The latest Epson product I have been reviewing is the Epson WorkForce 840. The WorkForce 840 is a 4-in-1 device (print/copy/scan/fax). It occupies virtually the same footprint as the smaller WorkForce 635, but this is an auto-duplexing, dual paper tray AIO.
We received the review WorkForce 840 ahead of its public announcement at CES 2011, and we placed it at three locations to test the usefulness of the device.
Epson WorkForce 840
The WorkForce 840 came in a box that surprised me because it barely seemed large enough for the specs I had been given at a briefing about it. I also expected it to be comparable in physical size to what I consider its competitor, the HP DeskJet Pro 8500 Premiere. It was not.
The shipping box contained the printer, inks, extra inks, power cable, telephone cable, user manuals, and a driver disc.
Setup was easy: I selected a spot for the printer, unwrapped it, installed the inks, and manually connected it to the physically-nearest access point on The Orbiting O’Odua’s network. Easy.
I pointed my computer to the printer in the ‘add a printer’ dialog in Windows 7, allowed the computer to retrieve the drivers from Windows Update*, waited for what seemed an eternity – yes, I know the disc was there, but I wanted to save myself from having to update the driver, if needed, and then installed the driver. Easy
Microsoft has to make retrieving drivers from Windows Update a lot easier. Right now, it seems the system has to update the entire catalog before allowing users to download the needed driver. This is inelegant, and counterintuitive. Why not allow the user to select a hardware brand, and then download/retrieve catalog info that that specific brand?
I printed a few copies, specified duplex and black-&-white copies as defaults, and proceeded to test the printer.
Using the Epson WorkForce 840
This is a very fast printer.
Prior to using any of Epson’s printers/AIOs, my preference has always been for laser printers for deskside printing. However, I have come to appreciate the speed of the WorkForce printers.
I was also impressed by the speed with which the WorkForce 840 spat out double-sided printing. Unlike other printers, the Epson incorporated a straight-through paper path that allows it to complete double-sided prints faster than competing products. I was informed that that fact, coupled with Epson’s quick-drying inks, allow it to be quite faster than most competing products.
The WorkForce 840 incorporates a color, double-sided automatic document feeder. Memory cards were also supported. Epson inks were also quite affordable, and could be found at mega-warehouse membership clubs for even more savings.
As an SMB printer, I had the WorkForce 840 used in three production environments other than here at AbsolutelyWindows: at MedikLabs, at a realtor’s office, and at a farm.
My experience with easy setup, speedy operation, and reliability was reproduced at all three locations, with the farmer most impressed that he could connect the memory cards from his camera to the WorkForce 840, and immediately print photographs.
The dual paper trays showed that Epson is serious about the positioning of this AIO in businesses.
Conclusions
I like this AIO.
It is fast, reliable, easy to use, and affordable, coming in at $200 less than the other printer mentioned above*.
We heartily recommend the Epson WorkForce 840 as a suitable all-in-one device, and we are awarding it the SmallBizWindows Superstar award.
* In fact, Amazon.com has a special going on right now where the WorkForce 840 is priced at $199.99 – not a typo, with free shipping if you are a member of Amazon Prime. Do not thank me; you are welcome.
