REVIEW: Lexmark X9350
Convergence of technologies in one device is happening in the world of printers almost as fast as it is with mobile phones. You can now buy an all-in-one (commonly described as multi-functional devices or MFDs) that will give passable print, copy, scanning and fax results for less than the price of a good quality printer. If colour reproduction and image manipulation matters more then you will need to pay more - but you can still get great results and have the convenience of just one peripheral on your desk.
Some all-in-ones can be bulky and take up valuable desk space and on other models, the speed of the individual components, the copier, for example, can be considerably slower than dedicated devices. You may also find that the cost of printer consumables like ink and paper can be high. And, of course, if one element should break down, you may be without the other facilities while it is fixed. But an all-in-one is hard to beat for convenience and integration.
The X9350 sits at the top of Lexmark’s all-in-one (AIO) desktop inkjet range. Pitched as a ‘productivity machine’, the machine supports wireless (802.11g) two-sided printing, and boasts an eye-catching design. Of course, like any other AIO worth your money, it offers colour copying, colour printing, colour scanning, and colour faxing. Priced at just £149, it is the only AIO in its class equipped with built-in wireless connectivity and automatic two-sided printing. The machine also uses the company’s latest Evercolor 2 pigmented inks (4-colours, plus optional 6-colour photo cartridge), and is backed by the Lexmark Protection Guarantee that provides next-business-day replacement for up to one year.
The built-in wireless capabilities of the X9350 set it apart from other AIOs, and will appeal to today’s laptop/PDA users who want the flexibility to print without being anchored to their printer and prefer the clutter-free work environment of wireless. And for offices with multiple users, wireless and Ethernet networking make it possible to print from a single printing device - with or without a direct connection. Furthermore, budget-conscious offices will appreciate the automatic two-sided printing feature, which not only helps to give a professional look to reports and other documents, but benefits departmental budgets and the environment by saving paper.
The distinct white-and-brushed metallic finish of the X9350 houses a relatively rugged machine that’s capable of printing at speeds up to 32ppm black and 27ppm colour. Other noticeable features include a 150-sheet input tray - hardly an ample supply of paper (but typical of an inkjet), although an optional second tray doubles the input capacity for greater productivity - 2.4-inch flip-up colour LCD display, 48-bit flatbed colour scanner, stand-alone multiple page fax and copier, and 4×6-inch borderless photo printing capabilities up to 4800×1200dpi resolution.
Print quality is a fundamental need for many SOHO users, and the Evercolor 2 pigmented inks do a pretty good job at creating almost-professional results. From printing business cards, to marketing brochures, to fliers and presentations, Evercolor 2 pigmented inks deliver relatively crisp, clear results that are water-resistant and resistant to smearing from being handled or from markers used for highlighting text. The fade resistance characteristics and vibrant colours produced by Evercolor 2 pigmented inks and Lexmark PerfectFinish Photo Paper provide above-par printed results, but you’ll need top-notch paper to get the best from the machine - in our tests, prints using regular photocopier paper were well below standard.
Lexmark’s X9350 gives you most of the features, flexibility, quality and reliability you need to get more done. The X9350 is hardly a workhorse (its recommended monthly duty cycle is just 5000 pages), but it’s good value (in the short term at least) and the built-in 802.11g, ADF and duplex support are much welcomed. You’ll need to spend a lot of money on quality paper to get the best from the unit, plus it drinks ink like it’s going out of fashion, but for the asking price it’s not a bad overall package for occasional use. Those printing or copying lots of documents should opt for a colour laser. [7]
