If you’re a small or home office (SOHO) that has print needs beyond the standard letter paper size, the Epson Workforce 7520 multifunction printer may be a fit for you.
In most regards, this $299 Epson MFP is like any other inkjet. You can either network it or connect it directly via USB or over the air with Wi-Fi (it’s also compatible with AirPrint, Google CloudPrint and Epson Conect). You can print in black and white (15 ppm) or colour (8 ppm). You can make copies and, should you still have the need, send and receive faxes. You can print from USB or a memory card. There’s a colour LCD display panel, and you can scan using the on-printer controls or by using the software on your desktop.
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The unique selling point for the 7520 though is around size. Not printer size; it does take up a good chunk of my desk though, perhaps a bit more than normal for a small workgroup machine. And at 41lbs, make sure your desk is sturdy.
But no, I mean size in terms of paper and scan area. The 7520 will print up to 13” x 19”, and will scan up to 11” x 17”. There aren’t many affordable large format printers in this market segment, and if you’re a small business that needs to regularly print larger pages and photos, having that ability close-by can be useful and save you some trips to the print shop.
Otherwise, we’re talking a pretty standard MFP. The automatic document feeder will take 40 sheets, and handles automatic two-sided feeding. The two paper trays allow for a 500 plain sheet capacity, and flexibility in sizes. You can scan to PC, PDF or e-mail at up to 1200 x 2400 dpi of optical resolution.
The question you need to ask yourself is if you’re likely to do much large format printing. If so, this device is a good investment. But if you’re strictly about the 8.5” by 11”, something slightly smaller and lighter may be a better idea for you.