Lexmark X7170 Ink Cartridges

Lexmark X7170 Printer Review

The Lexmark X7170 multifunction printer combines some serious office features with excellent photo printing in a machine that will appeal to home users and small office users alike. Print speeds are good, at up to 22 pages per minute for black and 15 pages per minute for color. Its larger size could be too bulky for some home users, and Lexmark X7170 ink is expensive.

While the photo quality of the Lexmark X7170 is impressive, it comes with a price, in more ways than one. First, Lexmark X7170 inkjet cartridges are more expensive than average, which will likely make the printer more expensive in the long run than competing models with a higher upfront price. Second, the best photo printing quality requires swapping in a Lexmark X7170 ink cartridge designed for photos, and most likely swapping it back out for other tasks. This is quite a process to undertake each time a user needs to print photos.

The unit can print, scan, fax, and copy. Its copy and fax functions can operate in standalone mode without a computer. For more serious office tasks, there is a 50-sheet automatic document feeder, which lets users scan, copy, or fax multiple pages quickly and easily. The included software is very intuitive to use, and offers easy access to many features, as well as giving a detailed report of ink levels. The machine also includes a PictBridge port for connecting a digital camera for direct printing, but it does not include memory card slots, which are usually more convenient.

Cnet's review of the Lexmark X7170 inkjet highlighted its sleek design, its excellent photo quality, and its easy-to-use software. They disliked its slow speed and the need to swap cartridges for photo printing, however.

Overall, the Lexmark X7170 will appeal to users who want excellent photo quality with some nice office features included, but high ink costs reduce its overall value.