Pro 5500 Bench test
Setup
After unboxing the Lexmark OfficeEdge Pro5500 our first impressions were positive. The black finish looks stylish and slick. Unlike other inkjet multi-functions which can feel cheap and flimsy the overall build quality of the Pro5500 was reassuringly robust. The physical features feel sturdy with the paper tray and scanner hinge having a solid action to them. This is complimented by the Pro5500’s ergonomic design which makes it one of the most user-friendly multi-functions we’ve seen in a while.
Installing the inks was simple with a removable cover on the front fascia revealing easy access to the cartridge ports. Removing and inserting the chunky cartridges is easy, each slotting into place with minimum of fuss.
Within 15 minutes of unboxing the Pro5500 was ready for action. The responsive 4.3in touchscreen looks great and the hassle free interface means even the most novice of users can get the most out of the machine.
Setting up the OfficeEdge Pro5000 on our wireless network proved to be a stress-free affair. This is another area where Lexmark have made progress as setup instructions were clear and easy to follow.
Printing wirelessly from the office iPad on the Lexmark Pro5500 was possible via Apple’s AirPrint technology. Setting up the AirPrint function couldn’t have been simpler, with no drivers or configuration needed.
Functionality
The Office Edge Pro5000 allows users to print, scan, copy and fax with minimal effort. The front USB port allows users to conveniently print a host of popular file formats including JPEG, PDF straight from the printer itself.
As always with Lexmark products, the Pro5500 delivers the highest standard of prints whether printing documents or photos. Photos look detailed with vivid colours whilst text appears bold & razor sharp. The duplex scan function also delivers some of the best quality we’ve seen.
A key new feature of the Office Edge Pro5500 is Lexmark Smart Solutions. This new piece of software allows users to customise a host of one-touch apps in order to print your most popular document formats instantly. When we put it to the test with some pre-printed forms, set up was quick and easy.
Speed
Although some users may be put off by the when they hear that the Pro5500 uses inkjet technology, but this printer definitely keeps up with its laser rivals. When we put the Pro5500 to the test on its fastest settings, it managed both 40 pages of mono text print 36 pages of colour in 60 seconds flat.
Running costs
In the past inkjet technology and high running costs have gone hand in hand. Lexmark have made this a thing of the past with the OfficeEdge Pro5500. This Lexmark achieves mono prints under 1p per page and colour prints for just 3.3p per page. That’s impressive for a laser printer but for an inkjet, it’s ground-breaking. This means that the Pro5500 can keep up with the workload from a mid-sized office and is a real contender against more expensive A3 laser printers.
Final Thoughts
Lexmark once again combine outstanding print quality with unrivalled ease of use in their new offering, the Office Edge Pro5500.
