The world of printing has evolved significantly, with all-in-one printers becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility and convenience. Two notable models that have garnered attention in recent times are the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and the Epson EcoTank ET-4850. Both of these devices promise to deliver high-quality prints, scans, and copies, but they differ significantly in terms of their design, features, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a boasts a sleek and compact design, making it an ideal choice for home offices or small workspaces. It measures 17.3 inches wide, 13.8 inches deep, and 7.5 inches tall, and weighs approximately 18 pounds. The printer features a 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD display that allows users to navigate through menus and settings with ease.
In contrast, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 has a more substantial build, measuring 20.6 inches wide, 16.4 inches deep, and 10.8 inches tall, and weighing around 23 pounds. While it may not be as compact as the Canon model, the ET-4850's larger size accommodates its innovative EcoTank system, which we'll discuss later.
Printing Capabilities
Both printers are capable of producing high-quality prints, but they differ in terms of their print resolution and speed. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a has a maximum print resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi and can produce black and white documents at a rate of 15 pages per minute (ppm). Color documents, on the other hand, are printed at a slower rate of 10 ppm.
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850, with its PrecisionCore printhead technology, offers a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. While its print resolution may not be as high as the Canon model, the ET-4850 makes up for it with its impressive print speeds: 15 ppm for black and white documents and 8 ppm for color documents.
Ink Systems
This is where the two printers differ significantly. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a uses a traditional ink cartridge system, which can be costly to replace over time. The printer comes with five individual ink tanks (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and pigment black), each with its own yield.
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850, on the other hand, features Epson's innovative EcoTank system, which uses large, refillable ink tanks that can hold up to 2 years' worth of ink. This system eliminates the need for traditional ink cartridges and can significantly reduce printing costs over time. The ET-4850 comes with four color tanks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) and has a much higher page yield than the Canon model.
Scanning and Copying Capabilities
Both all-in-one printers offer scanning and copying capabilities, but they differ in terms of their scan resolution and speed. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a has a maximum scan resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi and can scan documents at a rate of 3 seconds per page. The printer also features an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can hold up to 20 sheets of paper.
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850, with its high-speed scanner, offers a maximum scan resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi and can scan documents at a rate of 2 seconds per page. The printer also features an ADF that can hold up to 30 sheets of paper, making it more suitable for heavy-duty scanning and copying tasks.
Connectivity Options
Both printers offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a also supports Bluetooth and has a built-in SD card slot, while the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 features Wi-Fi Direct and supports mobile printing via the Epson iPrint app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 are excellent all-in-one printers that cater to different needs and preferences. The Canon model is ideal for those who prioritize compact design, high print resolution, and ease of use. However, its traditional ink cartridge system may become costly over time.
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850, on the other hand, is perfect for heavy-duty printing and copying tasks, thanks to its innovative EcoTank system and high-page-yield ink tanks. While it may not be as compact as the Canon model, its larger size accommodates its advanced features and makes it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Ultimately, the choice between these two all-in-one printers depends on your specific printing needs and budget. If you're looking for a compact, user-friendly printer with high print resolution, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize cost-effectiveness, high-page-yield ink tanks, and advanced scanning and copying capabilities, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is definitely worth considering.
