The Epson WorkForce 30 is part of the printer
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, regular printer
models like the WorkForce 30 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Ink and paper/month:
Estimated cost (in dollars) for ink and photo paper in a month of typical use, based on our tests and how our readers told us they print.
For inkjets: 23 text pages, 9 graphics pages, 2.4 large photos, 3.6 small photos, and 3.5 photos on plain paper.
For lasers: 62 text pages, 24 graphics pages, 1.7 large photos, 1.9 small photos, and 2.3 photos on plain paper.
Photos cost the most, text documents the least, so your results may vary from these figures, but they are useful for comparing models.
Photo quality:
This is our assessment of the appearance of each photo. Models with higher scores produce more natural looking photos, with smoother changes in shading and fewer problems with banding.
4x6 photo time:
This score reflects how quickly the model can print one 4x6 photo on photo-quality paper. 1 minute or less is excellent; 1 to 2 minutes is very good; 2 to 4 minutes is good; 4 to 6 minutes is fair; and longer than 6 minutes is poor.
About This Brand
The PictureMate line of snapshot printers includes the Dash and Zoom models. Stylus printers are geared toward home users, while the WorkForce line targets small and home-based businesses. Both include standard and all-in-one models. A new series, Artisan, will replace the Stylus models. For the widest selection of Epson printers at the best prices, try Newegg.com. PCConnection and PCMall also have a wide selection, while Amazon, Costco, and Tiger Direct have better-than-average prices.
Features & Specs - Epson WorkForce 30
Memory-card reader Indicates whether the printer has a built-in memory-card reader. If so, this feature lets you print image files from a digital camera's memory card without using a computer. You can also transfer the files to a computer.
Memory-card reader
No
PictBridge This feature allows direct printing (without the use of a computer) from any brand of digital camera to any brand of printer.
PictBridge
No
LCD viewer Printer has a built-in LCD screen for viewing and editing images from a memory card. The screen is small, usually only 1 to 3.5 inches, and editing capability is very limited.
LCD viewer
No
Individual color tanks Some inkjet printers use a separate tank for each color. Others have tri-color cartridges with three colors in one. Individual tanks let you replace only the color that runs out rather than tossing a tri-color cartridge that may have some ink left.
Individual color tanks
Yes
Networking The ability to connect to a home network for printing from a computer either via an Ethernet or a WiFi connection. Ethernet is the common wired network and WiFi is the wireless format commonly found in laptop computers.
Small footprint, easy set up if you follow instructions to the letter, low cost, accepts all media, and results quite satisfactory. I have only had it a short while but would recommend it to anyone.
Weakness
none so far
I purchased this printer to replace my old and worn out Epson C88 machine. So far in only a few weeks of heavy use, the printer has performed flawlessly. The set up was very easy (do NOT throw away any cables from your old machines as some don't come with the new ones out of the box). All my previous printer settings, or templates (very laboriously set up) used for the C88 were saved and transfered over with software installation, saving me a lot of work. Note: follow the set up instructions out of the box to the letter and you will have no problems. Then after attaching the USB cable, I downloaded and installed the latest driver update from Mgr website and have had no difficulties. It has a very small foot print (nice for my cluttered work space) and has a quiet mode to make the noise a bit less when printing and the wife is in the next room is sleeping. All in all for around eighty bucks or less if you shop on line, this new Epson Workforce 30 fits my needs perfectly. I would recommend it to for the occasional user like myself. Also note: when shopping for ink jets, always keep in mind the replacement costs for ink. If you print a lot this will be a MAJOR factor. I shopped around the internet and this model has a replacement ink cartridge that is not TOO expensive. Then it is only around a month old from mfg. market, so cheap ink is not available yet, but will be in a month or two. My old C88 worked fine for well over a year using ink that cost less than a third of OEM ink from Epson. Now they will scream at voiding the warranty, BUT when a complete set of OEM ink costs as much as a NEW printer, use the cheap ink- what do ya have to loose?
1 person has reviewed this model.
Memory-card reader
