Kodak ESP 9 Ink Cartridges

On paper, the Kodak ESP 9 is a versatile, contemporary, all-in-one inkjet device that will be perfect for the home, for both work and personal projects. The list of features and functions is long and impressive, yet many reviews for this unit are negative. Is the Kodak ESP 9 all bark and no bite? One thing is for sure, it is conveniently compact and affordable off the shelf.

The ESP 9 does offer a number of important features that modern consumers are seeking. For instance, there are memory card slots and a PictBridge port along with a 3" color LCD that allows users to preview and print images without using a computer. Connection options also include a standard USB port, as well as ethernet and wireless interfaces. This machine also offers duplex printing and a 3,000-print monthly maximum.

As for operational costs, however, many consumers believe this machine is far more expensive than it seems. Two Kodak 9 ink cartridges are used - one that holds only black printer ink and one that holds cyan, magenta, and yellow. The problem is, if one color in the tricolor ESP 9 ink cartridge runs out, the entire tank must be replaced. On top of that, documents only requiring black Kodak 9 ink still cannot be printed until both consumables are full. Sending faxes and scanning to the computer (functions that do not require printer ink at all) cannot be performed until replacements are installed.

The reason this becomes a little pricey is because the ESP 9 ink does not yield that many pages - only about 400 pages to be exact. So, replacements will be needed regularly for users that print often. Fortunately, though, third-party vendors do offer compatible Kodak ESP 9 ink that yields the same number of pages and creates the same level of quality, at around half the price.

Black-and-white documents can print at a rate of 32 pages per minute, color pages will print at 30 pages per minute, and borderless color photographs can be printed in as quickly as 28 seconds. These speeds are very impressive for an inkjet device.

There are a number of redeeming features with the Kodak ESP 9, but the issues with operational costs could be a deterrent for many consumers. Using third-party supplies might lower costs enough for users to benefit from its fast speeds and solid features.

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