Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
Epson released the Stylus PX730WD and PX830FWD in August 2011. They are both Wi-fi 4 in 1 devices, with printing, scanning, copying and faxing all included aimed at those who want good quality photo prints as well as the other features. The Stylus PX830FWD is available now with an RRP of £299.99.
Epson Stylus Photo PX830FWD Printer Features
The PX830FWD has Wi-fi which can be set up automatically without the need to attached via a USB cable. The printer will automatically detect the network settings and configure itself, although if your network is password protected you'll need to enter it. You can also print with Epson iPrint, allowing you to print images and documents directly from a smartphone or tablet PC. The PX830FWD offers fast print speeds and double-sided document printing as well as printing onto CD and DVDs.
The printer is navigated using the 19.8cm touch-panel. Multi-page documents can be scanned, copied and faxed when fed through the automatic document feeder, which folds away when not in use. The front-loading trays keep paper stored away and out of sight. The dual paper trays allow you to switch between A4 sized and photo sized paper during printing, by automatically selecting the correct tray.
Epson's Claria Photographic Ink has been developed to deliver better-than-lab-quality results. There are a range of cartridge sizes and, with individual inks, you only need to replace the colour used.
Key Features:
- Wi-fi 4-in-1
- 19.8cm touch-panel
- Dual paper trays
- High Definition
- Stylish design
- Easy set-up
- Mobile printing
- CD and DVD printing
- 6 inks: Black, Yellow, Magenta, Light Magenta, Cyan, Light Cyan
Epson Stylus Photo PX830FWD Printer Handling
Insert the cartridges, there are no removable print heads, instead these are built into the printer. The screen is easy to view and its angle can be changed so you can use the printer whether it is kept low to the ground or higher up.
The printer enters a stage of initialising which takes ages, around seven minutes according to the screen. Unfortunately the automatic Wi-Fi setup was unsuccessful but choosing the Wi-Fi setup wizard doesn't make it difficult, you simply need to select your network and enter the password. One thing that was annoying here is the keyboard defaults to capitals when entering the password, which makes it slightly time consuming when entering a password in lower case (and it sounds like you're programming a microwave).
Loading paper is straightforward, the paper tray has room for A4 paper as well as various sizes of photo paper, with smaller sheets going on an upper tray. Initially the printer had to go through a number of cycles to get the print heads completely clean and the process takes quite a while.
Accessing the memory card solt and paper tray means dropping down the front paper tray which is a little awkward to keep up, often requiring a few attempts, but once you have the knack it becomes easier. The printer is quiet when printing and scanning, except when it beeps, but thankfully this can be switched off.
Epson Stylus Photo PX830FWD Printer Performance
For some reason it didn't like the idea of printing photos from a USB pen drive plugged into the front, but when I put the same photos onto a memory card it was fine. Scanning photos on the printer to memory card is quite quick, although the printer has a strange habbit of beeping like a microwave when the scan is complete and tells you to "Remove the print from the scanner".
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Originals |
Scanned |
Print quality was very good with bright saturated, rich colours and good detail. Contrast was good with dark shadows as per the original images. The black and white print has a noticeable sepia cast to the photo.
Scanning quality is excellent, with the scanned images matching the actual prints very closely, the scanner will also let you scan direct to a memory card making it very easy to use.
Epson Stylus Photo PX830FWD Printer Verdict
The Epson Stylus Photo PX830FWD performs well with particularly good photo prints, the printer has an easy to use and clear touch screen system making it easy to print, scan, copy and fax documents. The addition of built in duplexing unit and document feed for scanning make this an even more versatile printer, and one that can be recommended.
The printer and scanner are quiet in operation, however when the printer feels like it wants to alert you to something it has an annoying habit of beeping, thankfully the sounds can be switched off in the printer setup menus. Although black and white printing could be better, the printer would suit the home office or small office user very well.
Epson Stylus Photo PX830FWD 4-In-1 Wi-fi Printer Review: The Epson Stylus Photo PX830FWD prints well and has all the features needed for the office.