Epson® WorkForce® Pro WP-4530 All-in-One Printer

Comments about Epson� WorkForce� Pro WP-4530 All-in-One Printer:

I will preface this by stating that I am an IT professional both at my 'regular job' (working for the federal government) and on the side (doing some contracting work); so I deal with printers quite a bit of the time.

I had originally been on a search for a somewhat cheap, yet reliable, all-in-one color laserjet printer for our home. However, for some reason, I kept circling back to this printer, even though I'd been specifically looking for a laserjet.

I finally sat down and did some serious research, and it is my opinion (take it for what it's worth) that for small to medium print jobs (say, 100 to 250 pages at a time) this printer will be exemplary. Upon unboxing the printer, you realize this isn't a standard inkjet - the thing is NOT small. It's approximately 18" wide by 16" deep by about 14" tall...so if you're replacing an HP DeskJet or even OfficeJet, realize you're buying a serious inkjet.

Additionally, while regular (USB and wired network) setup is fairly easy, wireless setup (the mode I chose) may be a bit tougher for the standard user, as you will need to know your wireless network name, and SSID. I also found that for some reason, the Epson Connect Email Print setup tool did not run correctly the first time. (Rerunning the setup CD took care of that problem.) (These are the reason I checked "hard setup.")

HOWEVER...aside from those two things, the printer has thus far been fantastic. A simple examination of the printer itself bears testament to the quality. For example, the ink cartridges are not your standard ink cartridges; they're clear plastic boxes about 4.5" deep to 3" high by 1" wide; and there are 4 of them (black, cyan, red and yellow). Replacing all of them (if you buy OEM) will cost about $100...however, the duty cycle for these cartridges is about 2400 pages. Not your average duty cycle for an inkjet cartridges.

Other examples: Examining the outside of the printer shows actual screws holding the case together. (To me, this is a big plus - it indicates that actual HARDWARE holds the printer together, and not just a ton of plastic tabs and the like.) There are 2 recessed grooves on the bottom of the printer (one on either side) for one's hands when carrying the printer. And again, this thing is HEAVY....not some flimsy printer. Most importantly, the ink cartridges are made in such a way that they will evaporate or clog up nowhere NEAR as fast.

Last but not least, it prints FAST. When first setting up the printer, you will insert the ink cartridges and then wait about 12 minutes for initialization (not sure why it takes that long). Just go get some coffee. However, once initialized, and once you start to print, it's VERY fast. I sent a 4-page print job across my (wireless) network to the printer, and then literally got up and RAN downstairs to the printer (took me about 10 seconds or so). The print job was already done...and the colors are nice and clear, with no color bleed, and none of that 'wet' feeling.

I also tested every print method there was available. I've emailed a print job to my printer (using the Epson Connect Email Print method); I've used my iPhone and iPad 2 to print to the printer; and I've printed wirelessly from both laptops and my Mac Mini to the printer. In all cases, it works fantastically. I noticed that when you use the Epson Connect Email Print method, it emails you both when the printer receives the print job you emailed it, AND when it has actually printed. If you're away from home and want to print something to have it ready to go for you, that's a VERY handy touch. It can also be set up to email you with errors, if ink gets low, etc.

In short, I have no doubts that this will last quite a long time.

(Important note: If you're a Mac user, as I am - I use both Macs and PCs - then DON'T run the OS X installer. Plug it in directly to your MAC - regardless of whether or not it'll be networked or not - and then run the System Updater.)

Comments about Epson� WorkForce� Pro WP-4530 All-in-One Printer:

This is the most wonderful machine EVER! It is Fast. It is Quiet. It prints on both sides all by itself! It is easy to operate. It has a paper drawer that holds a lot of paper! It has an extra paper slot in the back. It makes copies - black & white or color w/1button It has LARGE PRINT CARTRIDGES - all colors separate!!! If faxes. It prints photos beautifully. It has a paper feed. It looks professional, heavy duty and well made. I have already recommended this to my friends!

Comments about Epson� WorkForce� Pro WP-4530 All-in-One Printer:

If I would have made my own printer it would look and preform a lot like this one. I run a small business out of my home. I am constantly printing files and envelopes. With two trays one for holding paper and one for envelopes I don't have to keep switching back and forth in the one tray. I just click on the correct tray in the print set up menu and go to the next job. The WiFi option is great too. My wife has a lap top and her printer is always running out of ink. Now she prints wirelessly to this thing and have you seen the size of the ink cartridge? These things are huge. The ink replacements are not that expensive when you look at the amount of printing you can do with them. I did the math and I am spending about the same money on the old printer ink and getting less sheets printed. I was also able to get rid of my 18 year old fax machine. Replacing two things on my desk with one not a bad bonus. The auto feed for copies is another nice bonus. It is very fast and does not destroy the original.

Comments about Epson� WorkForce� Pro WP-4530 All-in-One Printer:

While many All-in-one printers offer the same functions as the WP-4530, I have been hard pressed to find one that does them all well. This is one great printer, that does EVERYTHING well! I had a minor issue when setting up wirelessly to my home network, but only because of human error. Once I found that I DID have a USB cable things went smoothly for each of the 3 laptops and 2 PC's. I strongly advise that you use the USB method of setting up your wireless connection because it is SO much easier. Also, that you setup the wireless connections first, and then any wired units.

Comments about Epson� WorkForce� Pro WP-4530 All-in-One Printer:

I have had HP printers for years and thought they must be the best. But after my lastest purchase would not stay connected to my wifi network, I started looking for a new brand. I read many good reviews of the Epson printers on here and other sites. I went to my local staples and purchased the WP-4530. I set up the printer as directed and I had a wifi connection after 15 mins of set up with no error messages! Every one of my HP's with their bloated software always had problems setting up and the WiFi would fail. I can't belive how easy the Epson was to set up and it's simple it is to use. Oh and the scanning software actually works too! My hats to Epson for making a great All in One unit that performs. Meg Whitman and HP need to fix their printers! I liked the WP -4530 so much, I removed all of my HP units and bought Epson All in one's for my house. They all installed without a hitch. I wil never buy HP again!!!

Comments about Epson� WorkForce� Pro WP-4530 All-in-One Printer:

I have had the printer for 2 days and so far I love it. My biggest problem was seting up the computer e-mail. When it says the the printer e-mail address will print towards the end of the process, and then prints and ask you to enter Your e-mail adress twice and your pasword twice. I assumed it was the prinnters address, and new password. As it turns out they were asking me to enter my existing personal e-mail address and password. This part of the instructions are unclear. Other than that I have already printed over 500 pages with no problems and what would seem to be as advertised ink yields. Great printer for the price with an easy to use feacher rich menu. Alot more printer than expected for the money.