Lexmark Impact S305
Manufacturer: Lexmark Part number: 90T3005
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Lexmark Impact S305's low price tag, simple setup, and straightforward features are sure to draw in budget customers with intermittent printing needs. With extra features like wireless printing and a media card reader, the Impact earns a solid recommendation.
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CNET editors' review
Lexmark Impact S305 price range: $49.99 - $105.63
- Reviewed by: Justin Yu
- Edited by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 01/20/2010
The good: Fast print speeds; inexpensive; easy wireless setup; comprehensive driver features.
The bad: Lacks automatic document feeder; small LCD screen.
The bottom line: The Lexmark Impact S305's low price tag, simple setup, and straightforward features are sure to draw in budget customers with intermittent printing needs. With extra features like wireless printing and a media card reader, the Impact earns a solid recommendation.
The Impact S305 is Lexmark's budget printer for homes that don't have a lot of money to spend but still want the added functionality of a multifunction printer. We hesitate to slap the "all-in-one" label on it, as the device has no dedicated fax capability. It can print, scan, and copy, however, with ease and impressive speed. The Impact S305 not only printed faster than every competitor in the sub-$100 range, but also maintained a solid quality rating across every sample print. The $99 Lexmark Impact doesn't flaunt the most groundbreaking design, but we suspect you will find the printer's speed and efficiency equally satisfying.
Design and Features
Sub-$100 printers hardly ever cause a stir in attractive designs, but we were surprised to see the low-profile, sleek silhouette on the Lexmark Impact S305. Sitting at 7 inches tall by 18 inches wide by 16 inches deep, the printer is by no means compact, but its short stature and lack of protruding accessories keep the package tight and visually appealing. The top of the scanner cover features small perforations complemented by a glossy gray border and a matte black overlay that should have no problems fitting in with the rest of your office theme.
The control panel sits on the front face and can either stay flush within the unit or rotate out at an angle for unobstructed visibility. Given the limited set of features, this cockpit only gives you the minimum buttons necessary to operate the printer: a large power button and a setup key live on the top left, followed by start and stop buttons and a color/black toggle on the top right, and a 2-inch LCD with a navigational pad and three feature buttons for Copy, Scan, and Photo are accessible right in the middle. All of the buttons on the control panel light up in the dark, as well.
The Impact's biggest competitor in terms of price and features is the Canon PIXMA MX330, another budget multifunction printer with gains over Lexmark in LCD size and an included automatic document feeder. Lexmark gets points for including a media card reader with a Pictbridge USB port on the lower half of the machine. The reader supports SD, MemoryStick, xD, and MMC cards, effectively letting you leave the USB cable for your digital camera at home.
You get another USB port on the back for a direct connection to your host computer, but you can also use the built-in 802.11g/b Wireless print server. Setting up the wireless connection is a simple matter of inserting the included setup CD and running through the connection wizard. We also hand it to Lexmark for offering a foolproof step-by-step guide on the CD that holds your hand through the initial setup.
The Impact S305 can handle up to 100 sheets of plain paper in the rear-loading, adjustable tray, and all prints shoot out of the front onto an extendable plastic arm. This method is standard for modern printers, but office jockeys used to robust features like auto-document feeding, double-sided printing, extra-large paper trays, and alternate page layouts might find Lexmark's Platinum Pro 905 more tailored to their needs.
Part of the initial setup requires you to install the print head and each of the four black, yellow, cyan, and magenta cartridges. While many other manufacturers like Canon include only a two-ink cartridge bay in its budget offerings, Lexmark forges ahead and gives you three individual cartridges plus a separate black cartridge for richer, more realistic snapshots. The printer is also one of many to feature Lexmark's newest Vizix individual ink cartridges. Using the XL capacity cartridges, which offer a better overall value for the page yields, we calculate the price of one page of black ink to cost 5 cents per page and 3 cents per page for color. Both costs are average for a printer at this price.
The Lexmark Impact S305 ships with minimal paperwork to conserve paper, and you can access most of the instructions, warranty information, and promotional offers on the CD included in the box. Along with the drivers that support Windows XP, Vista, and Mac OS X, the CD also automatically installs several Lexmark productivity programs onto your computer. The Lexmark Toolbar gives you a shortcut bar on top of your Web browser for easy-access printing. Lexmark's Productivity Studio and Imaging Studio programs provide an easy way to auto-edit or crop your photos and include them on a series of creative projects, and the Lexmark Service Center acts as a troubleshooting aid, should you encounter a snag in the printing process. We also enjoyed using the onscreen progress bar that automatically pops up when you print. It shows you the progress of your job in an easy-to-read percentage bar (the LCD on the control panel also shows the progress), displays a graphic representation of your ink depletion and provides a warning when the paper trays are running low.
Performance
If you weren't already impressed by the bundled features and ease of use, you'll be confident knowing that the Lexmark Impact S305 laid down total domination in the race for print speed. The best example of the $100 printer's unreal gains over the rest is its 7.31-page-per-minute (PPM) text speed. Next to the $200 HP Officejet J6480's paltry 5.54 PPM, the Impact S305 should start looking more appealing by now, but it's not just the text speed. In fact, the S305 bested the competition in text speed, color graphics speed, single-sheet photo speed, and presentation speed. If all you're looking for is an inexpensive and superfast printer, the Impact S305 deserves your undivided attention.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
 |
Presentation Speed (PPM) | |
Photo Speed (1 Sheet) | |
Color Graphics Speed (PPM) | |
Text Speed (PPM) |
We maintain a similar opinion about the S305's print quality. The black text prints aren't lacking at all--in fact, they are close to laser quality, which we've come to expect from Lexmark. Lines appear rich, with a slight hint of wicking that produces a slightly blurred image, but such imperfections are acceptable with inkjet printers, especially ones at this price. We also have few complaints about the quality of color prints and snapshot photos. After closely examining several sample prints, we found all of the 4-inch-by-6-inch photos pointedly reproduced with a strong color gamut and little loss to overall quality.
Service and Support
Lexmark covers the Impact S305 with a generous three-year warranty that includes lifetime priority phone support. The warranty will transfer ownership in case you want to sell the printer within the five years. In addition, the Lexmark Web site's AnswerBase provides a comprehensive list of FAQs, how-tos, dockets with device specifications, warranty extension information, and driver updates. Users having trouble with the printer can contact tech support via live chat or e-mail (Lexmark claims to respond within one business day) from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Finally, Lexmark also offers customer service training in both its printers and general computing at designated authorized locations. Online courses are also available.
Find out more about how we test printers.
User reviews
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Good printer but the Ink cost is going to get you
by john_stone on March 3, 2010
Pros: This is my first wireless and so far it has been nice. I like the desgin and set up. The cost ($80 at Stapples) made me feel like it was a good value ...
Cons: HOWEVER, the black ink ran out fast (2 weeks) after the initial set up. I'm hoping that this is not normal because I looked on-line for discount cartridges and none are out there for this printer. And refill stores won't refill the cartridges either.
Summary: I was looking for a nice basic wireless printer to just print up everyday things at home. I think I found that but in the long run the idea of ...
Summary: I was looking for a nice basic wireless printer to just print up everyday things at home. I think I found that but in the long run the idea of often having to shell out $16 for the standard cartridge to $25 for the XL one makes the purchase frustrating.
Three stars is way too high for this printer. After going out and buying new ink cartridges which about equals the value of this printer. I'm finding out that it is sucking through the ink even in draft mode and constantly needs to deep clean the printer heads. Even with that it isn't printing clearly. I wish I bought something else.
Updated on Mar 5, 20109 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Warning: Add $86 to the price of this printer
by pjanike on March 15, 2010
Pros: Fast printing, easy to operate once installed
Cons: The biggest one: Lexmark ships this printer with only enough ink to start using the printer (Their own words)
Additional cons: The wireless connection was not easy to set up, the scanner/copier is not very clear, and the software is mediocreSummary: I bought this printer in part because of it's positive reviews on CNET. I love this site and value the information shared here.
Lexmark shipped the printer with four ...Summary: I bought this printer in part because of it's positive reviews on CNET. I love this site and value the information shared here.
Lexmark shipped the printer with four nearly empty ink cartridges. I bought the printer two weeks ago from Staples. I have printed maybe 5 pages a day on average, and I just bought 4 new ink cartridges. I contacted Lexmark the day I installed the printer because the printer notified me the ink levels were low. The customer service person said our printers are shipped with only enough ink to start using the printer. More like just enough ink to get you past the date when you cannot return the printer.
I contacted Staples and they said it was normal for "low end printers" to be shipped with used cartridges. By the time I found out Lexmark would not send me a new set of cartridges I had already printed 20 or so pages. Staples would not take back the printer.
My advice would be to not purchase ths printer unless it is more than $86 cheaper than5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Buyer BEWARE!
by AZRev on February 5, 2010
Pros: Uh, it looked nice.
Cons: Couldn't get the wireless to work more than 4 times in a 24 hour period. Probably tried 7 or 8 times.
Summary: I see three other reviewers like this printer but I had to reload the software 3 times to use the wireless to print 4 times. Was on phone with tech ...
Summary: I see three other reviewers like this printer but I had to reload the software 3 times to use the wireless to print 4 times. Was on phone with tech support for an HOUR and he couldn't figure it out. (He was obviously in India and had a hard time understanding him. Nice guy, though) He eventually blamed it on my router even though I told him my laptop could see my wireless network. Went back to HP. Had no problem with their wireless Photosmart! Been working fine from the get-go. Oh, when the Lexmark did print, there were three letters that were smudged. I printed again thinking it would correct but no, same bad print job. Couldn't believe how poorly this printer worked.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Prints great but lexmark screws you on cartridges.
Pros: I like the wireless and the speed of printing. We make lots of copies and it does that very well.
Cons: The Ink for this printer is hard to find AND non-refillable by ANYONE. I am very disappointed that they felt obligated to make life hard for normal people who are now REQUIRED to buy 30 and 50 dollar XL carts. as the little ones run out in ten pages.
Summary: Great printer from a greedy manufacturer. Not satisfied with well earned dominance in inexpensive quality printers, they made it so nobody can refill the ink in a bad economy. I ...
Summary: Great printer from a greedy manufacturer. Not satisfied with well earned dominance in inexpensive quality printers, they made it so nobody can refill the ink in a bad economy. I was initially very happy with this unit but now I feel vaguely screwed. My old X1270 went bad and I went to the company I trusted to get a new one and they took my wallet hostage for new ink. Their "return program" sounds nice until you realize you are giving them YOUR cartridge an get nothing for it which they refill and proudly offer to SELL it back to you for FULL RETAIL VALUE. I went to the only store I have seen Cartridges in and bought XL carts for it as the dinky ones run out in less time than it took me to drive to the store to buy them. The XL carts are what we USED to call normal carts. Apparently "stiff the consumer" is Lexmark's new policy.
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great all in one printer / copier / scanner
by bobbyb0322 on December 12, 2009
Pros: Wifi, Copier, Print Quality
Cons: If anything I wish it had a fax option on it.
Summary: Bought this as an impulse buy when I bought a new netbook. Retailer had $60 off select printers with purchase of a computer and it was on sale that week ...
Summary: Bought this as an impulse buy when I bought a new netbook. Retailer had $60 off select printers with purchase of a computer and it was on sale that week for $69 so I only paid $10. Expectations were low due to this but man was I happy with what I got. The quality of this printer is outstanding. The unit feels very solid where lots of printers feel very cheaply made. Wifi was setup quickly and my entire house (PC, Laptop, and Netbook) are all connected wirelessly. Ink replacement for this model is cheap (I have found black ink for around $15).
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Lordy. Lordy - what a scam!!
by kasyyy on May 15, 2010
Pros: Fast - good and easy setup - scans well -s fotware is ok -
Cons: MY GAWD!! I got 30 prints sheets out of a xl black cartridge -when I complained I was told too bad - or in essence nothing they would do - I am VERY disappointed in this printer - the ink will ruin you - I have to get rid of it - I cannot afford it!
Summary: This printer is going bye-bye - i will give it away - I cannot afford to print with it!
Summary: This printer is going bye-bye - i will give it away - I cannot afford to print with it!
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Read this cnet review, bought printer, many regrets
by pjw1000 on May 30, 2011
Pros: Worked great initially. Setup was relatively quick and all functions worked well .... then (and rather quickly) the cyan ink ran dry. Then .....
Cons: I bought "compatible" cartridges, installed them, and now NOTHING works. It doesn't even allow me to scan. I believe that Lexmark's software really punishes the user for not using Lexmark ink cartridges. The failures were gradual: first black streaks
Summary: CNET should be more thorough in its reviews.
Summary: CNET should be more thorough in its reviews.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent budget All-in-one printer
by Dehdar on May 27, 2011
Pros: Fast, very easy to setup (including the wireless-network) and very cheap ink.
Cons: NO LCD display for photos, but if I had paid $30 more I'd have got duplex functionality and the LCD display, so it's not really a "con"...
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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WOW! This is a Great Printer!
by Ronald441 on April 27, 2011
Pros: Simple to print - copy - and scan... and ink is cheap, for $7.and some change.. and the XL cartridges are refillable. The scanner and print quality are exceptional.... This is a real All-in-One printer compared to my old HP2050 which I could not even refi
Cons: It will not fit against the back of my computer desk... I had to drill holes for the plug-in's.... Oh well...
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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review was good.....printer was bad
by bamberg_1 on March 15, 2011
Pros: The printer was easy to install and setup, even the wifi went well.
Cons: Printhead error on 2 machines
Summary: Had the first printer 2 weeks, then got an error message that the printhead was bad. Called tech support and uploaded a hardware patch, didn't work. Took unit back ...
Summary: Had the first printer 2 weeks, then got an error message that the printhead was bad. Called tech support and uploaded a hardware patch, didn't work. Took unit back and got a second one. Ten days later with the new printer the same thing. This time I got my money back, not doing it 3 times.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lexmark
- Part number: 90T3005
- Description: Lexmark innovation at its best: you'll change only the color you need. It's easier on you, your budget, and the environment. Print right from your memory card, camera, or flash drive. Lexmark International's patented Vizix ink cartridges are engineered for intense ink-droplet precision - vivid, razor sharp images and highlighter-resistant mono text, page after page after page.
General
- Copier Type Digital
- Printing Technology Ink-jet - Color
- Monthly Duty Cycle (max) 5000 impressions
- Display 2 lines
- Width 18.3 in
- Depth 13.3 in
- Height 7 in
- Weight 14.4 lbs
Memory
- Supported Flash Memory Memory Stick PRO,
MultiMediaCard,
Memory Stick,
SD Memory Card,
xD-Picture Card Copying
- Max Copying Speed up to 25 ppm (mono) / up to 21 ppm (color)
- Max Document Enlargement 400 %
- Max Document Reduction 25 %
- Automatic Duplexing None
Printing
- Inkjet Technology Lexmark Thermal Inkjet
- Max Printing Resolution up to 2400 x 1200 dpi (mono) / up to 4800 x 1200 dpi (color)
- Max Printing Speed up to 33 ppm (mono) / up to 30 ppm (color)
- Ink Cartridge Configuration 4 cartridges (1 each: cyan, magenta, yellow, black)
- Ink Palette Supported (Colors) cyan, magenta, yellow, black
- Color 4-ink
Scanning
- Scan Element CIS
- Optical Resolution 1200 x 2400 dpi
- Color Depth (Internal) 48 bit
Document & Media Handling
- Max Original Size 8.5 in x 11.7 in
- Original Type Sheets
- Max Copy Size 8.5 in x 17 in
- Supported Media Type Banner,
Iron-on transfers,
Cards,
Envelopes,
Transparencies,
Plain paper,
Photo paper - Borderless Photo Sizes 3.95 in x 5.9 in
- Standard Media Capacity 100 sheets
- Output Trays Capacity 25 sheets
- Document & Media Handling Details Input tray - 100 sheets,
Output tray - 25 sheets - Speed Details Printing : up to 33 ppm - B/W draft,
Printing : up to 30 ppm - Color draft,
Printing : up to 18 ppm - B/W normal,
Printing : up to 11 ppm - Color normal,
Copying : up to 25 ppm - B/W draft,
Copying : up to 21 ppm - Color draft
PC Connectivity
- PC Connection Availability Yes
- PC Connection USB host,
Hi-Speed USB,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11g - Operating System Support MS Windows XP Professional x64 Edition,
MS Windows XP,
MS Windows 7,
Apple Mac OS X 10.4.4 - 10.5.x,
MS Windows Vista (64-bit versions),
Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9,
MS Windows Vista,
MS Windows 2000 SP4 or later Miscellaneous
- Direct Printing Specifications PictBridge
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards IEC 60950,
VCCI Class B ITE,
SEMKO,
PSE Mark,
cULus,
C-Tick Class B,
FCC Class B certified,
TUV GS,
CCIB,
UL 60950 Third Edition,
BSMI Class B,
CB,
CCC Class B,
ICES Class B,
IEC 60825-1,
CSA,
CE Class B Environmental Standards
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
Manufacturer Warranty
- Manufacturer Warranty 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 3 years
Dimensions & Weight (Shipping)
- Shipping Width 21.2 in
- Shipping Depth 15.9 in
- Shipping Height 9.8 in
- Shipping Weight 20 lbs
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 60.8 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 89.6 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 8 - 80%
Accessories
- Lexmark Cartridge No. 100XLA - print cartridge (34078743)21.19 - 64.99
- Lexmark Cartridge No. 100XLA - print cartridge (34078759)33.97 - 70.32
- Lexmark Cartridge No. 100XLA - print cartridge (34078750)22.63 - 33.33
- Lexmark Cartridge No. 100XLA - print cartridge (34078751)22.63 - 64.99
- Lexmark Cartridge No. 100XL - print cartridge (33783302)7.49 - 53.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Lexmark products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Lexmark
- Address:
740 W. New Circle Road, Lexington, KY 40550 - Phone: 1-800-539-6275
