The best feature of the Epson CX5800F inkjet multifunction device is its suggested price of $129. You won't find many multifunction devices that offer all four standard features--print, scan, fax, and copy--at such a low price point. Unfortunately, the CX5800F's performance levels are far enough below average to negate the benefits of the low starting price for many users.

The CX5800F's printer function offers some specific photo-printing features, but it runs extremely slowly in "Best" mode (which you'll need to use for printing photos). When printing in "Draft" mode, the CX5800F can run as quickly as 20 ppm, but the print quality is not very good in "Draft" mode. This unit's 5760x1440 dpi maximum resolution is good for printing photos. You can use the CX5800F's memory card slots to print photos directly, but the unit unfortunately doesn't have an LCD with the capacity for previewing images.

Scanning and faxing functions with this multifunction device are a little below average. We'd like to see a little more resolution for scanning from the CX5800F, but it works pretty well overall and the glass flatbed surface is handy. This unit can send faxes at speeds up to 20 ppm, but the CX5800F doesn't offer many specialty fax features. However, we were disappointed in the CX5800F's copier function. It only operates as a maximum speed of 15 ppm in "Draft" mode and overall runs very slowly. You also cannot resize originals.

The CX5800F does offer a 100-sheet paper tray, which is handy. Finally some CX5800F users have reported serious problems with ink, both in needing replacement inks more quickly than with other models and in clogged ink that leaves the machine inoperable. The CX5800F's low starting price for a multifunction device is tempting, but most users will be less frustrated if they spend more for a model with more features and power.

Pros: Low starting price, good photo printing quality
Cons: Very slow printer, poor copier functions, some problems with inks, no high-end features, no LCD for previewing photos

Warranty
1-year limited