Epson B-510DN Pro Reviews

It may lack new features such as remote printing, smartphone integration, even 'basics' like a card reader, copier/scanner or even Wi-Fi – but the networkable B-510DN proves a wise investment in terms of core efficiency. Producing great quality print-outs in both mono and colour in record time, with some tempting price-per-page results making this an excellent, if slightly not old fashioned choice for big offices, despite its high operating noise.

If you don’t need true laser-quality text, this moderate-duty-cycle small-business inkjet is hard to beat for fast, low-cost color printing.

The Epson B-510DN color inkjet printer could be the first crossover success, besting its own cohort--as well as many lower-end color lasers--in speed and cost per page. All this talent comes at a high initial price ($599 as of 06/28/2010). But if you need speed, volume, and economy, plus good photo printing, this printer is well worth considering.

Phenomenally low print costs make this heavy duty inkjet a good choice for business users with high colour printing requirements, although you'll need decent paper to make the most of it.

At the end of the day, I would recommend the B-510dn inkjet printer to a small or medium sized business over an AIO office inkjet based on the print speeds, less expensive ink costs and simplicity. An AIO inkjet is a much better fit for a home office or a very small business/workgroup. But I would also caution business owners to really consider their needs. For $599 (the price of the B-510dn), they could easily purchase a single function laser printer that may offer the exact same functionality.

With a suggested price of USD 599 in the US, the B-510DN is on the high-end of the Epson ink jet printers. A similar printer, the B-310N, has a suggested price of USD 399, but it lacks the B-510DN’s automatic duplexer and doesn’t accept the high-yield cartridges, which effectively increases the cost of consumables. The cost of consumables is where the Epson B-510DN really shines. The automatic duplexer saves on paper and the high-yield ink cartridges keep ink costs down. Using the excellent draft mode will lower costs even more. Consumables are easily replaced with both the ink cartridges and maintenance box having an access door right on the front of the printer. The large capacity paper tray will keep trips to the supply closet at a minimum.

The Epson B-510DN removes nearly all question of whether an inkjet printer can succeed in business. It offers competitive speeds and ink costs - enough to make some lower-end color lasers nervous.

The Epson B-510DN removes nearly all question of whether an inkjet printer can succeed in business. It offers competitive speeds and ink costs - enough to make vendors of some lower-end colour lasers nervous.