Review: Lexmark X9350 multi-function device

Lexmark's top-of-the-range, wireless all-in-one machine has all the extras, but what about the fundamentals?

Lexmark’s X9350 can print, scan, copy, fax and do it all wirelessly.

It’s conventionally designed, with a 50-sheet Auto-Document Feeder (ADF) connected to the flatbed scanner at the top.

At the bottom of the front panel is a 150-sheet paper feed. It's possible to double the paper capacity with another optional feed, but for home offices, the standard volume should be fine.

To the right of the paper feed are slots for memory cards, with all the major types supported and a Pictbridge socket for connecting compatible digital cameras.

The Lexmark X9350 supports two ink cartridges - black and tri-colour – that are used for day to day printing. Swap the black with a three-colour photo tank for better-quality six-colour photo printing.

The slanted control panel at the front has a 6.3cm screen and a directional pad for easy menu navigation. A column of function keys and numerical keypad for fax dialling are also housed here.

In essence, the X9350 is very easy to use and the screen is easily big enough to preview photos before printing.

USB and network sockets adorn the rear but those with a Wifi network can connect the X9350 wirelessly. Setting this up is straightforward; attach it to a computer via a cable and install the wireless software driver. The cable can then be disconnected and the printer positioned anywhere within range of the wireless router.

Print quality is good both text and photo prints, though colour photocopies look pallid in comparison with their originals. There's also an offset of over half a centimetre between images copied from the flatbed and those copied from the ADF.

Print speeds are slow, with colour pages at normal print quality completing at an average of two pages per minute, which is less than half Lexmark's claimed speed. Double-sided printing is possible on the X9350, but it only produces three black text sides per minute.

In short, this multi-function device is best suited to the home or small office rather than those looking for top-quality, pacey prints. And at almost £300, a better deal can certainly be found elsewhere.

Vista compatible: Yes