Epson WorkForce 320 Ink Cartridges

Epson 320 Printer Review

Not all multifunction units are intended to handle busy offices, with models like the Epson WorkForce 320 offering a less expensive and simpler version designed to handle home offices. One facet of the 320 that designates it for lighter volumes is its slow ISO output speeds, printing at a maximum of only 4 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 2 pages per minute for color. A small media capacity and low-yielding WorkForce 320 printer ink also gear this unit toward those with occasional jobs, but its flexible 4-in-1 print, scan, copy and fax capabilities won't be found in many other inkjet units in its price range.

The 320's mixed bag of features straddle the line between small and home office use, but its more advanced 30-sheet automatic document feeder and double-sided printing aren't enough to enable support for the former. Instead, this compact 18x21x11-inch printer is better suited for individual workloads because it incorporates a minimal media input capacity of 100 pages only and, instead of a shared network connection, only has a single USB port.

Even though users will need a computer in order to print and scan documents, its front panel is versatile enough to function as a standalone copier. This includes a monochrome LCD for tracking job progress, an adjacent 4-way pad to navigate menu options and dedicated copy keys for settings like reducing or enlarging copies. The panel's numeric pad will also enable users to set speed dials for popular fax numbers.

Output quality is this unit's best asset when compared to models in its class, printing full-color photos or graphics with sharp detail and a maximum resolution of 5760x1440 dpi using Epson 320 printer ink. The copier can also print with high-quality results, duplicating with an accuracy that mirrors the original document and a resolution of 1200 dpi using WorkForce 320 ink.

The device's standard 4-color print system packages cyan, magenta, yellow and black supplies into individual Epson 320 ink cartridges. Standard color supplies can each yield 220 pages and the black supply lasts around 200 pages. Optional high-capacity black and color Epson 320 ink cartridges last slightly longer for around 265 pages.

While its 4-in-1 design is appealing at such a low price tag, small offices in need of a robust multifunction device to handle daily printing needs won't benefit from the more simplistic 320. However, users working from home will find this inkjet printer is more suited for their light-duty needs while also providing a decent array of all-in-one features.