There are plenty of basic inkjet multifunction printers (MFP) on the market currently, and choosing one is not an easy task when most of them share similar specifications. This is why price plays an important role. The Epson Stylus CX5500 is probably one of the most affordable models in the entry-level class and offers a good array of ink cartridge choices. However, its standalone functions are somewhat limited so that may deter potential buyers.
Upside
In the past, entry-level color inkjet printers relied on a black and a combined color ink cartridge system, but the Epson Stylus CX5500 has slots for four different ink cartridges. That means users need only replace those which are drained instead of changing an combined color cartridge which may still have other remaining tones.
The CX5500 will appeal to students and light users who don't print heavy loads.
(Credit: Epson)
To give users more ink choices, there are two options: Standard and low-cost. The former gives more page yield, while the latter is cheaper but prints approximately 70 less pages. What is also thoughtful of Epson is that consumers can mix-and-match the cartridges. So if you print more documents, you can opt for the standard black ink cartridge and the low-cost version for colors.
Compared with Canon's equivalent, the PIXMA MP480, the CX5500 has a higher maximum print resolution of 5,760 x 1,440 dots per inch (dpi) compared with its competitor's 4,800 x 2,400dpi.
The most attractive feature about the CX5500 is probably its cost. At AU$99, it is one of the more affordable multifunction printers on the market today.
Downside
Even though the CX5500 is an entry-level model, there are some aspects of it which we felt were lacking. For standalone copying, users can make only one copy at a time. This can be hassle if you need to print materials for project mates. Also, as the Epson doesn't have an additional USB port for flash drives, a computer is still needed for the scanning function. Overall, we felt the standalone function is somewhat compromised, but that is probably because the printer belongs to the entry-level class.
Outlook
If you're on a tight budget, the CX5500 would be an almost perfect choice--that is, if you are not a fussy user. We think the biggest advantage the Epson has over other similar machines would be its choice of cartridges and the ability to use both standard and low-cost options. If you don't require extensive standalone operation and don't print heavy loads, the CX5500 may be a good choice.
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
redge
15/11/2008, 07:47 PM
rating
1/10
i just bought epson cx5500,and i think its the best printer in the market today but then i discoverer that i cant even print when one of the ink goes out....thats too bad!
Report offensive comment
mc2dj
08/11/2008, 04:21 PM
rating
1/10
whatever you do .dont get this printer....they claim that it is one of the fastest printer around but it took more than HALF AN HOUR to print thirty pages. and ink finishes so fast you have to shop for it every few prints. wont let you print with one catridge empty also even if the others are full. its big, bulky and almost useless.
Pros: none that i can think of other than its ink being cheap but running out faster than you can say 'PRINT YOU DUMB PRINTER!'
Cons: EXTREMELY slow printing, ink runs out fast, big , bulky, wont let you print if one catridge is empty, not worth money
Report offensive comment
Dave
19/10/2008, 01:15 AM
rating
2/10
cheap and nasty, very noisy very slow. vista compatible .... yeah right. didnt like vista64bit. my old xp pc worked fine. tried to print to it from my new pc over the network, not good. then went CRUNCH!!!! and shagged the print head. good thing i only just bought it, will take it back tomorrow and get my money back.
Pros: you get what u pay for
Cons: too many to list
Report offensive comment
Ben
30/09/2008, 03:13 PM
rating
10/10
The only negative comments are from idiots, there is no blue cartridge, it's cyan. And if you never use the cyan cartridge you never do colour printing, buy the right printer. No colour printer will allow printing from empty tanks, it destroys the print heads, it's doing the right thing by not letting you ruin it.
Pros: Price $58 amazing
inks are much cheaper than Canon's.
can replace individual tanks
Great value for money.
Cons: A bit noisey and slow, and slightly too big, but that's why it's not $150
Report offensive comment
jhonny
23/09/2008, 02:05 AM
rating
1/10
Dont buy this!!
Pros: quite cheap. but dont be fooled
Cons: noisy, ink sucks, helpline person very rude, problems setting up driver for windows vista
Report offensive comment
uming
08/09/2008, 12:55 PM
rating
1/10
so stupid, so bad. my Blue ink is out, Printer won't even let me print a normal document using Black Ink. I can not do anything unless i replace the Blue Ink.
Report offensive comment
stan
02/09/2008, 12:04 PM
rating
9/10
I can't Replace the ink cartridge. the cartridge holder always goes under the cover on the righthand side. how do i get it to stop in the middle
Report offensive comment
ben
27/08/2008, 01:24 PM
rating
3/10
Very Cheap. Has cheap Ink carterages, but dont be fooled, you'll need alot of them as they run out fast.
I wouldnt buy this printer again
Pros: Cheap
Good Images
Good scanner
Simple to setup and use
Cons: Bulky
Ink runs out way too fast!
Wont print anything when its (apparently) empty.
Report offensive comment
nothappyjan
03/08/2008, 03:13 PM
rating
1/10
this is what happens when you do not research stuff before you buy it
Pros: no pros it is cheap tho.But not cheap if the damn thing does not work.Just a waste of money.
Cons: does not recognise genine ink cartridges.Will not print.Will not print if 1 cartride is empty but others full.Uses up ink fast
Report offensive comment
saypool
03/08/2008, 04:05 AM
rating
6/10
duno yet. jz buy it.
Pros: will c.
Cons: oso will c.
Report offensive comment