Epson Artisan 800 review

Epson has been advertising the Artisan 800 as the answer to a creative person's prayers.  We decided to test it out to see if it is really a great, feature rich printer that artists would swoon over.

Specifications for Artisan 800

• 5-in-1 inkjet: print, copy, scan, fax and ultra HD photo
• Print speed: 38 pages per minute (black and color text)
• Scanner resolution (maximum): 9600 x 9600 dpi
• Built-in 30 page automatic document feeder, memory card reader
• Stand alone copier
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking (USB enabled as well)
• 7.8” touch panel, 3.5” LCD
• CD/DVD printing
• Dedicated photo tray
• Manual two-sided printing
• Two-year limited warranty with registration

The Basics

The Artisan 800 is stylish in all black.  The scanner lid and the bottom wrap are in a matte black; the middle wrap and control panel are done in a more glossy black.  The dimensions for the printer are 18.4” x 15.2” x 7.8” and it weighs approx. 24 lbs.  When the output tray is in use, the dimensions are 18.4” x 23” x 7.8”.

Starting from the top and working down, the first feature on the Artisan 800 worth noticing is the 30-page automatic document feeder located on top of the scanner lid.  Simply flip open the middle compartment to use the feeder for faxing, etc.

The scanner located below the feeder and its dimensions are approx 12” x 8.5”.  There is also thin secondary scanner (approx. 9” x 1”) to the left that seems to be attached to the automatic document feeder and is for faxing, etc.

Lifting the mid-section of the Artisan 800 reveals the ink cartridges, the transportation lock and the insides of the printer.

The control panel, paper trays and built-in memory card reader are located on the front of the Artisan 800 along with several small logos for Epson, Claria Ink and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The control panel consists of power and CD tray buttons and a 7.8” touch screen.  The touch screen pulls out and locks for easy interaction; simply press the unlock button to the left the control panel to return it to its normal position.

Beneath the control panel both paper trays, the output tray and the CD tray can be accessed.  The first three can be accessed manually but the CD tray can only be reached by pushing the button located on the control panel.

The paper trays consist of a normal size tray that can fit up to 8.5” x 14” media by extending the paper clamps.  Attached to this tray is a dedicated photo tray that can fit up to 5” x 7” photo paper.

The output tray - located above the paper trays - extends to three sizes: approx. 3”, 5” or 7”.

The built-in memory card reader is located to the right of the trays.  The card reader is compatible with SD, Mini SDHC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Micro, Memory Stick MagicGate, Compact Flash, xD-Picture, MultiMedia Card, MMCplus and SmartMedia.  Any other type of media - including micro/mini SD cards - needs an adapter.

There is also a PictBridge port next to the card reader.

On the back of the Artisan 800, there is a USB port, an Ethernet port and two phone jacks.   This is also where you connect the power cord and access the back of the printer for paper jams, etc.