Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C869R Review

Good: 84,000-page color replacement ink capacities, versatile paper-handling, PCL and PostScript printing languages.
Bad: Not intended for offices with high-volume printing needs; only available via the BTA reseller network.
Bottom Line: New inkjet MFP with strong features for SMBs.
Vendor:
Product:
Price:
Intended Users:
Epson
WF Pro WF-C869R
Unknown
Small, Medium
Speed Black:
Speed Color:
Processor:
Memory:
24ppm (ISO)
24ppm (ISO)
Not applicable
Not applicable
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Product Overview

The new WorkForce Pro WF-C869R joins Epson’s line of inkjet printers and MFPs aimed at small-to-medium-sized businesses. It includes printing, copying, scanning and faxing as standard features. The WF-C869R is similar in terms of speed to the older WorkForce Pro WF-6590 that was released in 2015.

The WF-C869R has an ISO speed of up to 24ppm in both black and color. The maximum draft speed is up to 35ppm and the duplex speed is 16ipm. This is in thanks to Epson’s inkjet technology, PrecisionCore. PrecsionCore uses a high-density print chip that can generate up to 40 million precise dots per second. This technology was originally found in Epson’s large-format printers and is now used in all of its printers and MFPs.

In addition to Epson’s proprietary printing language, the WF-C869R supports both PCL and PostScript. USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connectivity is standard. Mobile printing is also supported via the Epson Connect solution. Within the Epson Connect are the following features: Email Print, iPrint Mobile App, and Remote Print. Users can also print via the Apple AirPrint, Kindle Fire and Google Cloud Print.

There is also a 5″ color touchscreen so users can access common printing, copying, scanning and faxing workflows. The device also integrates with other web-based applications, such as PaperCut MF, via the Epson Open Platform.

The WF-C869R is sold through the Business Technology Association (BTA) reseller channel, so unfortunately, we don’t have a list price. Companies can contact their local reseller for a price quote.

More details on this device is in our Features section below.

Epson continues to upgrade its printers and MFPs with faster engine speeds and better features to help SMBs improve productivity and reduce operating costs. The WF-C689R includes strong features, such as versatile paper handling, mobile functionality and the extra-high-capacity cartridges.

Features

Standard paper handling starts with a 500-sheet tray, a 250-sheet tray and an 80-sheet rear tray. Epson offers two optional paper trays of 500 sheets each for a maximum capacity of 1,830 sheets. The device accepts paper sizes of up to 13″ x 19.”

The monthly duty cycle is 75,000 pages, but Epson recommends a monthly cycle of 10,000 pages. Automatic duplexing is supported. There is a 50-sheet document feeder.

Copy speed is up to 22cpm in black and 21cpm in color (ISO).  In addition to duplex copying, the device supports collating, resizing and adjustable copy density.

Scanning is done via a color CIS sensor. It supports scan-to-PC, scan-to-cloud, password protected PDFs and an address book via LDAP.

Faxing is supported via a 33.6kbps modem. Memory is up to 550 pages and PC faxing is standard.

One innovative feature of this device is in the yield of the replacement print cartridges. Epson offers both high-capacity and extra-high-capacity replacement cartridges for each of the four inks (black, cyan, yellow and magenta). The yields for the high-capacity black cartridge is 22, 500 pages and 22,000 pages for each color. However, the extra-high-capacity page yields are even higher: 86,000 pages per black and 84,000 pages for each color.

We don’t have pricing information to calculate the cost per page, but companies expect to save money on ink cartridges in the long run utilizing the extra-high-capacity page yields. The extra-high-capacity ink cartridges are higher than even Epson’s previous-generation devices.

The WF-C869R includes a wide range of security features, such as PIN number certification in order to release jobs, user control access, printer and network settings via Web Configuration, SSL/TLS and IPsec.

Companies’ IT staff can also collect data on the printers remotely via third-party MPS solutions, such as PrintFleet, ECI FMAudit and Print Audit.

  • Automatic Document Feeder?
  • Duplexing?
  • Ethernet Connectivity?
  • Wireless Connectivity?
  • Mobile Printing/Scanning?
  • Finishers?

Shortcomings

The WF-C869R is not intended for offices that has high-volume printing needs. Also, unlike previous Epson devices that we’ve covered, it’s only available for purchase via resellers and not in traditional retailers (e.g., Staples or Office Depot) or on Epson’s site.

About

Epson America is a division of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a manufacturer and supplier of imaging products, semiconductors, liquid crystal displays, and watches. The company has been an innovative designer of ink jet printers and sells an extensive product line. Most of these are geared to home and school use, but Epson continues to extend its line further into the office environment.

Epson has been making a more aggressive play for the document scanner market, although the company’s been in the multipurpose office scanner business for years. The models and other additions to its model line seem to be part of an effort to further extend its current scanner technology. As part of this effort, Epson makes these scanners available in consumer electronics stores such as Best Buy, along with Epson dealers and on its website.

Send feedback or corrections to feedback@betterbuys.com.

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on 2018-05-24 16:32:23

Superior quality with very low cost of operation