Lexmark Z2420 Ink Cartridges

Lexmark Z2420 Printer Review

The Lexmark Z2420 is a dedicated photo device that is designed to bring lab-quality image printing to homes for a low price. Experts note it has adequate output speeds, able to print a 4x6-inch photo in just over a minute and monochrome documents at a rate of up to 25 pages per minute. Unfortunately the Z2420 runs into a number of problems, including less than satisfactory output quality, low-yielding supplies and recurring paper jam issues. Even though it is inexpensive, there are many other affordable and better-functioning inkjet printers on the market that make it hard to recommend the Z2420.

The Z2420 is a step up from the manufacturer's previous photo printer, the Z1420, in that it expands to include a Wi-Fi connection for wireless printing and has a smaller build of 5x18x9 inches. Such a small size results in a more basic design, which omits the popular color LCD feature that would allow users to preview and edit images before printing. Instead, the device's front panel includes a single power button to turn it on and off. The front of the printer is also missing memory slots, which is a convenient feature that enables users to print straight from their camera cards.

The unit's single media handling option is a paper feeder on the top that can hold up to 100 pages. While testing the printer, experts found that the angle at which this tray feeds paper often leads to jams and its lack of a quick "job cancel" button will further complicate the issue. Supported media includes card stock, coated paper, glossy photo paper, iron-on transfers and banner media.

Tests on output didn't fair much better, revealing that text projects print with jagged black lines and a faded, despite a promising resolution of 1200x1200 dpi using Lexmark Z2420 printer ink. Despite being a photo printer, the device didn't perform well when printing images either, with expert tests showing a majority of them had horizontal lines, ruining the quality.

The device uses one color and one black Lexmark Z2420 ink cartridge that both have standard yields of approximately 150 pages. Users have the option to purchase high-capacity supplies that can last up to 500 pages for the black Lexmark Z2420 printer ink cartridge and 475 pages for the color supply. In addition, users can also add a photo color supply if they want to improve the quality of their images.

There are limited justifications for which the Z2420 can be recommended, but it does benefit from built-in Wi-Fi that's easy to setup and an almost absurdly low price tag. Considering there is an assortment of other inkjet units on the market that also manage to be affordable without suffering from a poor output quality and paper jamming issues, however, this machine isn't the best solution for home photo printing.