What’s the difference between an All-in-One (AIO) and Multi Function Printer (MFP)? AIOs incorporate print, scan and copy functions along with fax capability and is usually suited for SOHO use. Realizing that many home users might not actually use a fax, MFPs print and scan but have no fax.
EPSON’s CX5500 is the multifunction version of the C90 color inkjet printer, incorporating a 600 x 1200dpi flatbed scanner on top of the printer. This adds significantly to the bulk and weight of the printer and is nearly double the length of the C90. The EPSON CX5500 is finished in matte grey plastic with a glossier black top. The scanner top does however add dedicated controls that let you copy documents directly to the printer without the need of a connected PC.
Once set up, the EPSON CX5500 take about 22 seconds to startup when you hit the ON button. The copier functions on the printer let you make full sized (A4 of Legal) copies of color or black and white text documents. It can also make photo-quality copies, but only up to 4R in size, and using the appropriate photo paper.
EPSON claims the print performance of the EPSON CX5500 is 25 pages per minute for black and white drafts. Our tests came pretty close at 20ppm at the printer’s fastest settings. Color printing performance, however, was far below EPSON’s claim of 13ppm. Our print test of text and simple line graphics printed at only 3.2ppm for color drafts. Also to note is that EPSON’s draft mode really does use minimal ink and prints make only the slightest mark on the paper in this mode.
When connected to a PC, the EPSON CX5500 also works as a standard TWAIN scanner. The scanner driver interface is simple enough to use, allowing only the basic adjustments like scanning resolution and color mode. There was no descreen functions built into the driver. The EPSON CX5500 managed to scan an A4 document at 300DPI in 40 seconds.
Overall, the operation and functionality of the EPSON CX5500 was simple and straightforward. The printer did generate quite a bit of noise as it did its work, 47 decibels according to the specifications. The print and scan qualities were quite impressive. For example, the photo prints show almost no Moire patterns in converging fine lines, indicating very accurate pixel placement and a good scaling algorithm. Advanced settings in the print driver allow for further options and control, but the user documentation was quite lacking for those advanced options.
Scan A4 color: 40sec
Color A4 draft: 3.2ppm
Black A4 draft: 20ppm
Photo 4R: 3:30
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