Lexmark X125

Most people want a scanner and a printer but what they don't want is to give up acres of desk space for them. An increasingly popular solution is the multifunction device, combining printer, scanner, fax and copier in one box.

On first impressions the diminutive size of the Lexmark X125 is appealing. This is due to the type of scanner used. Rather than having a flat, glass screen with the scanning head moving underneath it, sheet-fed scanners work by moving the paper past the scan head.

Although this reduces the amount of space required for the machine on your desktop it does come at a cost: nothing thicker than normal paper will feed through, so scanning cards and books is not an option.

If you want to use this as a fax machine, its 30-sheet document feeder makes light work of large documents.

Setup was straightforward and the supplied software takes the user through the process. A USB connection makes this easier.

The software's ink level meters are helpful; when ink begins to run low, replacement details are supplied. However, scanning and printing have to be done separately rather than from one easy-to-use, on-screen panel.

Printing speed was good for a device of this type but there are faster dedicated printers around. Print quality was average with more obvious dots, especially on areas of yellow. In contrast, mono printing gave clear and sharp text and graphics.

Unlike some of its other, cheaper rivals, the X125's fax facility operates without using the PC's modem.

The colour fax facility is a nice addition, although it is somewhat undermined by the fact that colour faxing still isn't commonplace and most other fax machines can't receive them. Perhaps more useful is the X125's ability to store 70 speed-dial fax numbers in memory.

Unlike some other similar devices, the Lexmark X125 is quite dependent on the host PC and copying requires it to be on; waiting for the PC to start up before making a copy may dissuade you from using it.

If you do a lot of faxing and are after a flexible device, this warrants consideration. If not, there are better options available.

DETAILS
Price: £159

Contact: Lexmark 0870 444 0044
www.lexmark.co.uk

See also:

Lexmark X85

Is this all-in-one device good enough for you throw away your printer and scanner?  02 Jan 2003

Brother M-Print

Print anywhere with this tiny all-in-one device.  12 Dec 2002

Lexmark X75

Enter the space race with this integrated scanner and printer from Lexmark.  24 Oct 2002

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