Lexmark X83

Multifunction devices have come on leaps and bounds since they first appeared, and the Lexmark X83 is worth some consideration should you be looking to replace your separate printer and scanner with one device.

Along with printing and A4 scanning, this device can be used as a photocopier, completely independent of a PC. Simply press a button on the devices control panel and the process automatically completes.

The control panel is clutter-free, with Lexmark opting for a one-button approach to all tasks, making the device ideal for the average consumer.

More control over tasks can be achieved using the desktop applications.

The scanning function has all the usual features, allowing you to scan to file, email, fax and direct to application.

The output received is more than adequate for most tasks, except perhaps for intricate photo scanning. With its 600 x 1200ppi optical resolution it is capable of reproducing colours and detail well, emulating faithfully the original document or image.

Although quoted as achieving, in draft mode, up to 12ppm (pages per minute) for mono printing and 6ppm for colour printing, like most printers the figures achieved in tests were lower. The maximum output we achieved was 6ppm for mono and 4ppm for colour.

The quality is undoubtedly impressive, however, practically pixel-perfect in mono and more than adequate in colour.

There is slight banding when printing in colour on standard inkjet paper, even in high mode, which although undesirable is no worse than what is achieved by other printers. Print in high mode to Photo quality paper, however, and the banding is greatly reduced, although still visible under close scrutiny.

There is little evidence of pixellation unless the original is an intricate or close-up picture.

Although much larger than a single device, the X83's footprint is practically the same as an average inkjet printer, helped by its retractable, top-mounted paper-feed.

The optical character recognition software, Abbyy FineReader, is bundled with the device, enabling text to be scanned and imported into a word processor or other application.

Contact
Lexmark: 01628 481500 www.lexmark.com