When I reviewed the Epson WorkForce 840 all-in-one device back in April 2011, we gave it the SmallBizWindows Superstar Award.

In March of this year, I got the opportunity to review the upgraded version of the WorkForce 840, the all new WorkForce 845. I jumped at it, and the unit arrived in early April.

Would it measure up?

We have had the Epson WorkForce 845 since that time, and I have struggled to retrieve it from the users who were part of our review regimen for the product.

The WorkForce 845, while almost identical to the prior generation WorkForce 840, boasts the following improvements:

• A 33% smaller ink droplet size,
• Borderless printing,
• Epson Connect email print,
• iPrint,
• Apple Air Print,
• Support a gazillion more flash media.

I got the printer, which came in a smallish box that belies the powerful device contained therein in April.

As is usual with Epson printers delivered by Walt & Co, the device came with multiple additional ink cartridges. Which I like, and appreciate.

Using the WorkForce 845
My first review location was at my MedikLabs office

One of the pioneering features in the Epson WorkForce line is the touchscreen-based PC-less network connectivity.

Believe me, this is quite cool.

I easily connected to the network. I turned on my workstation, and voilà, my Windows 8 CP system auto-detected the WorkForce 845, and auto-installed drivers for it, albeit the basic drivers.

I sent a few files to it, and it did the job of printing easily.

I then sent myself a couple of faxes, made some black-and-white and color copies.

As mentioned above, the WF845 has an easy-to-use touchscreen.

It is quite possible to perform all MFC operations from the unit’s control console. The Epson software is just as capable.

One of the WF845 features Epson flaunts is print speed. And in this case, as with the entire WorkForce line, the 845 is a speed demon.

With either simplex (single-page) or duplex copies, the 845 speed through tasks. The WF845’s internal duplexing is fully integrated, and allows the device to achieve very impressive printing speeds.

Another Epson specialty is the durability of its inks. Epson printers are the only color inkjet AIOs that allow you to a double-sided color print without running inks. In fact, by the time the paper goes through the printer for the duplex pass, the ink on side one is already dry.

You really have to see this printer in action to believe this impressive feat.

We tested the Apple Print

Reviewing the WorkForce 845
For testing, I had the WorkForce 845 at Logikworx and at my local friendly realtor’s office.

As with all models, the WF845 proved capable and reliable.

The printer is quiet for and inkjet in operation, and isn’t an ink hog. Moreover, if like me, you shut of those pesky notifications, you would not be inundated with ink levels and/or ink purchase notifications.

This device is very well suited for SMBs in almost any situation where a deskside or workgroup printer/AIO is required. When you mix in the wireless network fax – yes, fax! – functionality, the WF845 then becomes a world beater.

When we interviewed the predecessor device, the WorkForce 840, we thought enough of it to give it our SmallBizWindows Superstar Award.

With the Workforce 845, Epson has taken that segment-leading device, and made it much better.

That makes it the recipient of the SmallBizWindows Superstar award.

It’s worth it.

© 2012, John Obeto II for Blackground Media Unlimited