Review: Lexmark X8350 multifunction device

With a print speed of up to 25 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 19ppm in colour, Lexmark's X8350 MFD (multifunction device) offers plenty of speed for a small office.

The built-in automatic document feeder (ADF) takes up to 50 sheets and saves time by allowing you to start a copy or fax job and walk away while it completes.

The inclusion of photo-quality printing, four memory card slots and Pictbridge support for direct connection to digital cameras makes it extremely versatile.

The 2.4in colour LCD panel allows you to edit and print photos without the need for a PC.

As you'd expect from an installation requiring a whopping 800MB of disk space, the software goes way beyond a simple set of drivers.

Lexmark's Productivity Suite provides an integrated interface, incorporating simple tools for carrying out all the main functions of the device from your PC, as well as applications for managing your documents and photos.

Plenty of help and tutorials are also given along the way.

If you want to take a closer look at the software suite, check Lexmark's demo.

Unfortunately, the software suite is an all or nothing install and it won't let you choose where to store the various components - something that could cause problems if your C drive is running low on space.

To enable six-colour printing and obtain the best photo-quality printing, you must swap the black cartridge for a photo colour one, leaving the remaining colour cartridge in place.

It's a little annoying to have to make such a swap, but cartridge installation is easy and information on the Lexmark's LCD panel makes resorting to the printed manual unnecessary.

We were a little disappointed with the photo print quality of the X8350. It's certainly much better than Lexmark's P450 photo printer, but can't match that of products such as Canon's MP800R.

This Lexmark device also lacks the built-in wireless networking in Canon's MFD.

However, the X8350 costs a great deal less and offers fax and ADF capabilities with networking available as an optional extra.