Epson Stylus NX420 Ink Cartridges

Epson NX420 Printer Review

The Epson Stylus NX420 is an all-in-one photo inkjet printer that is rated highly for its compact copy, print and scan design, but offers somewhat mediocre image output. Notable benefits also include its cost-efficient retail price and inexpensive Stylus NX420 printer ink replacements. The device is primed to suit low-volume homes with rates of only 6 pages per minute for monochrome and 3 pages per minute for color projects, which puts it at the slower end of its class.

The device uses the manufacturer's drop-on-demand Stylus NX420 printer ink technology, but reviews indicate that text and graphics turn out slightly below par for typical inkjets. What's most disappointing are output tests for photos that reveal lackluster quality with dithering despite a maximum resolution of 5760x1440 dpi using color Epson NX420 ink. For simple copy or print projects like school papers and in-house documents the unit excels, but those who plan to print a lot of photos should keep shopping.

It supports a flexible range of media like presentation matte, scrapbook photo and glossy photo paper. Media handling options, however, are limited to a single 100-page input tray. The device incorporates a 1.5 inch LCD display that's relatively small but easy to use. Other useful features include Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless use and its ability to print directly from memory cards if users want to easily produce home photos.

Users have the option of purchasing standard 220-page cyan, magenta and yellow supplies and a 200-page black Epson NX420 ink cartridge, as well as high-capacity replacements. The larger-yielding color and Epson NX420 ink cartridges can yield up to 265 pages. Even with the higher yielding options, the unit is best suited for low-volume personal users.

Features like its wireless connectivity and low-cost supplies are great highlights for the NX420, but slower speeds and unsatisfactory output decrease its desirability. Home users on a budget that have low-volume expectations and basic needs may find this multifunction printer a good fit.