X4550 BLACK OEM INK CARTRIDGE

Lexmark X4550 Review

Overview:

The Lexmark X4550 is certainly an inexpensive all in one unit, especially for one that includes built in wireless connectivity, but the device’s overall poor performance levels make it less desirable than one might think at first glance. This color flatbed inkjet multifunctional unit will have you paying in ways other than overhead cost as its specifications are just plain poor throughout.

Pros:

The wireless capability of the Lexmark X4550 is really its only saving grace, though it is also equipped with some notable extras such as front loading memory slots. Additionally, its print speeds are not completely atrocious, though not particularly impressive either. The device prints at rates similar to 26 pages per minute in black and 18 pages per minute in color, making it a below average inkjet unit in the category of speed, though the device’s very low sticker price should be taken into account as well.

The device’s wireless setup also includes its own semi automatic setup utility, which makes it incredibly easy to connect to. Print quality of up to 4800 x 1200 dots per inch allow virtually photo quality prints to be made, though copies cannot be done at this resolution.

The device is not without its set of helpful copy features, however, and the one touch color copy button is particularly useful, not to mention user friendly. Other copy features include reduction and enlargement at ratios of 25 to 400% which allow for 2 on 1 and 4 on 1 copying. Copy speeds unfortunately take a pretty severe hit down from the unit’s print speeds and are rated at only 17 pages per minute in black and white and a pitiful 11 pages per minute in color.

One feature of the Lexmark X4550 that just cannot go without mentioning is its ability to mechanically detect what type of paper is loaded into the machine and, as if that wasn’t cool enough, determine print resolution based on the paper type. All copy machines have the ability to be told what paper type it is operating with, but the X4550 can figure it out for itself which is an invaluable ability for those who often switch between media types.

The scanning functions of the Lexmark X4550 are all as one would expect, except its 48 bit color depth which sets the unit apart from most others that rely on the common 24 bit color scan depth. Unfortunately the device’s grey scale is only 16 bits, which is suitable for basic black and white text.

Cons:

Older devices usually come with their expected drawbacks, such as lack of compatibility with newer software. The Lexmark X4550’s lack of compatibility with Windows 7 makes it a highly undesirable multifunctional unit for anyone who uses or will ever switch to the current version of Windows.

While the Lexmark X4550’s specifications, as listed, make the printer seem like an exceptional bargain, the unit does not live up to what Lexmark promises from the device. The hardware executes its fax, scan, and copy functions within reasonable parameters, but is really kind of a dud when it comes to printing, at least in real world applications.