Review, Hands-On Test Report, Photos & Video: Hands-On with Epson’s WorkForce Pro WF-5690 Business-Class MFP (Updated)

 

Imaging Technology: PrecisionCore MicroPiezo electric Ink-Jet Technology.
Functions: Print/Copy/Scan/Fax.
ISO Print Speed: 20/20 ppm (black/color).
List Price:  $399.99
Availability: Epson direct, authorized Epson dealers and value-added resellers.
Introduction Date: September 2014.
Maximum Monthly Volume: 45,000 pages.
Recommended Monthly Page Volume: Up to 2,500 pages.
Strengths: Solid build quality; excellent touch screen; quiet operation; PCL and PostScript 3 print drivers; easy maintenance.
Limitations: Somewhat limited user and network-management capabilities.

Epson’s WorkForce Pro WF-5690 is a color inkjet All-in-One that’s specifically targeted at business users. It features full-color capability in all modes (print, copy, scan, fax), as well as 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, wired Ethernet network interface, automatic duplex printing, Epson Connect mobile and remote printing and scanning, and automatic reversing document feeder that can automatically scan both sides of duplex originals. It also features high-capacity (788 XXL) ink cartridges that are rated to yield up to 4,000 ISO pages each.

During our hands-on testing of Epson’s WorkForce Pro WP-5690, we evaluated all aspects of performance, from installation and set-up, to image quality, productivity, and ease of use.

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Note: This review is a summary only. To see comprehensive test data, print-quality samples, maintenance procedures, extended Total Cost of Ownership analysis, and more, please purchase the Hands-On Test Report ($19.99).

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Image Quality

Overall, image quality was generally very good in both print and copy modes. Black text quality was readable down to 4 pt. font size, and was sharp and clear. Image quality also displayed good resolution and fine-line reproduction, as well as good dot (pixel) control. The system was also able to produce the black, cyan, and magenta halftone gradations in our test target very well (but yellow was somewhat faint). There were no image anomalies such as mis-registration, poor fill, broken text, etc., and no ink bleed-through or smearing was observed.

Photos displayed good detail, excellent color saturation, no banding, and very good, natural and accurate flesh tones, with photos displaying a pleasing appearance.

While very good overall image quality can be chalked up to Epson’s next-generation MicroPiezo inkjet technology, the DURABrite Ultra pigment inks played their part by providing superior image permanence: color graphic and text output displayed excellent water- and highlighter-resistance: there was no smearing of prints when subjected to distilled water and a highlighter pen.

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UPDATE: During testing of the WorkForce Pro WF-4590 we noted horizontal banding in graphic areas that were tricky to eliminate. However, during subsequent testing of the WorkForce Pro WF-4630, we discovered that this anomaly can be more easily eliminated by cranking up the speed vs. quality setting that is accessed from “Quality/More Settings” menu selection from the main tab of the print driver. Note that the print driver is identical throughout the WF Pro series.

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