Epson EcoTank ET-2800 review reveals the top wireless inkjet printer benefits

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Wireless Supertank Inkjet Printer caught my attention with its sleek design and compact dimensions. Measuring just 14.8 x 13.7 x 7.0 inches, it easily fits into my home office without taking up too much space. The lightweight construction—around 8.8 pounds—makes it easy to move if needed. The 1.44-inch color LCD display is intuitive, simplifying navigation through the various functions. The grey and white color scheme is appealing, offering a modern look that blends seamlessly into any workspace. However, I noticed that the plastic material feels a bit fragile, which could be a concern if you have kids or pets around.

Performance and Printing Quality

Once I started using the EcoTank, I was impressed by the 10 ppm print speed for black and 5 ppm for color. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution provided vibrant colors and sharp text, making it suitable for both documents and photos. I tested it with different paper types, including glossy photo paper and plain sheets, and each print turned out beautifully. Surprisingly, the first page came out as quickly as 10 seconds for black and 16 seconds for color, which is quite efficient for an inkjet printer.

However, a slight downside emerged during heavy usage. Occasionally, the printer had moments of sluggishness, especially when switching between print modes. This might be an issue if you’re looking for a high-speed printing option for a busy office.

Scanning and Copying Features

Scanning and copying functionalities also impressed me. The flatbed scanner offers an optical resolution of 1200 dpi, making it perfect for digitizing old photos or documents. I particularly liked the scan bed size of 8.5 x 11.7 inches, which accommodates various document sizes. The copy speed was decent too, with 7.7 ISO cpm for black and 3.8 ISO cpm for color. Despite these positives, I wish the printer had an automatic document feeder. Having to manually place documents can be a hassle, especially when dealing with multiple pages.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is one of the standout features of this printer. I found it incredibly convenient to use with Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities. Setting up the printer on my home network was a breeze, and I appreciated being able to print directly from my smartphone using the Epson Smart Panel App. Additionally, the compatibility with Apple AirPrint and Android Printing made it easy for family members to send their print jobs without any complications. However, a few users mentioned occasional connectivity drops, which can be frustrating during urgent printing tasks.

User Experience and Maintenance

My experience using the EcoTank ET-2800 has been mostly positive. The cartridge-free system is a game changer, allowing me to refill ink bottles instead of constantly replacing cartridges. The included ink bottles can yield thousands of pages, which saves both time and money. I also found the ink droplet size—as small as 3 picoliters—contributes to the high-quality prints. However, the initial setup can be slightly tedious, as filling the ink tanks requires careful handling to avoid spills.

Moreover, the printer’s manual mentions that it can take a while to initialize after refilling, which might test your patience if you need to print right away.

Comparing to Competitors

In the realm of all-in-one printers, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 faces stiff competition. Brands like Canon and HP offer similar products that can sometimes compete on price and features. The Canon PIXMA G6020, for instance, boasts comparable print speeds and also offers a high page yield, but lacks the advanced mobile printing options that the Epson provides. Meanwhile, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 excels in photo printing but can be pricier in terms of ink refills.

The EcoTank stands out with its cartridge-free printing and cost-effective ink management, making it a strong contender in the ink tank category. However, its lack of an automatic document feeder may deter some users looking for a fully automated solution.

Key Benefits

• Cartridge-Free Printing: Save money and reduce waste with the ink tank system.
• High-Quality Prints: Enjoy vibrant colors and sharp text with a resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi.
• User-Friendly Interface: Navigate easily with the 1.44-inch color LCD display.
• Mobile Printing Capabilities: Print directly from smartphones and tablets easily.
• Compact Design: Fits well in small spaces without compromising on features.

Areas for Improvement

• Lack of Automatic Document Feeder: Manual document placement can be time-consuming for multiple pages.
• Occasional Connectivity Issues: Users may experience drops in Wi-Fi connection during use.
• Initial Setup Can Be Tedious: Refilling ink tanks requires careful handling and patience.
• Sluggish Performance During Heavy Usage: May not be ideal for users who need high-speed printing constantly.

Value Proposition

Considering the features and overall performance, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers solid value for money. The ability to print thousands of pages without frequent ink replacements is a significant advantage for both home and small office users. While it may not be the absolute fastest printer on the market, the combination of affordability, print quality, and ease of use makes it a worthwhile investment. It stands tall against competitors, especially for those seeking a printer that balances functionality with cost efficiency.

In summary, my experience with the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 has been largely positive, offering a reliable solution for various printing needs. Whether for documents, photos, or everyday use, this printer delivers impressive results while minimizing the hassle of cartridge replacements.

Additional information