The Epson range of all-in-one machines deservedly (in my opinion) invoke a lot of steadfastly customers, the machines are more often than not robust workhorses. This latest Stylus SX515W machine builds on that reputation and it’s wireless !
The scanner lid is piano black in colour, and looks similar to many other Epson multifunction printers . The SX515W has a 63mm full-colour LCD display in the back left-hand corner which pops up neatly when needed. A lot of the printers functions can be operated via this screen, including printing photographs when using memory cards . This means you do not have to switch the PC on to use these functions
On the front left of the machine there are two memory card slots and a Pict Bridge socket which enables users to print directly from a usb drive or memory card.
The printer can be connected via USB or a good old Ethernet connection, this SX515W model also supports WI-FI which is fast becoming the way forward , allowing printers to be positioned away from the computer and potentially freeing up space on your desk. You need to temporarily connect the Stylus SX515W to your computer via the usb to set it up, but once it is set up you can move it to where suits.
HOW FAST IS IT?
It is not anywhere near as fast as Epson claim, but that is not unusual . The manufacturers say 36 page per minute for black text but we found it averaged out at about 13 pages per minute (still pretty good) . In fact if you were to compare this model to other brands in this price range, you would find that it is approaching twice the speed of its closest rivals.
Unfortunately it is not the quietest of machines, seems to be mainly due to the paper feed mechanism, which is definately clunky in operation.
As well as the 36ppm headline print speed claim, Epson also say this printer can produce a 15 x 10cm photograph in 20 seconds. We asked what settings were needed to get this speed, since all our photo print tests took over a minute . We were informed that you need to print in draft mode to get to this speed and allow extra for the processing time. We did this and it worked, but would you genuinely want to print photographs in draft mode, I think not !
When using the correct print mode, things look up . Photographs were sharp and produce good natural skin tones, with some shadow detail and good natural colors, while business graphics are bright and clean. Black text is good for an inkjet but imperfections can be seen on close inspection, but of course it is a inkjet printer and not a laser.
Our colour photocopy came out well, but colours were perhaps lighter than they should have been.
Epson recommends the T0711/2/3/4 set of ink cartridges – incidentally we of course sell compatible epson ink cartridges at our website www.firstinkjets.co.uk for a little as £9.99 per set. But that’s enough of the plug!
This machine also takes the higher capacity T1001/2/3/4 cartridges which supply a further saving on your running costs.
Verdict
The Epson Stylus SX515W is an impressive all-in-one printer at a very realistic price. It prints very rapidly for an inkjet and produces good quality photos and reasonable plain paper prints.
Recommended by my mum, and recommended by me.
