Whether you call them an All-in-One or Multi-function device, the role is generally the same. Print, copy and scan features are integrated into a single package. Lexmark, preferring the All-in-One designation, has recently added the X1180 to its product portfolio.
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Lexmark's new "All-in-One" kid on the block, the X1180, bears a
remarkable similarity to the company's earlier X1150 model. This is not
altogether surprising as the X1180 will replace the X1150 and the only
way to distinguish visually between the two is to check the model
number on the scanner lid. Decked out in grey over black livery, the
X1180 measures 44 x 30.5cm (W x D) at the top and then tapers down to
44 x 26.5cm at the base. The height is around 13cm although the
rear-mounted paper input tray will add a little to this.
An array of five buttons is positioned on the top front right
corner. These buttons provide the means of access to power, print, scan
and copy in either colour or monochrome features. You can also control
these activities via the X1180's All In One Centre which lies at the
heart of the supplied software. Connection to the PC is via USB but no
cable is provided.
Appearances aside, Lexmark has made some enhancements to the engine
driving this device. As near as I can judge there is no difference with
scan and copy features. Scan resolution is still 600 x 1200 dpi optical
and 9600 dpi enhanced with a depth of 48 bit that is capable of
detecting 281 trillion colours (and no I haven't personally counted
them). You can scan colour photographs, text for OCR (Optical Character
Recognition) output to your chosen word processor, and mixed content
items. The scanner uses Contact Image System (CIS) technology.
When copying the maximum speed output is rated at 13 cpm draft
monochrome and 5 cpm draft colour. These figures drop down to 8 cpm and
1 cpm respectively when the normal setting is used. Unfortunately I was
unable to match any of these figures, always falling short, when using
the X1180.
The improvements that Lexmark has made relate solely to the print
speed that can be achieved by the X1180. Print resolution can be up to
2400 x 1200 dpi in monochrome and 4800 x 1200 dpi for colour. In draft
mode, monochrome is rated at 14 ppm and colour at 8 ppm. Switching to
normal print mode reduces these figures to 10.6 ppm for monochrome and
colour coming in at 3 ppm. As is usual with speed rating, the results
are based on 5% coverage which means very little to the average user.
Again I struggled to even get near to these figures in my tests.
As mentioned earlier, the X1180 comes with its own All In One Centre
software. This utility allows the user to view a preview of the image
before selecting from a choice of scan, copy or Creative Tasks projects
with user-defined settings. Included in the Creative Tasks section are
offerings relating to print/copy, sharing, saving and editing features.
There is also a Solution Centre that provides help with maintenance and
How To advice. Other items bundled in the package include OCR and fax
software.
While I have not had the opportunity to use of the supported
transparency and iron-on transfer media, other types of media have
produced good results. There is support for a wide range of sizes and
weight of paper and noise level is such that it should not cause too
much distraction. Pricing should be around £69.99 although by shopping
around you might find this product cheaper.
Link : http://www.lexmark.co.uk
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