Epson WorkForce 40 Ink Cartridges

The Epson WorkForce 40 is designed to support small offices with basic color and monochrome printing needs. Although it's an inkjet printer, the 40 can print at laser-fast speeds of up to 38 pages per minute for monochrome projects and 27 pages per minute for color. Along with some of the quickest speeds in its class, this model also benefits from a low price tag, but setbacks such as pricey WorkForce 40 printer ink and a subpar output keep it from being one of the top picks among comparable single-function printers.

There are pros and cons to the 40's set of features, with the positive elements including its versatile connection options, such as a standard USB port, ethernet for networking and Wi-Fi. Paper handling isn't as flexible, however, providing a single input tray that can only support a maximum of 100 pages and letter-size media. The control panel is another letdown, incorporating only 5 buttons that are noted to be faulty at times by experts, though it does include LEDs that will flash to indicate when Epson 40 printer ink is low or when there is a print error.

The machine's most notable issue is its output, which, according to experts, tested well below the quality of similar models by printing fuzzy text characters, despite a resolution of 5760x1440 dpi using black WorkForce 40 ink. Even when using specialty photo paper, the device printed photos that lacked detail and natural-looking skin tones.

The unit's individual cyan, magenta and yellow Epson 40 ink cartridges have a standard yield of 350 pages and the black supply can last around 410 pages. Users have the option to purchase high-capacity replacements that can yield up to 525 pages for each color supply and 900 pages for the black Epson 40 ink cartridge. Even the high-capacity supplies are relatively expensive, however, and still won't be able to support anything but low-volume needs.

Impressive speeds and a low asking price are the WorkForce 40's highlights, but they aren't enough to make it a bargain. From its disappointing text and photo print output to its temperamental front panel buttons and expensive replacement supplies, small offices would be better advised to keep shopping for an inkjet printer with lower running costs and a more intuitive front panel.

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