Epson Stylus NX105 Ink Cartridges

Epson NX105 Printer Review

The Epson Stylus C84 is a base model in a series of inkjet printers that is less expensive than the C84n and C84wn units because it leaves out flexible connectivity options like networking and wireless printing. The C84 also doesn't have the best output speeds compared to models in its price range, printing at only 22 pages per minute for monochrome projects and 12 pages per minute for color. Despite its shortcomings, however, this device benefits from a low price tag and affordable replacement Stylus C84 printer ink, as well as the ability to handle lab-quality home photo printing.

As it is an entry-level model, the C84 leaves out many popular photo-centric features like a color LCD to preview images or built-in card readers for printing directly from flash memory. The unit does offer basic features like border-free photo printing of popular sizes such as 4x6 inches and 5x7 inches and a rear USB port for connecting to a user's computer.

The C84's compact size of 18x9x7 inches and weight of 9 pounds make it an attractive transportable option for those that want to be able to print photos in multiple locations. Despite its convenient portable size the device still manages to support a decent media input of up to 120 pages in its single paper tray.

The device uses DURABrite Epson C84 printer ink to ensure that it prints photos that are water and smudge resistant, which last decades without fading. The machine can print with a maximum resolution of 5760x1440 dpi using color Stylus C84 ink and fine 3-picoliter droplets, meaning users will be able to consistently print sharp and detailed images for their family albums and other projects.

To help save users money the device uses 4 separate Epson C84 ink cartridges that can last up to 400 pages for the cyan, magenta, and yellow supplies and 540 pages for the black supply. Users with more demanding monochrome printing needs have the option to purchase high-capacity black Epson C84 ink cartridges that can yield up to 950 pages.

If cost efficiency and professional-quality photo printing are the most important features to buyers shopping for a home unit, the C84 is a good and affordable option. However, those who are put off by its limited connectivity and lack of control features will be better suited with the upgraded models in this series of inkjet photo printers.