Epson Stylus Color 500 Ink Cartridges

As a very basic model, the Epson Stylus Color 500 doesn't have the speed and advanced features of some of its competition. Advancements in technology have resulted in machines that have multiple functions and innovative features, all wrapped up in one. The Epson 500 can only print and it does so at a slow rate, but it does create sharp, clear text documents and vivid color images.

Users have the option of setting the machine to one of three print modes: Fast, Normal, and Best. The difference between these modes is the focus on either speed or quality. Fast mode will turn out the highest output rate, which is about 4 pages per minute, but the quality will be reduced to 180 dpi, as less Epson 500 printer ink is used per page. Best mode will achieve a solid maximum resolution of 720x720 dpi, but each page will take over a minute to print. Normal mode is the middle ground, boasting a resolution of 360 dpi and maxing out at about 1 page printed per minute.

Both parallel and serial interfaces are included, allowing computers using Mac and Windows operating systems to connect to this inkjet printer. The control panel is simple, offering indicator lights for power, paper, and Stylus Color 500 ink, as well as buttons to control printhead cleaning as well as loading and ejecting paper. Under the cover is the chamber for the Epson 500 ink cartridges as well as a lever for users to adjust the thickness of the paper. Envelopes, transparencies, t-shirt transfers, banners, glossy, and coated paper are some of the supported media types.

Replacement Epson 500 ink is available from retailers online, some of which offer compatible versions for a reduced price. Reputable sources will provide a guarantee that the compatible printer ink will work just as well as the OEM versions. Stylus Color 500 ink cartridges can generally yield between 300-400 pages, though that can vary based on the complexity of the tasks being performed.

Just about as basic as it gets, the Epson 500 implements inkjet technology to produce an acceptable output quality, but lacks the bells and whistles and output speed that would appeal to an office. The 500 is best used as a personal printer for light-duty work.