Lexmark X6170 review

The Lexmark X6170 is a printer, scanner, copier and fax in one: a 'multi-function device' with a design that can frankly only be described as bizarre.

Even though it's actually fairly small, its paper input and output trays stick out of the front and back. Given the width required to squeeze in a full A4 scanner and automatic document feeder, this makes the X6170 occupy rather a lot of desk space.

But then, it has plenty packed in. Not only does the X6170 combine a printer and scanner (which together make it a copier), it also has a built-in fax modem - and, as we've already mentioned, an automatic document feeder, so you can copy or fax multiple pages unattended. The document feeder sits on top of the scanning hood, which itself sits behind a comprehensive yet simple control panel. It has all the buttons required to use the X6170 as a traditional standalone fax and copier, including speed-dial buttons. (As an aside, the main function buttons and the LCD panel have an attractive neon blue backlight - hardly vital, but it looks nice.)

All the X6170's moving parts - the printer's paper trays, the scanner hood, the document feeder - feel disturbingly cheap and plasticky. For example, the entire upper portion of the unit hinges up to allow access to the ink cartridges, and is supported by a flimsy catch.

But the true test of a product lies in the results it produces. Here, we were sorely disappointed. On standard paper, both text and graphics output were ropey. Even on premium glossy paper, the results were average at best, with noticeable banding and dots that were surprisingly visible.

Print speed is around 7ppm. Quite where Lexmark got the X6170's quoted print speed of 19ppm from is anyone's guess. Even in Draft mode, we only managed to crank it up to just under 10ppm - and then, the print quality was terrible. When asked to output any graphics, the X6170 chugged along, taking a minute and a half to print a single-page newsletter with embedded photos.

The print driver provides loads of additional options, such as the ability to print banners or mirror-image prints, although the whole thing looked rather too consumer-oriented for something that's more at home in the office.

The X6170 comes with Lexmark's 'All-In-One Center' utility, which provides a pleasant and easy-to-use environment from which to access all the device's main features. Scanned images are sent by default to Lexmark Photo Editor, but if you have any other image editing software, we'd advise you to use it. Lexmark's software is pretty basic.

Scanning performance was more impressive, with crisp images and accurate colours. The X6170 has a lot of potential, and offers a wide range of functions at a reasonable price. It is let down by disappointing print quality and some questionable design decisions.