X4650 BLACK OEM INK CARTRIDGE

Lexmark X4650 Review

Overview:

Since being replaced by the Lexmark 5650es, the discontinued Lexmark X4650 is even cheaper now that it was upon release. This multifunctional color inkjet unit is not a top performer, but is a great option for someone looking for a bargain printer that can also execute a respectable copy. Simple controls and basic single PC hosting make the unit an easy to use choice for a student or individual home user.

Pros:

While the Lexmark X4650’s print speeds are not up to par with the current standard in laser printing or even inkjets at the higher end of the spectrum, its 25 page per minute speed is actually quite respectable for a device that costs less than a hundred dollars. The unit prints in color at a maximum of 18 pages per minute which, again, is not very fast in comparison to other devices, but should suffice for those who are not in much of a hurry.

The amount of external memory devices that the Lexmark X4650 accepts is admirable. Top loading, easy to use memory slots accept Memory Stick PRO sticks, MultiMedia Cards, Compact Flash cards, Memory Sticks, SD memory, IBM Microdives, and the XD Picture Card format. This allows the device to be used as a stand alone printer as well as a stand alone fax machine.

Monochrome print resolution of up to true 1200 x 1200 dots per inch is a welcome feature of the Lexmark X4650, and its color print quality is even better. With a maximum color resolution of 4800 x 1200 dots per inch, the printer achieves more or less photo quality resolution.

The unit’s scan resolution is not quite as impressive when using the true optical scan mode, as optical scan res maxes out at 600 x 1200 dots per inch. Much higher scan resolutions can be achieved when using interpolation; up to 19200 x 19200 dot per inch, in fact, with a color depth of 36 bits.

Cons:

The Lexmark X4650 is a little on the large size when it comes to minimalistic 3 in 1 inkjet units. Its height of just under 7 inches is quite respectable, though paper loaded into the machine will make it much taller. Its footprint of 18.1 x 13 inches is much bigger than one would like to find in a unit of this caliber, making it a little less desktop friendly that one would hope, though its weight of only 11.7 pounds means that it is easily movable.

The unit’s copy speeds take an unfortunate hit in performance. 15 copies per minute can be made in low resolution mode in black and white, and color copies get their speed reduced down to 10 copies per minute. Luckily the device does include the expected copy functions such as reduction and enlargement ratios of 25 – 400% which allow for features such as 2 on 1 copy to be activated.

Lastly, it should be noted that the Lexmark X4650’s scan glass can only accommodate letter and A4 sized paper, so legal sized originals cannot be copied using the unit’s flip top.