Epson 480 Ink
Stylus Color 480 Ink Cartridges

For consumers that are looking for a personal inkjet printer, the Epson Stylus Color 480 is a good choice. However, it is only compatible with Windows operating systems, so Mac users will need to keep looking. This unit connects to a computer and other devices via USB port, but it lacks the networking capabilities that are needed to make this a good match for an office. The 480 can produce clear black-and-white documents as well as vivid full color prints.

Though cyan, magenta, yellow and black Epson 480 ink are all used to reach the maximum resolution of 720x720 dpi, only two Stylus Color 480 ink cartridges are required. One holds the cyan, magenta and yellow printer ink while the other holds only the black. When using just the black Epson 480 ink, up to 12 pages per minute can be produced, while only 3 pages per minute can be printed in color. The tricolor Stylus Color 480 ink cartridge has a page yield of 150 and the black can last for up to 210 prints.

The accurate photos are made possible by a method of printing known as drop-on-demand. This uses a total of 93 nozzles to eject small droplets of Epson 480 ink over every inch of paper. The piezoelectric technology uses heat to expand the air bubbles behind the nozzles, which then push the dots of printer ink out. Though it may take 2 full minutes to print a color 4x6" picture, the quality will be well worth the wait.

With a frame of 17x18.7x10.7 inches, the Epson 480 will be easy to install and store on a standard table or desk. There is one input paper tray that holds 100 sheets and the output tray holds up to 50 sheets. Overall, this inkjet unit will be a good match in the home office.