Lexmark X6170 Printer Review
Equipped with multiple functions a home office could need on a daily basis, the Lexmark X6170 is a contemporary all-in-one device with decent speed and impressive quality. The compact 11.7x19.7x17.3-inch frame consists of a fax machine, digital copier, inkjet printer, and flatbed scanner, but still weighs less than 25 pounds. The four color Lexmark X6170 ink system allows these tasks to be performed in either black-and-white or color.
Ethernet and wireless connections are options, but the only built-in connection is a USB 2.0 port. Only Windows operating systems are supported by the X6170, and this is an Energy Star compliant device, meaning it utilizes power management techniques to reduce its carbon footprint. A built-in memory of 16 MB helps the processing of large documents and complex images, and the 2-line LCD shows various settings, job status, and remaining levels of Lexmark X6170 printer ink.
The maximum resolution that can be reached is 2400x1200 dpi for black-and-white documents and 4800x1200 dpi for color prints. To reach the maximum speed, however, the print mode must be set to a lower resolution option. The top speed is 19 pages per minute and 15 pages per minute for black-and-white and color respectively. This drops to 12-16 pages per minute when making copies. Up to 99 copies can be made per order. The scanner is equipped with a 48-bit color depth and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder, which is separate from the 100-sheet input tray. The fax function includes a 33.6 Kbps transmission rate for quick sending and receiving.
According to the manufacturer, this inkjet printer can generate up to 5,000 pages per month. Unfortunately, the Lexmark X6170 ink cartridges yield much less. The black printer ink will last for about 600 pages while the tricolor supply yields about 450 pages. For users that print regularly, purchasing replacements could add up each month. Third-party vendors do offer remanufactured Lexmark X6170 ink cartridges that are equal in performance to the OEM versions, but usually cost less than half as much.
With four functions that create professional-level documents, the Lexmark X6170 is an ideal unit for users working from home or in a micro office. What it may lack a bit in speed, the X6170 makes up for with impressive quality and versatility. The exterior is stylish and the interior is powerful, equating to a workhorse device.
