Lexmark Z53 Color Inkjet Printer

Rating:
Summary: Extremely satisfied
Review: This printer was very easy to set up in Windows 98se, NT and 2000. It produces very good quality on documents right out of the box. To get the best photo output you'll need to invest in the photo ink cartridges. Photos that I've printed with the standard color cartridge have a blue tint. The photo ink resolves this issue and produces outstanding results with photo paper. One other note, when switching the inks you must use the printer's setup utility to ensure that the unit knows which type of ink is installed. Results of a mismatch are blurred photos and double printed documents with colors out of place.

While the price of the unit itself is very competitive, the ink cartridges are somewhat expensive. Unlike some other printers, the Lexmark does not have a separate printhead, it's part of the ink cartridge which is the reason for the higher price. Since I've had trouble with printheads on other inkjet printers, the printhead integration in the cartridge was appealing - even at a premium. Print heads can be more costly than a new printer.

This unit has been installed for about 4 months and is used daily by up to four people in a networked environment. Thus far there have been no problems and I continue to be extremely satisfied with the purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Extremely satisfied
Review: This printer was very easy to set up in Windows 98se, NT and 2000. It produces very good quality on documents right out of the box. To get the best photo output you'll need to invest in the photo ink cartridges. Photos that I've printed with the standard color cartridge have a blue tint. The photo ink resolves this issue and produces outstanding results with photo paper. One other note, when switching the inks you must use the printer's setup utility to ensure that the unit knows which type of ink is installed. Results of a mismatch are blurred photos and double printed documents with colors out of place.

While the price of the unit itself is very competitive, the ink cartridges are somewhat expensive. Unlike some other printers, the Lexmark does not have a separate printhead, it's part of the ink cartridge which is the reason for the higher price. Since I've had trouble with printheads on other inkjet printers, the printhead integration in the cartridge was appealing - even at a premium. Print heads can be more costly than a new printer.

This unit has been installed for about 4 months and is used daily by up to four people in a networked environment. Thus far there have been no problems and I continue to be extremely satisfied with the purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for my small business
Review: We are extremely satisfied. We own a small private school, and use our Lexmark Z53 for printing our handbooks, fliers, and newsletters, some of which have color photos. It's fast, reliable, and prints even the photos fine enough to be proud to send out. (And we do not use actual photo grade paper or ink, which would improve the quality more.) I never tried to print banners or booklets with my XP operating system, so I can't comment about those jobs. The ink is pricey, but doesn't seem out of line with the industry, and it's a lot cheaper than going to a printer. One last note: we never run large jobs because we're a small school, so I can't comment on how it would hold up under heavy daily use.