Johannesburg, 20 Jun 2006
The Epson Stylus CX4700 is a multifunctional printer that looks great, but its printing speed belies its good looks. Having to wait for up to three minutes before a single page is printed can be extremely frustrating.
Priced at under R2 000, the Epson Stylus CX4700 is a printer, scanner and copier, and includes a pack of "creative" software aimed at digital camera users.
Supporting five different memory card slots for up to 12 different card types means the Stylus CX4700 is able to print images created using most common cameras. Printing is easily achieved with PictBridge and USB direct printing support.
Being able to print directly from a digital camera without the use of a PC is a great feature, but the quality of the printed images is debateable.
Epson touts the DURABrite Ultra ink gives better quality photographic prints - the result of ink technology research and development. However, the photographs printed for purposes of testing the printer were disappointingly blurry with poor colour quality.
Good copy, scan
In contrast, the scanning and copying functionalities are impressive. The CX4700 was able to create detailed images through both options.
On the positive side, the individual ink cartridge system, priced at R99, ensures cost savings when compared to a single cartridge system. It`s no fun running out of a base colour and having to discard the whole cartridge.
The hardware`s bundled software package, the Epson Creativity Suite, enables users to manipulate all aspects of digital photography including capturing, managing, editing and printing. It also contains the Epson File Manager that provides drag-and-drop functionality for transferring files.
On the whole, the multifunctional printer is a good concept, but speed and picture quality is where this particular printer falls short of being a "must have".
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