Performance
The Lexmark X3550 performed as well as we expected for a very inexpensive color multifunction. It printed text at a rate of 4.34 pages per minute (ppm), at least a full page slower than the rest of the competition (its competitors were slightly more expensive). It fared better with 4x6 photo prints, producing them at a rate of 0.77ppm. And it was fairly speedy with scans, as well, producing grayscale scans at a rate of 4.45ppm and color scans at a rate of 5.36ppm.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Color scan speed | |
Grayscale scan speed | |
4x6 photo speed | |
Text speed |
The X3550's quality was also as expected: not spectacular, but decent and serviceable for the occasional home user. Black text prints were nicely dark and looked good at arm's length, but close inspection showed us lots of imperfections and jagged edges on characters. The color graphics print revealed smooth color gradients, though overall, the color was a bit faded. Blocks of color showed graininess and horizontal striations. The 4x6 print fared the worst of all: colors were dull, graininess and horizontal striations marred the entire print, and the image lacked sharpness.
Happily, the X3550 did a better job with scans. The color scan was sharp and detailed, though colors looked overly dark and somber. The grayscale scan was also sharp, though we saw compression in the dark end of the grayscale, which resulted in lost details in shadow areas. Overall, the X3550 did a decent job and is fine for home users who make occasional prints for reference.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Color scan | |
Grayscale scan | |
Photo | |
Graphics | |
Text |
Service and support
Lexmark offers a standard one-year warranty for the X3550. Toll-free phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT. You can also chat online with tech support during the same hours, or send an e-mail to tech support at any time. Lexmark's Web site offers a knowledge base of FAQs and how-tos, as well as product manuals and drivers.
What You'll Pay
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