Lexmark Genesis S815 Ink Cartridges

Lexmark S815 Printer Review

The Lexmark Genesis S815 can send faxes and scans, copy an original document up to 99 times and print color or monochrome jobs. Speeds of up to 33 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 30 pages per minute for color jobs make it one of the quicker home office printers in its class. The S815's design also separates it from many comparable inkjet units, with flexible connectivity and a unique user interface that will make it easy to operate. Due to setbacks such as low-capacity Genesis S815 printer ink and a sub-par print and copy output, this multifunction printer can't be declared the top pick in its class, however, despite its advanced features.

Expert reviews on the S815 noted it has an unparalleled design, presenting users with a sleek build that comes with pre-installed applications that will allow users to handle web-based tasks like printing photos straight from their Facebook page using its large 4.3-inch touchscreen panel. Experts note this interface is very easy to use and provides access to other features such as print settings, online menus and tools for each function. Users will also be able to preview jobs, select from a range of templates for photos and scan an ID card straight to their computer.

Ample connectivity options are another plus, including support for direct printing from flash memory and PictBridge-enabled cameras, Wi-Fi and a USB port that can connect directly to a user's computer. The latter should be easy since the unit's compact size of 18x15x20 inches will allow it to share desktop space with devices such as computers.

The S815 isn't all positive, suffering from a low media handling capacity of only 100 pages and the lack of popular multifunction capabilities like double-sided printing and automatic document feeding. Output quality is another issue, with expert tests revealing that copies appear fuzzy and photos print with dull color quality. Black text projects performed the best against tests, printing with good character detail and a resolution of 2400x1200 dpi using Lexmark S815 printer ink.

While yields of up to 600 pages for each cyan, magenta and yellow Lexmark S815 ink cartridge and 510 pages for the black supply aren't terrible; they are well below the maximum capacity seen in other high-end home office units. To keep costs low users can opt for remanufactured Genesis S815 ink, which is less expensive than OEM Lexmark S815 ink cartridges.

There is a lot to like about the S815 that places it in the echelon of high-end home office inkjet printers, including its advanced touchscreen interface and 4-in-1 design. A less than satisfactory print and copy quality keeps it from being the best of its class, while its low media capacity and low-capacity supplies don't reflect its quick speeds and their ability to handle frequent jobs.