Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 review exploring wireless printing, photo quality, and ink efficiency

Description

Advantages of the EcoTank Photo ET-8500

Testing the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 was an experience that left me both impressed and surprised. The supertank design is the first thing that caught my eye, and rightly so—it’s a game-changer in the world of printing. Unlike printers that rely on traditional cartridges, this one uses bottle ink, which saves both time and money. I was able to print a seemingly endless number of photos and documents before needing a refill. The claim of low-cost replacement ink bottles was absolutely spot on, and it doesn’t hurt that they save up to 80% compared to cartridges.

The color quality of prints is something that deserves a special mention. From vibrant shades of cyan and magenta to deep blacks, the six-color Claria ET Premium Ink system produces professional-grade outputs. I tested everything from borderless 8.5″ x 11″ photos to customized CDs, and the results were consistently sharp and full of life. The ability to handle cardstock and thicker media up to 1.3 mm is a bonus, making it versatile for creative projects.

Winning Points

• Extremely cost-effective for high-volume printing.
• Produces lab-quality photos and sharp graphics.
• Handles special media types like CDs and cardstock effortlessly.
• Quiet operation with automatic double-sided printing.
• The Wi-Fi Direct and voice-activated printing features are super convenient.

Flaws in the System

While the ET-8500 impressed me with its features, it’s not without its quirks. For starters, the tray capacity maxes out at 100 sheets, which feels limiting if you’re handling bulk printing tasks. I found myself frequently needing to reload paper, disrupting the flow of work.

The 4.3-inch touchscreen, while sleek, could be more responsive. At times, navigating menus on the interface felt slightly sluggish. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it could use some refinement. Also, the absence of an automatic document feeder (ADF) was noticeable when scanning multiple pages. Having to place each sheet manually slowed things down.

Areas for Improvement

• No automatic document feeder, making multi-page scanning tedious.
• Limited tray capacity for bulk printing needs.
• The touchscreen could be more intuitive and responsive.

Design and Functionality

Aesthetically, the ET-8500 is a sleek machine. Its white color and compact design make it a great fit for home offices or creative studios. Weighing in at 24.6 pounds, it’s not exactly lightweight, but it’s manageable enough to shift around if needed. The inclusion of two trays allows for flexibility when switching between media types, and the ergonomics of the LCD touchscreen ensure that all operations are close at hand.

The connectivity options are vast, covering everything from Wi-Fi Direct to USB and Ethernet. I particularly loved the Epson Smart Panel app, which allowed seamless printing from my smartphone. The voice-activated printing was a fun addition, and while I didn’t use it extensively, it worked flawlessly during my tests.

Performance on Everyday Tasks

From printing everyday documents to high-resolution photos, this printer performs admirably across the board. The ISO print speeds of 16 ppm for black & white and 12 ppm for color ensure that you’re not left waiting too long. However, it’s not the fastest printer I’ve ever tested, so if speed is a top priority, it might not be your best bet.

The standout for me was its ability to print 4″ x 6″ photos in just 15 seconds. Whether it was family portraits or artistic shots, the results were nothing short of stunning. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution ensures every detail stands out, which is a dream come true for anyone who values quality.

Market Rivals

Comparing the ET-8500 to competitors like the Canon PIXMA G620 or HP Smart Tank Plus 651, it’s clear where this product excels. The Canon PIXMA, for instance, also offers excellent photo printing capabilities, but it doesn’t handle special media like CDs or thick cardstock as well as the Epson. On the other hand, the HP Smart Tank shines with its user-friendly design but lacks the six-color ink system that makes the Epson stand out.

If you’re looking for a printer that marries versatility with cost-efficiency, the ET-8500 is hard to beat. While it has its shortcomings, such as the missing ADF, it more than makes up for them with its vibrant output and creative options.

Value for Money

Is this printer worth the investment? Absolutely. While it might come at a higher initial cost compared to standard cartridge-based models, the long-term savings on ink bottles are undeniable. Printing 4″ x 6″ photos for about 4 cents each is a steal, especially when you factor in the quality and durability of the prints. The ability to save up to $2,000 on ink over time is a game-changer for anyone who prints regularly.

This isn’t just a printer; it’s an investment in creativity and efficiency. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a professional, or someone who just needs reliable printing at home, this device delivers on its promises.

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