Lexmark X2250

If you use your computer for tasks that require a scanner and printer, such as genealogy or digital photography, a multifunction device may be just what you need. The Lexmark X2250 is a low-cost multifunction device that can scan, print and copy documents, even with the PC turned off.

The pictorial set-up guide is basic but easy to follow. The most important thing to get to grips with, though, is the PC software but we'll talk more about that later.

In printing mode, the X2250 is slow in comparison to similar devices. It managed just four pages of black text per minute - two pages less than the Canon SmartBase MP370 (see issue 156) - and an A4 colour photo took three minutes 21 seconds. Also, every colour printout carried a tint of purple and was unusually dark. With a bit of tinkering in the driver software this can be remedied but it's not the best solution. Nevertheless, black text was nice and crisp, which is some recompense. The X2250 has a maximum printing resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi in colour and 2400 x 1200 dpi in black.

The driver software includes voice warnings if any problems arise and alerts you when printing starts and ends. A print monitor indicates remaining ink levels of each tank, so there is little chance of running out unawares.

For scanning, copying and other tasks, the All-In-One Center software is simple to use. There is also some optical character recognition (OCR) software supplied so you can convert word-processed documents into editable text. Although, it's not as adept as dedicated OCR software, it's good enough.

The X2250 has a maximum optical scanning resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi, which is plenty for high-quality photo scans. For quick copies in either mono or colour, the X2250 can work independently of the PC via buttons situated on the top of the device. As a fax machine, though, it needs to be connected to a PC, as it piggybacks on the computer's modem to send and receive faxes.

If you are tight on desk space and money, the Lexmark X2250 is a good option with some useful tricks up its sleeve. Its photo print quality and speed could be better though.

Contact: Lexmark 08704 440044
www.lexmark.co.uk