The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 presents an economical choice for those seeking a high-capacity, ink-efficient all-in-one (AIO) printer. This review dives into the technical capabilities, design features, performance metrics, and overall cost-effectiveness of this model to provide potential buyers with a complete understanding of what it offers and whether it meets their needs.
Key Specifications and Features
The EcoTank ET-4800 is a color inkjet printer powered by Epson’s Micro Piezo print head technology. This model is compatible with multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing for versatile usage across various platforms. Its compact dimensions (375 x 347 x 237mm) and weight (5 kg) make it suitable for home offices or small business setups.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Printer Output | Color |
| Print Resolution | 5760 x 1440 DPI |
| Ink Type | High-capacity ink tank |
| Connectivity | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Mobile & Cloud Printing | Apple AirPrint, Epson Smart Panel App |
| Display | 3.7cm color LCD screen |
| Dimensions | 375 x 347 x 237mm |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 sheets |
| Duplex Printing | Manual |
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Design Overview
The design of the ET-4800 aligns with functionality and compactness. Its compact footprint is ideal for small spaces, yet it features a front-facing ink tank system for easy refills and an automatic document feeder (ADF) on top. However, the printer lacks a touchscreen interface, relying instead on a small 3.7cm LCD screen and button controls, which may feel limited for users accustomed to more interactive displays.
Box Contents and Setup Process
The ET-4800 package includes four 65ml ink bottles (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), a power cable, a setup guide, and a warranty document. Epson's streamlined setup process via their Smart Panel app helps users configure the printer quickly, though it only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which may require manual input of network details.
Pros and Cons of Initial Setup
- Pros:
- Quick setup guided by the Epson app.
- Ink bottles are keyed to prevent incorrect color refills.
- Cons:
- No 5GHz Wi-Fi support.
- Small control panel without a touchscreen.
Print Quality and Performance
The ET-4800 excels in cost efficiency, with low per-page print costs due to its refillable ink tank. However, it has limitations in print quality, especially with color and photo outputs, which may appear grainy and slightly washed out. Below is a breakdown of its performance in both monochrome and color printing.
Performance Metrics
- Monochrome Print Speed: Approximately 12 seconds per page.
- Color Print Speed: Approximately 27 seconds per page.
- Photo Print Quality: Moderately detailed but lacks the sharpness of higher-end photo printers.
| Type of Print | Print Speed | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Monochrome | 8-12 seconds/page | Crisp, with slight imperfections |
| Color | 18-27 seconds/page | Grainy, washed-out colors |
| Photo Prints | ~30 seconds/photo | Moderate quality, lacks vibrance |
Testing Conditions
The printer was tested under typical office conditions, including document and photo printing. During testing, the printer’s color accuracy was average, and speed could be a limiting factor for users with high-volume needs.
Ink and Cost Efficiency
One of the ET-4800's strongest points is its cost-effectiveness. The initial price point (~$300) is balanced by its low long-term operational cost, as the ink tank system allows for thousands of pages per refill. Epson’s estimated yields are 4,500 pages for black and 7,500 pages for color, resulting in an impressively low cost-per-page.
| Ink Type | Estimated Yield | Replacement Cost | Cost per Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Ink | 4,500 pages | $64/pack | ~$0.014 |
| Color Ink | 7,500 pages | $64/pack | ~$0.008 |
User Experience and Limitations
While the ET-4800 is efficient and compact, it is not designed for users needing high-speed or professional-quality photo printing. Key considerations include:
- Ease of Use: The control panel is functional but limited, lacking a touchscreen for more intuitive interaction.
- Paper Handling: The rear input tray supports up to 100 sheets, but only 30 sheets fit in the ADF, which may slow productivity in high-output environments.
- Durability: The overall construction feels sturdy, though some users may find the design restrictive for accessing internal components.
Conclusion: Is the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Right for You?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 stands out as a cost-effective, reliable AIO printer ideal for light-to-moderate usage. Its high-yield ink tank, coupled with low per-page costs, makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users. While it may not be suitable for high-speed printing or professional-grade photo outputs, it is an excellent option for home or small office environments where economy is prioritized over speed and top-tier print quality.