Expert opinion

Following the general technical advances in the operation of IT components, the current ink multifunction printers are increasingly using touchscreen elements. The number of pushbuttons in the control panel of the printer has declined or, as with the test winner Pinnacle, completely disappeared. The control screens are getting bigger and clearer.


Operation


Besides the simple text-based menu navigation, small animations or graphical elements support the setting options on the device. We particularly liked the control panels of Lexmark, Epson, Canon and Brother. But also the operating units of Kodak and HP need hardly any training. All controls are self-explanatory and the menu is logical.


The technical performance


The technical performance of the devices was tested as the next criterion. At the printing speed, the Pinnacle from Lexmark had the nose far ahead, here could only the models of Epson and Canon keep pace. The print quality of the HP 8500A was just ahead of the Kodak ESP 9250. Brothers MFC-5895CW follows at a small distance.


Expert opinion


From the roll fell however however only the BX925FWD of Epson. As with past tests of other models we have to complain about an immense redness both in photoprinting and in photocopying. This can only be neutralized with many precious sample prints and changes to the color settings via the printer driver.


Lexmark Pinnacle Pro901


All the devices are very good at text printing. Droplet outliers are only visible under the microscope, but not in eye control, and therefore are not a point of criticism for a practical assessment. All text images score already with the default setting with a good contrast and a sufficient text black.


If you want to save color ink, the gray print or a selection of the inks to be used is available for all systems. Text documents are then printed with the black ink.


In addition to the printing unit, the scanning and copying function is often used in multifunctional devices. Documents can be digitized, archived and reproduced. When scanning through both the flatbed tray and the automatic document feeder, the Epson model followed suitably by Lexmark and Brother.


From us, the scanning speed and the setting possibilities for the scanning quality were practically assessed. Furthermore, there were points for the possible targets of a scan (scan-to). In the evaluation of the copying function, the test models had to place speed tests and copying quality assessments. In all subcategories, the HP 8500A was the best.


It copies quickly and in good quality, which means a balanced interplay of printing unit, scanning function and device software. Lexmark and Canon, however, hardly stand the category winner. Epson gambled a higher score with the already mentioned Rotstich especially with the Fotokopie. At Brother we had to complain about a contrast loss, especially with the Fotokopie.


Since the last comparison test of ink multifunction devices of the upper class has changed much in this model class. The subsequent costs have been significantly reduced by new ink concepts. The ease of use, quality and functionality has been improved by the latest display and printing technology, ink quality and extensive network and Internet options.


The results of a test field of six devices are rarely so close together. Our test winner from Lexmark was facing tough competition. All printer manufacturers have reached a very high level with their ink multifunction devices of the upper class.


Lexmark has succeeded with the Pinnacle a model, which combines attractive appearance, technical innovation as well as functionality and work quality in one device. This balance and top results in nearly all test categories have resulted in the all-in-one unit's tight test victory.


Our test candidates from the upper class of ink all-in-ones are up to the day-to-day work of the small office. Modern and innovative operating solutions Accelerate and simplify working with the all-rounder.


Our test result


All devices achieved the rating "very good", between the test winner and the 6th place there is only a punctual difference of six meters. Features and operation are top-of-the-range for all models, differences in working speed and generally only maginal in print and copy quality.


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