it as my main printer as it is quite old now and has some annoying faults. I admit some of the faults with the printer are probably due to the fact it has no regular (or daily) use, but there is no excuse for the simple lack of speed. Even in 'text' mode it is quite slow and often takes ages to start printing and then even longer to print a single page.

Among the plus points for this printer, is the ability to accept 'compatible' cartridges without destroying the entire printer, the downside is they tend to produce rubbish print quality and dry up too quickly. I would think using genuine Epson cartridges would avoid this, although they are so expensive compared to the value of the printer it's probably better value to buy a new modern printer.

The build quality of the printer seems poor. I don't use it very often, but every time I come to use it the metal plate which the cartridges run over seems to have bent out of place, requiring a hard push to straighten it again and allow the cartridges to slide freely over it.

The best part about this printer is the installation on your computer. It is fast and easy. I downloaded the driver from the Epson website and when run it recognizes the printer very quickly and just installs the drivers automatically, so you can begin printing within a minute of connecting the printer.

Overall this printer isn't too bad as a spare. With compatible cartridges as long as you use them soon after purchase the printer works fine. Once the driver is installed on the computer the cartridges are easy to install without any problems at all. For people looking for a good inkjet printer to use every day I can't recommend the c42+. The lack of speed and the cost of a pair of genuine Epson cartridges (which seem to cost twice as much as the cheapest inkjet printers) means the c42+ is impossible to recommend.

Summary: If you want high print qualiity and fast prints newer prints are far better & could work out cheaper

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