Kodak ESP 5

Well-rounded but unpredictable unit



KODAK'S NEWEST ALL-IN-ONE inkjet printer, the $169.99 ESP 5, is a decent all-around unit with better-than-average print quality. It was extremely unpredictable during testing, howerver. Once we ironed out its issues, we found it to be easy to use, with intuitive controls and long-lasting ink tanks that almost made up for the hassles.
As a multifunction unit, the ESP 5 can copy, print, and scan, but not fax or network. Aimed at photo printing, the ESP 5 features a snazzy 3-inch LCD, as well as a multiformat memorycard reader. It also has Bluetooth support (you'll need an adapter though), along with a PictBridge USB port on the front of its bezel.
Cost per page is pleasingly low at just 2 cents per page for monochrome text, 6 cents for graphics and text, and 10 cents for photos. The tanks are long lasting as well.
Print quality was adequate and color reproduction even, despite generally muted colors. Text was sharp and readable all the way down to the smallest font sizes. Plus, the scanner produced acceptably accurate copies in both color and monochrome.
Print speeds were slow: It took 3 minutes and 52 seconds to print a 10-page mixed document of text and photos, and 4 minutes to print a 20-page text file. Photos were fast, though, requiring just 21 seconds for a 4x6-inch print.



Sadly, during testing, we experienced numerous software crashes, as well as many failed print jobs and random errors. It's a shame as the ESP 5 is genuinely easy to use and produces decent photo prints at an affordable price.-J.N.

Computer Shopper October 2008.
www.kodak.com