I'LL MAKE IT SHORT - DON'T GET THIS.....
Pros:
It was free with solid appearing chassis. Not too noisy. Adequate speed.
Cons:
Ink guzzler. JUST WON'T WORK!
The Bottom Line:
After having several low-end printers, and really not wanting to hassle with ink, re-fills, and constant cartridge replacements, I'd seriously consider researching laser printers.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I'm not going to spend much time giving a lengthy review on this thing...just don't get it! Even if they give it to you free as part of a promotional package.
Having been part of a promotional offer from MacMall when I bought my Ibook and Emac, I got one printer for each of the Macs I bought. I gave away one of them and kept the other one. The Stylus C84.
Approximately usage:
One year and a month - a month past my expiration date.
Actual Usage: As I was still using an old Lexmark Z35, I got less than 15 half-filled pages with this Epson. In other words, it didn't even print for most of the whole warranty time.
Ink Consumption - Constantly sucking up ink but getting generic brands helped off-set this cost. However, I did not appreciate having to replace cartridges almost as soon as I installed them. If you run out of ink in color or black, forget it! You have to replace the one running low and can't continue printing with the rest of cartridges although they maybe full.
Honestly, In the year and one month in which I had this printer, I spent more time replacing cartridges than in actual printing.
The only good thing about this printer which I was able to observe was that once a cartridge begins to run low, it notifies you a little in advance giving you a chance to get another ready to replace. But then, you spend an awful amount of time replacing cartridges.
Printing:
It had a whole lot of shaking and rattling at start up time and slower than molasses. However, once it got started, it was no speed demon but more than adequate for my needs which weren't many. The noise level wasn't bad either and barely noticeable.
Appearance:
It looked quite rock solid and not cheaply made and not too heavy but not too light either. It "looked" like a winner.
Then, it happened. One month pass the expiration date and the "paper jam" light went on - when there was no paper. After careful cleanings and inspections, it wouldn't shut off and needless to say, I could not continue to print anything.
Epson Customer Service:
After paying for customer support with a 7 minute wait time, the Tech Support person informed me that "gee, I'd hate to see that printer not start up. Maybe you can take it to a local dealer repair shop". Duh-uh-uh!
This having been my second experience with an uncooperative Epson, I know how futile this advice can be. At $75.00 an hour just to have a look, I believe I'll be looking at laser printers in the future. This is my third printer in less than 2 years.
Thank you for reading this review and please don't feel obligated to give me a high rating. Just do yourself a favor and DON'T GET IT!
