For those who dread the hassle of buying ink, I've discovered an unlikely hero in the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 printer. This innovative device has converted me from a skeptic to a believer, especially for home use.
The real draw here is the built-in tank system, which comes preloaded with plenty of ink. I was initially apprehensive about assembling and maintaining this setup, but Epson's design has allayed my concerns. The tanks are designed with keyed bottles that prevent accidental mixing, ensuring a seamless experience. No squeezing or measuring required - simply place the bottle upside down on the filling port, and it quietly refills to the desired level.
This deal is sweeter than I initially thought. A full set of EcoTank bottles costs just $60, which should last around 5,000 pages per set. In comparison, a similar bundle from HP retails for $135, promising less than 1,000 pages per cartridge of color and only 1,250 pages on the black ink. With an upfront cost difference of $130, it's clear that the EcoTank offers significant value in the long run.
However, paper handling is where things get a bit more complicated. The vertical tray from the back holds up to 100 sheets of regular paper or 20 envelopes, which can be a blessing for those printing small quantities of photo paper, cardstock, or other oddly shaped paper. On the other hand, if you're printing dozens at a time, the tray may need refilling more frequently.
Print quality and speed are also areas where the EcoTank shines. For photos and general color printing, most users will be thrilled with the results without much tweaking required. While it's on the slower side, I'm willing to wait for quality that matters. One minor complaint is the 30-45 second delay between hitting print and the printer starting up when printing wirelessly.
The trust factor in buying a printer is often a major consideration for those burned by questionable cartridges and shady business practices from manufacturer-approved vendors. With an ink tank printer, there's a sense of security knowing that you can easily buy alternative ink options if needed. This transparency has restored my faith in printers and their manufacturers.
Overall, the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is worth considering for those looking to save on ink costs without sacrificing print quality or convenience.
The real draw here is the built-in tank system, which comes preloaded with plenty of ink. I was initially apprehensive about assembling and maintaining this setup, but Epson's design has allayed my concerns. The tanks are designed with keyed bottles that prevent accidental mixing, ensuring a seamless experience. No squeezing or measuring required - simply place the bottle upside down on the filling port, and it quietly refills to the desired level.
This deal is sweeter than I initially thought. A full set of EcoTank bottles costs just $60, which should last around 5,000 pages per set. In comparison, a similar bundle from HP retails for $135, promising less than 1,000 pages per cartridge of color and only 1,250 pages on the black ink. With an upfront cost difference of $130, it's clear that the EcoTank offers significant value in the long run.
However, paper handling is where things get a bit more complicated. The vertical tray from the back holds up to 100 sheets of regular paper or 20 envelopes, which can be a blessing for those printing small quantities of photo paper, cardstock, or other oddly shaped paper. On the other hand, if you're printing dozens at a time, the tray may need refilling more frequently.
Print quality and speed are also areas where the EcoTank shines. For photos and general color printing, most users will be thrilled with the results without much tweaking required. While it's on the slower side, I'm willing to wait for quality that matters. One minor complaint is the 30-45 second delay between hitting print and the printer starting up when printing wirelessly.
The trust factor in buying a printer is often a major consideration for those burned by questionable cartridges and shady business practices from manufacturer-approved vendors. With an ink tank printer, there's a sense of security knowing that you can easily buy alternative ink options if needed. This transparency has restored my faith in printers and their manufacturers.
Overall, the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is worth considering for those looking to save on ink costs without sacrificing print quality or convenience.