Epson EcoTank L6490 (L6490) Print/Scan/Copy/Fax Wi-Fi Business Printer Black Review
Introduction
The Epson EcoTank L6490 is marketed as a high-speed, low-cost business printer. But does it live up to the hype? I’ve spent the last few weeks putting this monochrome workhorse through its paces, testing its print speed, scan quality, and overall reliability in a typical office environment. This in-depth review will cover all aspects of the L6490, offering an honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.
Features
The L6490 boasts a comprehensive feature set designed for busy offices. Key features include its integrated fax functionality, Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless network integration, and the signature EcoTank refillable ink system. The front-facing ink tanks make refills remarkably easy and mess-free. The auto-duplex printing is a significant time saver, especially for high-volume printing. The Epson Smart Panel app provides convenient mobile control, which is a significant plus.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 9.41 KG |
| Colour Name | Black |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Set Includes | 1 printer |
| What’s In The Box | 1 printer, 1 set of inks |
| Printer Output Type | Monochrome/Black and White |
| Printer Functions | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax |
| Product Length | 44 cm |
| Product Height | 42 cm |
| Product Width/Depth | 41 cm |
| Wattage | 12 W |
| Features | Personal, Business, Programmable, Indicator Lights, Ergonomic |
| Model Number | L6490 |
| Model Name | L6490 |
| Item Quantity | 1 |
Performance
Print speeds are impressive, consistently meeting the advertised 17ipm. Print quality is excellent; the DuraBrite ET pigment inks produce crisp, smudge-proof text, ideal for professional documents. Scan quality is equally good, with accurate color reproduction and sharp details. The fax function worked flawlessly in my testing, delivering clear and legible transmissions. The overall reliability of the L6490 has been excellent during my testing period, with no noticeable jams or malfunctions.
The EcoTank system truly shines in terms of cost-effectiveness. The included ink bottles provide a massive page yield, significantly reducing the ongoing printing costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. The ease of refilling the tanks is also a major advantage, saving both time and effort.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-fast print speeds
- Exceptional print quality
- Extremely low cost per page
- Easy-to-use ink tank system
- Reliable performance
- Comprehensive feature set (Print, Scan, Copy, Fax)
- Compact design
Cons:
- Slightly larger footprint compared to some compact printers
- No automatic document feeder for scanning
- Wired connection is the primary connection type.
Final Verdict
The Epson EcoTank L6490 (L6490) is a fantastic choice for businesses needing a reliable, high-speed, and cost-effective monochrome printer. Its impressive print quality, ease of use, and low running costs more than compensate for its minor drawbacks. I highly recommend the L6490 to any business looking to reduce its printing expenses without sacrificing performance or quality.
