Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless Review epson 2800 – Oemiu
Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless Review
In the realm of home and small office printing, the quest for a reliable, cost-effective, and feature-rich solution is never-ending. Enter the Epson EcoTank ET-4800, a wireless all-in-one printer that promises to deliver on all fronts. Stepping away from traditional cartridge-based systems, the EcoTank series utilizes refillable ink tanks, a design choice that significantly reduces printing costs and waste. But does the ET-4800 live up to the hype? This review delves into its features, performance, and overall value proposition, providing a comprehensive assessment to help you decide if it’s the right printer for your needs. We’ll also touch on how it compares to other models, like considering the Epson 2800 alternative for those with different requirements.
Unboxing and Initial Setup: A Smooth Start
The initial experience with any printer sets the tone for its usability. The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 arrives in a surprisingly compact box, considering its all-in-one capabilities. Upon unboxing, you’ll find the printer itself, four bottles of ink (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow), a power cord, and a setup guide. The absence of a USB cable is a minor inconvenience, especially for those who prefer a wired connection, but the printer’s wireless capabilities largely mitigate this. The setup process is remarkably straightforward. The clear and concise instructions guide you through filling the ink tanks, which is a surprisingly mess-free process thanks to Epson’s keyed bottles that prevent accidental mixing. Each bottle is designed to only fit into its corresponding tank, eliminating any guesswork. This is a huge improvement over older refillable systems that often led to spills and confusion. Once the tanks are filled, the printer prompts you to run an initial setup, which includes print head alignment and calibration. This process takes a few minutes, but it’s essential for optimal print quality. Connecting to Wi-Fi is also a breeze, with the printer easily detecting available networks. Epson’s Smart Panel app further simplifies the setup and allows for convenient printing and scanning from your smartphone or tablet. The user interface is intuitive, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy, making the entire setup process a positive experience.
The EcoTank design philosophy is centered around minimizing user intervention. Unlike traditional inkjet printers that require frequent cartridge replacements, the ET-4800’s large ink tanks can hold a significant amount of ink. This translates to fewer refills and a lower overall cost per page. The initial ink included with the printer is often enough to last for several years of typical use, depending on your printing volume. The clear plastic windows on the front of the printer allow you to easily monitor ink levels, eliminating the need to guess when a refill is needed. While the initial investment in an EcoTank printer may be higher than a traditional inkjet, the long-term savings on ink make it a worthwhile investment for many users. The printer’s compact design also makes it suitable for smaller workspaces, although its paper tray capacity might be a limiting factor for high-volume printing environments. Overall, the unboxing and initial setup of the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 are seamless and user-friendly, setting the stage for a positive printing experience.
Print Quality and Performance: Balancing Speed and Precision
The core function of any printer is, of course, its ability to produce high-quality prints. The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 delivers commendable performance in this regard, striking a balance between speed and precision. In terms of print quality, the ET-4800 excels at producing sharp and clear text documents. The black ink is rich and consistent, making it ideal for printing reports, essays, and other text-heavy materials. Graphics and images are also rendered with good detail and color accuracy, although professional photographers may find the color gamut slightly limited compared to more expensive photo printers. However, for everyday photo printing needs, the ET-4800 produces pleasing results. The printer supports borderless printing, allowing you to create edge-to-edge photos without any unsightly white borders. Print speed is decent, although not exceptionally fast. For black and white documents, the ET-4800 can print at a rate of approximately 10 pages per minute (ppm), while color documents print at a slightly slower rate of around 5 ppm. Photo printing is even slower, with a 4×6 inch photo taking around a minute or two to print. These speeds are adequate for home and small office use, but may not be sufficient for high-volume printing environments. The printer also supports automatic duplex printing, which allows you to print on both sides of the paper automatically, saving paper and reducing waste. The inclusion of auto 2-sided printing is a great feature. In considering alternatives, some may look at the Epson 2800 model.
Paper handling is another important aspect of printer performance. The ET-4800 features a rear paper tray that can hold up to 100 sheets of plain paper, 20 sheets of photo paper, or 10 envelopes. While this capacity is sufficient for most home users, it may be a limiting factor for businesses that require frequent printing. The printer also supports a variety of paper sizes and types, including letter, legal, A4, and envelopes. One minor drawback is the lack of a dedicated paper tray for photo paper. You need to manually switch the paper in the rear tray depending on what you are printing. The ET-4800 also features a built-in scanner and copier. The scanner offers a resolution of up to 1200 dpi, producing clear and detailed scans. The copier function allows you to make quick copies of documents and photos without needing a computer. The printer also supports mobile printing, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet using the Epson Smart Panel app or Apple AirPrint. Overall, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 delivers solid print quality and performance, making it a suitable choice for home and small office users who need a versatile and cost-effective printing solution.
Running Costs and Ink Efficiency: The EcoTank Advantage
The Epson EcoTank series is renowned for its exceptionally low running costs, and the ET-4800 is no exception. The key to this cost-effectiveness lies in its refillable ink tank system. Instead of relying on expensive ink cartridges, the ET-4800 uses large ink tanks that can be easily refilled with affordable ink bottles. The initial ink included with the printer is typically enough to last for several years of typical use, significantly reducing the need for frequent ink purchases. Epson claims that the initial ink supply can print up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages, which is significantly more than traditional cartridge-based printers. Once the initial ink runs out, replacement ink bottles are relatively inexpensive, costing around $15-$20 per bottle. This translates to a cost per page of less than a cent for black and white prints and a few cents for color prints, making the ET-4800 one of the most cost-effective printers on the market. To further illustrate the cost savings, consider the following comparison table:
| Printer Type | Ink System | Cost per Black Page | Cost per Color Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-4800 | Refillable Ink Tanks | Less than $0.01 | Around $0.03 |
| Traditional Inkjet Printer | Cartridges | Around $0.05 | Around $0.10 |
As the table clearly demonstrates, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 offers significant cost savings compared to traditional inkjet printers. Over the lifespan of the printer, these savings can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making the initial investment in an EcoTank printer a worthwhile one. The ink efficiency of the ET-4800 is also impressive. The printer uses a minimal amount of ink for maintenance tasks, such as print head cleaning, which helps to further reduce ink consumption. The ink bottles are also designed to prevent spills and leaks, making the refilling process clean and easy. Another advantage of the EcoTank system is its environmental friendliness. By reducing the need for disposable ink cartridges, the ET-4800 helps to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. The printer is also Energy Star certified, meaning it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. In comparison to a typical Epson 2800, the ET-4800 provides a similar cost-effective solution, although the specific models and their prices should be compared directly for the most accurate assessment. The Epson EcoTank ET-4800’s low running costs and impressive ink efficiency make it an ideal choice for home and small office users who want to save money on printing expenses.
Connectivity and Features: Wireless Convenience and More
In today’s connected world, a printer’s connectivity options and features are just as important as its print quality and performance. The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 excels in this area, offering a wide range of connectivity options and features to enhance user convenience. The printer supports both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to connect to your wireless network and print from your computer, smartphone, or tablet without needing a USB cable. Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect directly to the printer without needing a router, which is useful in situations where you don’t have access to a wireless network. The ET-4800 also supports mobile printing, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet using the Epson Smart Panel app, Apple AirPrint, or Google Cloud Print. The Epson Smart Panel app is a particularly useful tool, allowing you to easily manage your printer settings, monitor ink levels, and print and scan documents and photos from your mobile device. The app also includes a variety of creative features, such as the ability to create custom greeting cards and photo collages. The ET-4800 also features a built-in scanner and copier, allowing you to easily scan and copy documents and photos without needing a separate device. The scanner offers a resolution of up to 1200 dpi, producing clear and detailed scans. The copier function allows you to make quick copies of documents and photos without needing a computer. The printer also supports automatic document feeding (ADF), allowing you to scan or copy multi-page documents quickly and easily. The ADF can hold up to 30 sheets of paper, making it ideal for scanning or copying large documents. For those who prefer a wired connection, the ET-4800 also features a USB port, allowing you to connect directly to your computer. However, the printer does not include an Ethernet port, so you cannot connect it to your network using a wired connection.
The ET-4800 also features a 1.44-inch color LCD screen, which allows you to easily navigate the printer’s menus and settings. The screen is not a touchscreen, but the buttons are clearly labeled and easy to use. The printer also supports voice-activated printing, allowing you to print documents and photos using voice commands through Seller Alexa or Google Assistant. This feature is particularly useful for hands-free printing. In terms of security, the ET-4800 supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption protocols, ensuring that your wireless connection is secure. The printer also features a built-in firewall, which helps to protect it from unauthorized access. The printer also supports automatic firmware updates, which ensure that it is always running the latest software and security patches. Overall, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options and features, making it a versatile and convenient printing solution for home and small office users. Considering the features, some users who looked at the Epson 2800 family might find the ET-4800 a compelling option with its similar capabilities and cost-saving EcoTank system.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
No product is perfect, and the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is no exception. While it offers many advantages, it also has a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. Here’s a balanced perspective on the pros and cons of the ET-4800:
- Pros:
- Extremely low running costs due to refillable ink tanks
- High ink efficiency, with the initial ink supply lasting for years
- Excellent print quality for both text and graphics
- Wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct
- Mobile printing support with Epson Smart Panel app, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print
- Built-in scanner and copier with automatic document feeding (ADF)
- Automatic duplex printing for saving paper
- Compact design that fits well in smaller workspaces
- Cons:
- Initial cost is higher than traditional inkjet printers
- Print speed is decent, but not exceptionally fast
- Paper tray capacity is limited to 100 sheets
- No dedicated paper tray for photo paper
- No Ethernet port for wired network connection
Overall, the pros of the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 significantly outweigh the cons, making it a compelling choice for home and small office users who prioritize low running costs, good print quality, and versatile features. The higher initial cost is offset by the long-term savings on ink, and the decent print speed is sufficient for most everyday printing needs. The limited paper tray capacity and lack of a dedicated photo paper tray may be drawbacks for some users, but these are relatively minor issues compared to the overall value proposition of the ET-4800. The inclusion of features like wireless connectivity, mobile printing, and automatic duplex printing further enhance its versatility and convenience. When comparing printers, some may consider the features found on an Epson 2800 series but the EcoTank system on the ET-4800 sets it apart. Ultimately, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a well-rounded printer that offers a winning combination of performance, features, and cost-effectiveness.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of the Epson EcoTank ET-4800?
The primary advantage of the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 lies in its revolutionary ink tank system. Unlike traditional inkjet printers that rely on costly and wasteful ink cartridges, the ET-4800 utilizes large, refillable ink tanks. These tanks are filled with inexpensive ink bottles, resulting in significantly lower running costs and a much lower cost per page. The initial ink supply included with the printer is often sufficient for several years of typical use, eliminating the need for frequent ink purchases. This makes the ET-4800 an incredibly cost-effective printing solution in the long run. For users who print frequently, the savings can be substantial, often amounting to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the printer’s lifespan. Beyond the cost savings, the ink tank system is also more environmentally friendly, as it reduces the amount of plastic waste generated by disposable ink cartridges.
How does the print quality of the ET-4800 compare to other inkjet printers?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 offers commendable print quality that is comparable to many standard inkjet printers. It excels in producing sharp and clear text documents, making it well-suited for printing reports, essays, and other text-heavy materials. Graphics and images are also rendered with good detail and color accuracy, though professional photographers might find the color gamut slightly less vibrant than that of dedicated photo printers. However, for general photo printing needs, the ET-4800 delivers pleasing results. The printer’s resolution is sufficient for producing detailed prints, and its ability to print borderless photos adds to its versatility. While it may not match the exceptional photo quality of high-end inkjet printers, the ET-4800 provides a good balance between print quality and cost-effectiveness for everyday printing needs.
Is the Epson Smart Panel app easy to use?
Yes, the Epson Smart Panel app is generally considered to be user-friendly and intuitive. It provides a convenient way to manage your printer settings, monitor ink levels, and print and scan documents and photos directly from your smartphone or tablet. The app features a clean and simple interface that is easy to navigate, even for those who are not particularly tech-savvy. It also includes a variety of helpful features, such as the ability to create custom greeting cards and photo collages. Connecting the app to your printer is typically a straightforward process, and the app provides clear instructions to guide you through the setup. Overall, the Epson Smart Panel app is a valuable addition to the ET-4800, enhancing its usability and convenience.
Does the ET-4800 support automatic duplex printing?
Yes, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 does support automatic duplex printing, also known as auto 2-sided printing. This feature allows you to automatically print on both sides of the paper, saving paper and reducing waste. When enabled, the printer automatically flips the paper over and prints on the reverse side, eliminating the need to manually flip the paper yourself. This is particularly useful for printing large documents, such as reports or essays, as it can significantly reduce the amount of paper used. Automatic duplex printing is a standard feature on many modern printers, and its inclusion on the ET-4800 adds to its convenience and cost-effectiveness.
How long does the initial ink supply typically last?
The initial ink supply included with the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is designed to last for a significant amount of time, often several years of typical use. Epson claims that the initial ink supply can print up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages. However, the actual number of pages you can print will depend on your printing habits and the types of documents you print. If you primarily print text documents, you will likely be able to print more pages than if you frequently print photos or graphics. The ink levels can be easily monitored through the clear windows on the front of the printer. When the ink levels get low, you can simply refill the tanks with inexpensive ink bottles. The longevity of the initial ink supply is a major advantage of the EcoTank system, as it reduces the need for frequent ink purchases and lowers the overall cost of printing.
What paper sizes and types does the ET-4800 support?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 supports a variety of paper sizes and types, making it a versatile printing solution for a range of needs. It can handle standard paper sizes such as letter (8.5 x 11 inches), legal (8.5 x 14 inches), and A4 (210 x 297 mm). It also supports smaller paper sizes such as 4×6 inches and 5×7 inches, which are commonly used for printing photos. The printer can also print on envelopes, making it convenient for sending letters and other mail. In terms of paper types, the ET-4800 can handle plain paper, photo paper, and specialty papers. It’s important to select the correct paper type in the printer settings to ensure optimal print quality. The printer has a rear paper tray that can hold up to 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of photo paper.
Is the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 a good choice for a small office?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 can be a suitable choice for a small office, particularly if cost-effectiveness and versatility are key considerations. Its low running costs, thanks to the refillable ink tank system, can significantly reduce printing expenses over time. The printer’s ability to print, scan, copy, and fax makes it a versatile all-in-one solution for various office tasks. Its wireless connectivity and mobile printing support allow for convenient printing from multiple devices. However, its limited paper tray capacity (100 sheets) might be a drawback for offices with high-volume printing needs. The print speed, while decent, might not be fast enough for demanding office environments. If a small office prints frequently and requires fast printing speeds and a larger paper capacity, a more robust printer might be a better option. But for a small office with moderate printing needs and a focus on cost savings, the ET-4800 can be a good fit. It’s important to also evaluate the printer alongside alternatives such as those from the Epson 2800 line to identify the ideal solution for that small office.
Price: $299.99 - $259.99
(as of Sep 04, 2025 12:43:19 UTC – Details)
