Epson EcoTank ET-2800 review of all-in-one wireless inkjet printer features

Description

A Practical Overview of the Epson EcoTank ET-2800

Testing out the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Wireless Supertank Inkjet Printer was an interesting experience. It’s a compact device that promises high-quality printing, scanning, and copying capabilities while being cartridge-free, thanks to its supertank ink system. This printer seemed like a solution tailor-made for anyone tired of constantly replacing cartridges, but it comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.

Design and Build Quality: Small but Mighty

The compact and lightweight design of the EcoTank ET-2800 immediately caught my attention. Weighing in at only 8.8 pounds and measuring 14.8 x 13.7 x 7.0 inches, it fits perfectly on a crowded desk or a small corner. The 1.44-inch color LCD display, while not overly large, is functional enough for navigation and makes basic operations straightforward.

Despite its small size, the printer feels sturdy and well-built. However, I did notice the plastic construction might not withstand excessive wear and tear, especially in a high-traffic office. The minimalist aesthetic combined with its grey and off-white color scheme gives it a clean, modern look.

Key Benefits

This product delivers several noteworthy advantages, such as:

• Cartridge-free printing with the supertank system, drastically reducing the cost of ink over time.
• Impressive 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution, which ensures sharp and vibrant prints.
• The ability to print borderless 4” x 6” photos in just 90 seconds.
• Mobile and voice-activated printing via the Epson Smart Panel App, Apple AirPrint, and Google Mopria Print Service.

For someone like me, who loves the convenience of printing straight from my smartphone, these features were a game-changer.

Performance: A Mixed Bag

The actual performance of the printer left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, the 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color print speeds were adequate for my home office needs. The 1200 dpi scanner resolution produced clear digital copies of documents, and the flatbed scanner was easy to use for both photos and standard paper sizes.

On the other hand, the printer struggles when it comes to speed. Printing a 4” x 6” borderless photo took 90 seconds, which feels slow in comparison to other models I’ve used. Additionally, the manual duplex printing option didn’t quite meet my expectations. It’s functional, but the process can be clunky for those used to fully automated duplex printing.

Areas for Improvement

While the EcoTank ET-2800 has many strengths, there are definitely areas for improvement, such as:

• The lack of automatic duplex printing, which is a common feature in many modern printers.
• The small LCD screen, which could be challenging for users with larger fingers or vision impairments.
• Slower photo printing speeds, making it less ideal for high-volume photo printing tasks.

These flaws aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting if you have specific needs.

Daily Utility and Target User

The EcoTank ET-2800 is perfect for students, small business owners, and home office users who value affordability and simplicity. I found its 100-sheet input capacity and compatibility with various paper sizes (from 4”x6” to 8.5”x47.2”) great for everyday use. However, professional photographers or users requiring fast, high-volume outputs might find it limiting.

My kids even used it to print school projects, and the color accuracy was outstanding for charts and images. However, if you’re working with a larger office setting, this printer might feel underpowered.

Competing Products

Compared to other printers in the market, like the Canon PIXMA G3260 and the Brother MFC-J995DW, the EcoTank ET-2800 holds its own in terms of long-term cost savings. The cartridge-free system is where it truly shines, offering up to 90% lower ink costs, according to Epson.

However, the Canon PIXMA G3260 offers slightly faster photo printing speeds, while the Brother MFC-J995DW includes automatic duplex printing. If speed and duplex capabilities are critical, these alternatives might be better suited, but they lack the simple ink-refill system that the EcoTank ET-2800 provides.

True Value

When considering the cost-efficiency of this printer, it’s hard to ignore the savings from its bottled ink system. While the upfront cost of the printer is slightly higher than traditional inkjet models, the long-term savings on ink more than make up for it. I’ve gone through dozens of prints without even denting the ink levels, which is a huge relief compared to cartridge replacements.

For someone on a tight budget or looking for a low-maintenance solution, the EcoTank ET-2800 is a smart investment. Its high-quality output, combined with the economical ink system, offers great value for money.

Final Thoughts on the Epson EcoTank ET-2800

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Wireless Supertank Inkjet Printer strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. While it’s not without its shortcomings, like the lack of automatic duplex printing and relatively slow photo printing speeds, it excels in areas like cost-effective printing, vibrant color output, and mobile connectivity.

If you’re someone who prioritizes long-term savings and doesn’t mind trading off some speed, this printer could be a perfect fit for your needs. Having tested it for various tasks, I can confidently say that it delivers solid performance for its price range, making it an excellent choice for home and small office use.

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