Epson Stylus Photo RX500 Ink Cartridges

Epson RX500 Printer Review

The Epson Stylus Photo RX500 provides a decent bundle of photo-centric features, as well as scan and copy functions, despite its low price tag. One setback found by experts is the unit's slower speeds, as it prints a maximum of 17 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 16 pages per minute for color, falling behind the quicker inkjet printers in its class. If buyers don't mind the slow performance, this device is still a solid choice for those seeking an all-in-one photo printer.

One of the perks to this unit is its user-friendly software control features, which are compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems and include the Smart Panel technology that can scan documents straight to e-mail and provides a variety of photo editing features with its ArcSoft PhotoImpression software. The unit also includes a front panel that has an LCD and companion buttons to scroll through on-screen menu options and an LED that will flash when Stylus Photo RX500 printer ink is near expiring.

Right below the LCD are memory slots that will allow users to print directly for memory cards like Secure Digital, SmartMedia and Memory Stick. For those rare times a user wants to connect and print straight from their personal computer, the unit also provides a USB port. While the device handles a variety of specialty photo paper, it's somewhat limited by a total input capacity of only 150 pages that can only support low volumes. Combining glossy photo paper with Epson RX500 printer ink, the device can print lab-quality photos with a resolution of 5760x1440 dpi.

The unit uses a sophisticated 6-color print system that includes black, cyan, yellow, magenta, yellow, light cyan and light magenta Epson RX500 ink cartridges. Black Stylus Photo RX500 ink supplies can yield up to 630 pages, while each color Epson RX500 ink cartridge prints up to 430 pages.

Unless buyers are looking for a quicker all-in-one inkjet device that also comes with a fax machine, there's little to complain about with the RX500. With its Smart Panel management technology and its excellent graphic and photo output, this multipurpose device provides the user-friendly features and design that can handle a range of projects from personal photos to duplicates and scans.