Hands-on with Lexmark's new wireless inkjets

 

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By David Bayon in Kentucky

Posted on 17 Apr 2007 at 13:10

Lexmark today unveiled its new line of inkjet printers and all-in-ones, with a firm emphasis on making wireless printing affordable for all. PC Pro was given a hands-on demonstration of the new models at the company's headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky.

The new line consists of two inkjets and three all-in-ones, with wireless printing available as standard on the dearest models. Mid-range models without the 802.11g adapter provide the option to purchase it separately.

The adapter is completely encased in an outer plastic shell to make it as robust as possible, and we were pleased to see the shape only allows it to slot in the correct way round. Lexmark has opted for the familiar green signal bars on the front to indicate a connection.

The top-of-the-range X4550 - claimed to be the 'most affordable wireless all-in-one available' - is a three-in-one printer, scanner and copier. It prints direct from memory cards, USB and PictBridge at speeds of up to 26ppm mono and 18ppm colour, with automatic media detection and one-touch PC-free copying. It has an SRP of $119.99.

The X3550 is almost identical, but comes without the wireless adapter installed. We were informed that the adapters will cost around $50, so the X3550's $79.99 SRP means it isn't going to cost any more to opt for the lesser model and add the adapter at a later date.

Finally, the entry-level X2550 loses the memory card slots on the front and the wireless slot on the rear, and has an SRP of $59.99.

On the inkjet side, the Z1420 is claimed to be the 'most affordable wireless inkjet' available, and offers up to 24ppm mono and 18ppm colour printing over the 802.11g connection. It has an SRP of $79.99, while the entry-level Z1320 has no wireless options but comes with an SRP of just $39.99.

The all-white styling of the old Lexmark printers has been modified to a new silver and white design, and the casing appears to be slightly more robust. But it's the wireless capability that most impressed, and we will bring you more on how well it works in a forthcoming edition of PC Pro.