Introduction

The Epson LQ-350 has been on my desk for the past month, and I’ve put it through its paces. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at this grey dot matrix printer, covering its performance, features, and overall value. While dot matrix printers might seem like a relic of the past, the LQ-350 offers a compelling case for itself in specific niches, particularly where high-volume printing and multi-part forms are involved. Let’s see if it lives up to Epson’s reputation.

Features

The LQ-350 boasts several features designed for both ease of use and efficient operation. Its versatile connectivity options – including USB, parallel, and serial interfaces – make integration into existing systems straightforward. The compact design and cable management system are a welcome addition, ensuring it doesn’t take up excessive desk space. The mounting groove is a neat touch, improving stability during printing.

The printer’s high ribbon yield of 2.5 million characters is a significant advantage, reducing running costs and minimizing the frequency of ribbon changes. Epson also highlights the energy efficiency, claiming low power consumption (1.3W in sleep mode and 23W when powered on), and an ENERGY STAR qualification. The claim of a 10,000-hour mean time between failures (MTBF) suggests high reliability, crucial for continuous-use applications.

Performance

In terms of speed, the LQ-350 performs adequately for its class. It’s not blazing fast, but it handles large print jobs without significant delays. The print quality is crisp and clear, suitable for invoices, receipts, and other multi-part forms. The noise levels are notably low – a significant improvement over some older dot matrix printers. I ran several extensive print tests, including both single-part and multi-part forms, and I experienced no significant jams or issues. The high-precision printing quality is certainly noticeable; the text remains crisp even on multiple copies.

The printer’s ability to handle various paper types, including multi-part forms, proved useful. The setup was surprisingly straightforward. Connecting it to my Windows machine via USB was quick and simple, and drivers were easily found on Epson’s website. Overall, the performance matches the claimed specifications and expectations.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: High ribbon yield, low power consumption, energy-efficient, quiet operation, versatile connectivity, compact design, high reliability, good print quality.
• Cons: Not the fastest printer on the market (but fast enough for its purpose), might not suit all modern office environments, the technology is considered dated by some.

Final Verdict

The Epson LQ-350 delivers on its promise of high yield and reliable performance. While it may not appeal to every user – those needing high-speed, color printing would be better served elsewhere – for specific applications needing continuous printing of multi-part forms or for businesses prioritizing low running costs, the LQ-350 is a strong contender. Its ease of use, robust construction, and low running costs make it a valuable addition to certain work environments. I would confidently recommend it to those who need a reliable, cost-effective dot matrix printer. For others, it is advisable to explore newer printing technologies.