Sharp AJ 5030 review (printer - color - ink-jet)

Software support?
There's nothing special about the software that Sharp bundles with this device. Unlike most of its peers, the AJ-5030 doesn't have a memory-resident program for most scanning operations--you must launch its File Manager-like scanning desktop or use a TWAIN-compliant program to acquire images from the scanner. The scanning software doesn't make it easy to select your own scanning resolution--it gives you presets starting at 200x200dpi (dots per inch). For onscreen viewing, 100dpi or even 75dpi can be adequate; to shrink to the default resolution, you must reduce the image using editing software after scanning.

There is one Sharp program that runs in the background, though. It's a scan-to-e-mail program that takes up a total of 2.75MB of RAM while inactive and works with the AJ-5030's e-mail button to attach a scan to an outgoing e-mail message. This is a pretty limited use for an always-on program--other MFDs add print monitors and toolbars with many more scanning options--but it does the job well.

Fortunately, Sharp stands behind its product. In addition to the standard one-year warranty, tech support is available by phone 24/7 for the life of the printer. The Sharp Web site also offers FAQs, drivers, and e-mail support.

The one that you want?
Although it has several marks against it, the AJ-5030 could meet the needs of some users. Its sheet feeder and flatbed meld the features of a desktop fax and the convenience of a photocopier nicely. The fax functions are capable enough for more-than-occasional fax use. But if your focus is on fast and attractive printing, especially of color graphics, look elsewhere.

Multifunction printer speed Pages per minute (longer bars indicate better performance) Color text and graphics    Text only

Sharp AJ-5030 0.5  2.2  Lexmark X83 0.7  4.2  Canon MultiPass F30 0.9  6.9

 

Multifunction printer quality • Poor   •• Fair   ••• Good   •••• Excellent

Printer Text Graphics Plain paper  Coated paper  Plain paper  Coated paper   Sharp AJ-5030 ••• •••• •• ••  Lexmark X83 ••• •••• •••• ••••  Canon MultiPass F30 ••• •••• ••• •••

 

The Sharp AJ-5030's speeds were disappointing, even for this class of printer. And unfortunately, you won't be rewarded for your patience. While text was acceptable, the graphics output looked merely fair.