Lexmark Platinum Pro905 Review
By Matt Gerchow
The Lexmark Platinum Pro905 is a fast, smart printer that offers comprehensive features, easy setup, and a host of printing options for an excellent price.
It is one of few printers in the market that come with web-enabled touchscreens. Other than that, it integrates a copier, scanner, and fax machine in a 12.1x18.3x15.4 inches frame that makes use of dark colors that give it a professional look.
The most noticeable feature of this unit is its 4.3 inch LCD screen. It is bright and easy to read, though it lacks a broad viewing angle. In fact, it is designed in such a way that you have to stand directly over the printer to be able to use it effectively.
The on-board software lets you download applications that work as shortcuts for various features such as scan to fax, scan to copy, etc. Lexmark is uploading new applications on their website, so the feature should be interesting as time goes by. However, at the moment, it is lacking in creativity and innovation.
As said before, the printer is easy to use and setup. In fact, installing it took less than ten minutes. It supports both Wi-fi and Ethernet, and they are both easy to connect to. You can plug the printer to your computer via USB.
While no driver setup is required for basic printing, you will need to install Lexmarks software if you wish to take advantage of advanced features.
The unit does not disappoint when it comes to printing performance. It is, without a doubt, one of the fastest printers in this price bracket right now, producing about 7.3 pages per minute for text documents. That is on par, if not better, than most other models available in this price range.
Color graphics brings down output to 3.2 pages per minute, while color photos are produced at about 1.4 pages per minute.
Print quality is also excellent. Black text prints are crisp and clear, coming close to laser printer quality. Color graphics and photos are generally good, though they suffer from jagged edges and smearing. This is disappointing, to say the least.
However, it should not be a problem for businesses that rely on text documents more than graphics or photos. Look elsewhere if you are looking for a photo printer.
This model ships with minimal documentation. It is a good move by Lexmark, considering how they are helping nature by discarding paper. You can access instructions, warranty information, and other details on the bundled CD. On an unrelated note, printing cost is quite low since it uses Lexmarks newest Vizix ink cartridges.
The cost of a page containing text is 1 cent, while color pages cost 3 cents. This model will save you a lot of money if you print large volumes of documents.
Lexmark is known for its quality. The Platinum Pro905, staying true to the brand, does not disappoint. It is quick, easy to use and offers apps not seen in other printers in this class. Print quality for text is excellent photo aficionados will do better elsewhere though.
It is one of few printers in the market that come with web-enabled touchscreens. Other than that, it integrates a copier, scanner, and fax machine in a 12.1x18.3x15.4 inches frame that makes use of dark colors that give it a professional look.
The most noticeable feature of this unit is its 4.3 inch LCD screen. It is bright and easy to read, though it lacks a broad viewing angle. In fact, it is designed in such a way that you have to stand directly over the printer to be able to use it effectively.
The on-board software lets you download applications that work as shortcuts for various features such as scan to fax, scan to copy, etc. Lexmark is uploading new applications on their website, so the feature should be interesting as time goes by. However, at the moment, it is lacking in creativity and innovation.
As said before, the printer is easy to use and setup. In fact, installing it took less than ten minutes. It supports both Wi-fi and Ethernet, and they are both easy to connect to. You can plug the printer to your computer via USB.
While no driver setup is required for basic printing, you will need to install Lexmarks software if you wish to take advantage of advanced features.
The unit does not disappoint when it comes to printing performance. It is, without a doubt, one of the fastest printers in this price bracket right now, producing about 7.3 pages per minute for text documents. That is on par, if not better, than most other models available in this price range.
Color graphics brings down output to 3.2 pages per minute, while color photos are produced at about 1.4 pages per minute.
Print quality is also excellent. Black text prints are crisp and clear, coming close to laser printer quality. Color graphics and photos are generally good, though they suffer from jagged edges and smearing. This is disappointing, to say the least.
However, it should not be a problem for businesses that rely on text documents more than graphics or photos. Look elsewhere if you are looking for a photo printer.
This model ships with minimal documentation. It is a good move by Lexmark, considering how they are helping nature by discarding paper. You can access instructions, warranty information, and other details on the bundled CD. On an unrelated note, printing cost is quite low since it uses Lexmarks newest Vizix ink cartridges.
The cost of a page containing text is 1 cent, while color pages cost 3 cents. This model will save you a lot of money if you print large volumes of documents.
Lexmark is known for its quality. The Platinum Pro905, staying true to the brand, does not disappoint. It is quick, easy to use and offers apps not seen in other printers in this class. Print quality for text is excellent photo aficionados will do better elsewhere though.