Stylus Photo TX700W

Epson's Stylus Photo TX700W does not include some of some of the business-focused functionality of the more expensive Stylus Photo TX800FW, nor does it have some of the TX800FW's standout features. Fortunately, the comprehensive connectivity remains. Unfortunately the TX700W doesn't have the quality level that we desire from a multifunction with the Stylus Photo branding.

The TX700W has an Italian design that incorporates a stylish black fascia and some interesting curves. It lacks an automatic document feeder and, more interestingly, the touch panel found on the Stylus Photo TX800FW is replaced by a 2.5in colour LCD screen and a standard button layout. The controls are placed on a hinged panel that can be tilted to suit the user by simply lifting it, though replacing it into its original position requires the user to press an Unlock button (we missed the button at first glance).

The TX700W lacks a fax function, but it offers Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as a media card reader supporting MemoryStick, SD, xD, CompactFlash and a PictBridge-capable USB port. The printer also offers direct CD/DVD printing with an integrated input tray, and it has a separate photo paper tray.

The TX700W has slightly inconsistent printing speeds, but it generally prints quickly. A mono text document in draft quality will print at an average of 24.2 pages per minute, with the first page out in 22 seconds. This slows to 8.7ppm when using normal quality. Graphical documents are similarly fast, at 25ppm in draft and 8.9ppm in normal quality mode. Standard 4x6in photos print in 28.6sec; A4 photos take 1min 17sec.

It may be fast, but the TX700W doesn't provide the greatest quality. Text documents are readable, but characters are much bolder than they should be and aren't as clear as text printed by the Stylus Photo TX800FW. Colours are hardest hit: they are over-saturated and have poor contrast. Colours on both graphical documents and photos are very dull. On the other hand, banding is only barely visible and the clarity is somewhat acceptable. However, we didn't expect such a drop in quality compared to the Stylus Photo TX800FW.

Scan quality is unfortunately similar in most respects. Colours are mostly dull when compared to the source image. Though this does not affect text quality in any way, photos suffer. Without an automatic document feeder, the TX700W won't be good for large scanning jobs. For small tasks it is acceptable, but look elsewhere if you're after perfect accuracy.

The TX700W's direct CD/DVD printing is also of disappointing quality. Thankfully, due to the integrated CD/DVD tray and the accompanying software, the function is easy to access and use. The multifunction provides comprehensive editing options for titles and images, while the use of an integrated tray eradicates the possibility of losing the loose palettes normally used for CD and DVD direct printing.