Epson Stylus SX235W All In One Printer Review

The Epson Stylus SX235W is an attractive compact printer offering print, scan and copy functions via a Wireless or USB connection. It is a cut-down version of the SX445W and offers similar features except for the lack of an LCD colour screen and muli-card inputs. Printing speeds are also slightly slower.

Just like the SX445W, this printer has been branded 'Small in One' because it is 39% smaller than the model it replaces! A welcome move for people with limited desk space and environmental groups.

The SX235W uses Epson Fox Inks, T1281, T1282, T1283 and T1284 cartridges (mult-pack costs around £30 to replace) which are included inside the box together with the installation CD and sample photo paper. There is no USB cable included so you will need to purchase one if you are not using s Wireless connection.

As with many electronic products today this printer will have a limited useful life. Planned obsolescence means that after a certain number of prints the printer will display a 'service required' error message and refuse to print. On earliar Epson models it was possible to reset the counter back to zero, however no software is available for use with the latest models. The print heads nozzles are also prone to blockages but can be successully cleaned in most cases using cleaning cartridges.

If you are intending on using the machine as a stand-alone device we would recommend you paying a little extra for the SX445W model which includes an LCD colour screen and memory card function. Otherwise this is an OK sort of purchase for a modest printer user.

Update: 20th September 2011
Compatible and empty refillable cartridges can now be purchased for this device. Expect to pay around £15 per set for either the Fox or Apple copy Inks. There are as far no reports of problems with the 6.2 series microchips.

Update: 7th September 2012:
Asda are now selling this model for £35.