Epson EcoTank ET-8500: a picture-perfect all-in-one printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 is indeed designed to be a comprehensive all-in-one solution. While specific features and specs might vary, I can give you a general overview of the typical features and benefits you might find in an EcoTank model like the ET-8500. Please note, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is best to refer to the official website or contact the manufacturer directly.

Overview:

Table of Contents

The Epson EcoTank ET-8500, being an all-in-one printer, typically allows you to print, scan, and copy. It’s part of the EcoTank line, meaning it utilizes tank technology instead of traditional cartridges, providing a much higher page yield and lowering printing costs per page.

Notable Features:

High-Resolution Printing: It might offer high-quality, high-resolution printing suitable for photos, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts or small businesses in the creative field.
EcoTank Technology: The integrated EcoTank technology allows for cartridge-free printing. The tanks are easy to fill, reducing the overall hassle and cost of printing significantly.
Multiple Connectivity Options: Modern printers like the ET-8500 usually offer versatile connectivity options including USB, Wi-Fi, and possibly Ethernet, enabling users to print from various devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Large Touchscreen Display: A large, intuitive touchscreen display may be included, which can facilitate easy navigation and operation of the printer functions.
Advanced Paper Handling: Advanced paper handling and multiple paper trays could be part of the feature set, allowing for versatility in print media and sizes.
High-speed Printing: Expect efficient and fast printing capabilities that can handle high-volume printing tasks with ease.
Photo Printing Capabilities: Designed with photo printing in mind, the printer might offer enhanced color reproduction and the ability to print borderless photos.

Benefits:

Cost-Effective: The EcoTank system can significantly reduce ink costs, and you might not need to replace ink as frequently as with cartridge-based systems.
Versatility: The all-in-one functionality allows for a variety of tasks to be completed with one device, saving space and potentially reducing the need for multiple devices.
High-Quality Prints: The potential for high-resolution, photo-quality prints makes it an excellent choice for those needing professional-grade printouts.
Ease of Use: Typically, models like the ET-8500 have user-friendly interfaces and are easy to set up and operate, making them accessible to a wide range of users.

Considerations:

Upfront Cost: The initial investment might be higher compared to traditional cartridge printers, but the lower running costs can offset this over time.
Size: All-in-one printers can be larger and heavier due to their multiple functionalities, so adequate space will be needed to accommodate them.

Design

Theson EcoTank ET-8500: Compact All-in-One Printer

The EcoTank ET-8500 printer from Epson is a surprisingly compact all-in-one device with impressive features. Measuring just 15.9 inches wide, 13.7 inches tall, and 14.5 inches deep (excluding the automatic output tray), it fits perfectly in any home or office space. When in use, the tray extends forward, adding six more inches to the depth. With its versatile media options, including direct printing on CDs and DVDs, the EcoTank ET-8500 offers great convenience.

It comes with three paper trays to accommodate different paper types and sizes, making it suitable for various printing needs. The off-white body with rounded edges adds a modern touch to any workspace. The printer features a large, adjustable 4.3-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation and operation. Overall, the thoughtful design and intuitive functionality of the EcoTank ET-8500 make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality home office printer.

Printing performance

Alan Truly provides a comprehensive comparison of draft, standard, and high-quality photos produced by Epson’s EcoTank ET-8500. According to Epson, this printer delivers exceptional value by offering lab-quality color photos and graphics. In my print tests on both matte and glossy photo paper, I was impressed by the beautiful output, exhibiting vibrant colors and sharp details, all at an impressive speed.

It’s worth noting that on plain paper, the contrast may decrease and colors may appear less saturated, which is expected. However, the EcoTank ET-8500 performs admirably when it comes to black-and-white and color documents. For those seeking top-notch plain-paper color photo prints, a high-quality color laser printer might be a more suitable choice. The EcoTank ET-8500 is specifically designed to deliver borderless photo prints of exceptional quality.

Getting printouts that match the visual appeal of a large, vibrant screen can be a challenge, but the EcoTank ET-8500 consistently manages to live up to that expectation. The key to achieving such photographic quality lies in the accurate reproduction of colors and the utilization of advanced algorithms.

Epson’s Claria ET Premium ink system consists of six colors, including cyan, magenta, yellow, black, gray, and “photo black.” With the exception of black, which is pigment-based, all Claria ET Premium inks are dye-based. The results are impressive, delivering crisp, vibrant, and accurate prints. I concur with Epson’s assertion that the EcoTank ET-8500 provides lab-quality photo prints.

The printer’s speed is also commendable, capable of producing up to 16 black-and-white or 12 color documents per minute. Photo prints are equally swift, taking less than a minute for 4×6 prints in the best quality, about 30 seconds for standard quality, and just 15 seconds in draft mode. Even in draft mode, it’s challenging to find any noticeable lack of fine detail. The difference between high quality and standard mode is minimal.

Overall, Epson’s EcoTank ET-8500 impresses with its exceptional print quality, fast performance, and wide range of capabilities.

Special features

The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 printer is a versatile device that offers fast and quiet scanning. It comes with a convenient touchscreen, a card reader, and a USB-A port for easy access to files and drives.

The printer allows for high-resolution scanning up to 1,200 dpi when connected to a Windows PC or Mac. While not everyone may require such high resolution, it’s a great option to have.

The EcoTank ET-8500 also features a CD/DVD printing tray, making it ideal for photographers and videographers who want to customize their discs. With its multiple media trays and user-friendly interface, this printer is a perfect choice for both professional and personal use.

Software and compatibility

The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 printer is a convenient and user-friendly option for all printing needs. With its six ink colors and large tanks, refills are infrequent, saving time and hassle. Setting up the printer is a breeze using the Epson Smart Panel app, which is compatible with various devices including Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android. The printer’s touchscreen provides step-by-step guidance, ensuring a seamless setup experience. Additionally, the included ink supply lasts for over a year, making it a cost-effective choice.

Moreover, Epson has designed the ink bottles with unique tops to prevent incorrect tank filling. While the initial setup process may take a few minutes for filling ink tanks, charging the lines, and performing head alignment, this is a rare occurrence. Once the setup is complete, connecting to the EcoTank ET-8500 is quick and easy.

To enhance the printing and scanning capabilities, installing the Epson software is recommended. However, for basic functions like printing, copying, and scanning, immediate usability is ensured without the need for additional software.

Experience the reliability and convenience of Epson printers with the EcoTank ET-8500, delivering high-quality printing and efficient performance.

Price vs. value

Printing a breeze with the EcoTank ET-8500 from Epson. Supporting SD cards and USB drives, walk-up printing has never been easier. Consider the long-term value of the printer before purchasing, as it retails for $700, with common sale prices of $550.

Epson includes six full ink bottles, providing up to two years of printing, depending on usage. The estimated yield for the most frequently used color inks (cyan, magenta, and yellow) is 6,200 pages, making it cost-effective. Individual color ink bottles cost $17.50 each and deliver around 6,200 pages, while black ink costs $20 and lasts for 6,700 pages. For high-yield printing, photo black ink costs $17.50 and yields 7,300 pages. Gray ink, which lasts an impressive 46,600 pages and costs $17.50 per bottle, is ideal for precise shading.

With the EcoTank ET-8500, expect a low cost per page, averaging around 1 cent for color documents and three-tenths of a cent for black-and-white documents. Over a span of two years, Epson estimates savings of up to $2,000 in ink costs compared to cartridge-based printers. While there may be other cost-effective inkjet tank printers available, few can match the exceptional photo quality of the EcoTank ET-8500.

Is this the printer for you?

If are a photographer, historian, or a technology enthusiast, you may have experienced frustration with the picture quality of many inkjet printers. However, the Epson EcoTank ET-8500 stands out as one of the best photo printers available. With this printer, you can say goodbye to color casts, print errors, and lost detail. The output is a true joy to behold.

The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 offers not only exceptional print quality but also fast and reliable printing. Whether you need high-quality prints or quick draft-quality photos, this printer delivers excellent color fidelity and sharpness. With its quick and quiet scanning capabilities and hassle-free copying features, this printer is perfect for any imaging needs.

While the price may be a barrier for some, the value of the EcoTank ET-8500 becomes evident when you consider its large ink supply and low running costs. If photo printing is a priority for you, investing in the EcoTank ET-8500 is highly recommended.

Discover the joy of stunning photo prints with the Epson EcoTank ET-8500. Say goodbye to frustrating print errors and enjoy exceptional quality with this highly recommended printer.

Conclusion:

The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 can be a suitable all-in-one printer, especially for those who require high-quality photo prints and appreciate the economic and ecological benefits of the EcoTank system. Its diverse range of features and high-performance capabilities can make it an attractive option for both home and small office users.

Source link