When it comes to choosing the right printer, especially for printers for college students, two popular options that often come up in conversation are the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 and the HP Envy 6055e. Both of these models offer a range of features that can cater to the needs of students, but they also have some key differences that set them apart.
Printing Technology and Ink Costs
One of the most significant advantages of the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 is its use of refillable ink tanks, which can significantly reduce printing costs over time. This model uses Epson's EcoTank system, which allows users to refill the ink tanks with bottles of ink, rather than relying on traditional cartridges. This approach can lead to cost savings of up to 90% on ink costs, making it an attractive option for students who need to print frequently.
In contrast, the HP Envy 6055e uses traditional ink cartridges, which can be more expensive to replace over time. However, HP's Instant Ink program offers a subscription-based service that can help reduce printing costs by providing users with replacement ink cartridges as needed.
Print Quality and Speed
Both printers offer high-quality print output, but the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 has a slight edge when it comes to text printing. Its maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi ensures crisp and clear text, making it ideal for printing essays and reports. The HP Envy 6055e, on the other hand, has a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, which is still suitable for most printing tasks.
In terms of print speed, the HP Envy 6055e is slightly faster, with the ability to print up to 13 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white, and up to 7 ppm in color. The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 prints at a rate of up to 10 ppm in black and white, and up to 4.5 ppm in color.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Both printers offer wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it easy for students to print from their mobile devices. The HP Envy 6055e also supports HP's ePrint app, which allows users to print from their smartphones or tablets using a simple and intuitive interface.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760, on the other hand, supports Epson's iPrint app, which offers similar functionality. However, the Epson printer also has a more comprehensive set of connectivity options, including Ethernet and USB ports, making it easier to connect to a network or external devices.
Scanning and Copying Capabilities
Both printers offer scanning and copying capabilities, but the HP Envy 6055e has a slight edge when it comes to scan resolution. Its maximum scan resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi is higher than the Epson EcoTank ET-2760's maximum scan resolution of 9600 x 9600 dpi (but interpolated). However, the Epson printer's copy function is more comprehensive, with options for resizing, cropping, and editing copies.
Design and Build
In terms of design and build, both printers are compact and sleek, making them suitable for small dorm rooms or apartments. The HP Envy 6055e has a slightly smaller footprint, measuring 17.9 x 14.1 x 7.1 inches, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 measures 19.8 x 13.7 x 10.3 inches.
Conclusion
When it comes to printers for college students, both the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 and the HP Envy 6055e offer a range of features that can cater to their needs. However, the Epson printer's use of refillable ink tanks and lower printing costs make it an attractive option for students who need to print frequently.
On the other hand, the HP Envy 6055e offers faster print speeds, higher scan resolution, and a more comprehensive set of mobile printing options. Ultimately, the choice between these two printers will depend on individual needs and preferences. If cost savings and high-quality text printing are top priorities, the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 may be the better choice. However, if speed, scan quality, and mobile printing convenience are more important, the HP Envy 6055e is definitely worth considering.
