Top of Lexmark’s latest range of consumer inkjet printers, the Z65 has some interesting features and capabilities. With a print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, it’s designed for relatively high volume print runs and can actually double up as an office printer, particularly if the optional network module is installed.
Since the Z65 has a monthly duty cycle of 5,000 pages and a rated engine speed of 21ppm mono and 15ppm colour, it can be used by people who do more than print the occasional photograph, as is reflected in the higher than average price tag (although it’s still not expensive in real terms). The price is, though, only part of the equation, and the cost of cartridges, which is high for all inkjet printers, also has to be taken into account when calculating the true cost of ownership.
Costs aside, the Z65 performs well. Its output is sharp, detailed and consistent, with the variable drop sizes helping to ensure that photographs look good on almost any type of paper. The 4800dpi resolution doesn’t look four times better than 1200dpi printers, partly because it’s only so high in one direction, but it’s still very good.
As is becoming increasingly common with inkjet printers, the Lexmark Z65 has just a single interface as standard – USB. This allows it to be used with a variety of operating systems, from Windows 98 upwards and also the most recent Macintosh operating systems.
A plug-in network adapter is available for the printer, turning it into a Z65n, which makes sense given the high duty cycle. With this module, Windows 95 and NT4.0 users can also access the printer, but more importantly it can be accessed more easily over a network using Lexmark’s MarkVision printer control software that allows the printer to be monitored and managed remotely.
Other neat features of this printer include an optical paper type sensor, which determines the quality of the paper you’re using, plus automatic paper and print head alignment, dual built-in paper trays (holding 100 and 150 sheets) selectable via a button on the front panel or the comprehensive driver software, and exceptionally quiet print operation.
Company: Lexmark
Contact: 08704 440044