In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable printer is essential, especially for small or home-based offices. Epson, a leading name in printing technology, offers an impressive solution with the Epson M2170, a monochrome all-in-one printer that is part of Epson’s EcoTank series of bulk-ink machines. In this review, we’ll explore the key features, pros, and cons of the Epson M2170 to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your printing needs.
Design and Features: Compact and Versatile
The Epson M2170 boasts a compact footprint, making it ideal for SOHO (small office / home office) with limited space. Measuring just 375mm wide, 345mm deep, and 300mm high, it easily fits into any workstation setup. The printer’s internal paper tray holds up to 250 sheets of A4 paper, and with a print speed of 20 pages per minute (ppm), you can expect quick and efficient printing.
One standout feature of the M2170 is its ability to print, scan, and copy documents, making it a true all-in-one solution. The built-in scanner and copier offer a resolution of 1200x2400dpi, ensuring high-quality scans and copies.
It would have been complete if the M2170 has fax functionality and an automatic document feeder.
Pros: Affordable and Exceptional
The Epson M2170 has several compelling advantages that make it a worthy contender in the printer market:
- Exceptionally Low Running Costs: The printer’s bulk-ink system significantly reduces the cost per page, making it an economical choice for high-volume printing.
- 6,000-page Ink Bottle Included: The M2170 comes with a generous 6,000-page ink bottle included in the box, providing you with a head start on your printing tasks.
- Terrific Print Quality: Whether you’re printing text documents or graphics, the M2170 delivers sharp and clear output, ensuring professional-looking results.
- Smart Home Voice-Printing and Scanning: With voice-activated printing and scanning capabilities, the M2170 offers modern convenience for smart homes and offices.
- Fast First Page Out: The printer’s rapid first page out time ensures that your print jobs start without unnecessary delays.
- Four-Year Warranty: Registering your M2170 provides you with the assurance of a four-year warranty, adding peace of mind to your purchase.
- Environmentally friendly with Heat-Free Technology for low power consumption
Cons: Trade-offs to Consider
While the Epson M2170 has many strengths, there are a few trade-offs to keep in mind:
- Costly: The initial investment for the M2170 may be higher compared to some laser counterparts, but it’s essential to consider the long-term cost savings from its low running costs.
- slower compared to Lasers: The printer’s print speed, while impressive for inkjet technology, may be slower than some laser printers.
- Low Monthly Print Volume Ratings: The recommended monthly duty cycle of 20,000 pages may not be sufficient for high-volume corporate environments but ideal for SOHO applications
- Lacks Automatic Document Feeder: If you frequently scan or copy multi-page documents, the absence of an automatic document feeder might be a drawback.
Performance: Speed and Reliability
The Epson M2170 delivers impressive printing speed, with 20 impressions per minute (ipm) and 39 pages per minute (ppm). This ensures that your print jobs are completed efficiently, saving you valuable time.
Verdict: A Solid Choice for High-Volume Mono Printing
The Epson M2170 is a reliable and high-quality monochrome all-in-one printer, making it an excellent choice for small or home-based offices that prioritize cost-effectiveness and printing quality. With its low running costs, superb print quality, and multi-function capabilities, the M2170 offers a strong value proposition for businesses with moderate print volumes. I would have been perfect as a multi-function device if it had an automatic document feeder and fax functionality. Overall, the Epson M2170 is a worthy addition to any office looking for an efficient and versatile SOHO print, copy and scan solution.
