What To Know
- The XP-7100 features a maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, while the XP-8700 offers a slightly higher resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.
- The XP-7100 achieves a print speed of up to 10 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 5 ppm for color.
- The XP-8700 slightly outperforms its counterpart, offering a print speed of up to 15 ppm for black and white and 10 ppm for color.
Choosing the right printer can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Epson’s Expression Premium series boasts a range of versatile printers designed to meet diverse printing needs. Two popular contenders in this series are the XP-7100 and the XP-8700. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 vs XP-8700, helping you determine which printer best aligns with your requirements.
Design and Dimensions: A Sleek and Compact Footprint
Both the XP-7100 and XP-8700 sport a sleek and modern design, blending seamlessly into any home office setup. The XP-7100 measures 18.2 x 13.8 x 7.1 inches, while the XP-8700 is slightly larger at 18.3 x 13.9 x 7.4 inches. Despite their size, both printers are relatively compact, making them suitable for even limited desk space.
Connectivity: Seamless Integration with Your Devices
Staying connected is crucial in today’s digital age, and both printers excel in this domain. The XP-7100 and XP-8700 offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including:
- Wi-Fi: Effortlessly print from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop using a wireless connection.
- Ethernet: Connect the printer directly to your network for reliable and fast printing.
- USB: For a direct connection to your computer.
Additionally, the XP-8700 boasts NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, allowing for quick and easy wireless printing from compatible devices.
Print Quality: A Visual Feast for the Eyes
Print quality is paramount, and both printers deliver exceptional results. Both the XP-7100 and XP-8700 employ Epson‘s renowned Claria Premium Ink technology, producing vibrant and detailed prints with sharp text and rich colors.
The XP-7100 features a maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, while the XP-8700 offers a slightly higher resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi. However, the difference in resolution is barely noticeable in everyday printing. Both printers excel in photo printing, producing stunning images with accurate color reproduction.
Paper Handling: Versatility and Convenience
Both printers offer a range of paper handling options, catering to diverse printing needs. The XP-7100 features a 100-sheet rear tray, a 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), and a manual feed slot for specialty papers. The XP-8700 boasts similar paper handling capabilities, with a 100-sheet rear tray, a 30-sheet ADF, and a manual feed slot.
The XP-8700’s larger ADF capacity is advantageous for users who frequently print multiple documents, making it more convenient for scanning and copying tasks.
Printing Speed: Getting the Job Done Quickly
Printing speed is a crucial factor for productivity. The XP-7100 achieves a print speed of up to 10 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 5 ppm for color. The XP-8700 slightly outperforms its counterpart, offering a print speed of up to 15 ppm for black and white and 10 ppm for color.
While the XP-8700 boasts a faster print speed, the difference is not significant for casual users.
Additional Features: Enhancing Your Printing Experience
Both printers offer a range of additional features to enhance your printing experience. The XP-7100 and XP-8700 include features such as:
- Automatic two-sided printing: Save paper and money by printing on both sides of the page automatically.
- Mobile printing: Print from your smartphone or tablet using Epson’s iPrint app.
- Scanning and copying: Both printers feature a flatbed scanner and a document feeder for versatile scanning and copying.
- CD/DVD printing: The XP-7100 and XP-8700 both offer the capability to print directly onto printable CDs and DVDs.
Ink Costs: A Key Consideration
Ink costs can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. Both the XP-7100 and XP-8700 utilize individual ink cartridges, allowing you to replace only the colors you need. However, Epson’s ink cartridges are known to be relatively expensive compared to other brands.
While both printers offer high-quality prints, the cost of ink should be factored into your decision-making process.
Choosing the Right Printer for You
Choosing between the Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 and XP-8700 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right choice:
Choose the XP-7100 if:
- You prioritize affordability.
- You need a compact printer for limited desk space.
- You primarily print documents and photos occasionally.
Choose the XP-8700 if:
- You frequently print documents and require a faster print speed.
- You need a larger ADF capacity for scanning and copying multiple documents.
- You value advanced features like NFC connectivity.
A Final Verdict: The XP-8700 Takes the Lead
While both printers offer excellent print quality and a range of features, the Epson Expression Premium XP-8700 emerges as the winner in this comparison. Its faster print speed, larger ADF capacity, and advanced features like NFC connectivity make it a more versatile and powerful choice for users with frequent printing needs.
However, if budget is a primary concern or you primarily need a printer for occasional use, the XP-7100 remains a solid option.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Epson Printers
The Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 and XP-8700 are just two examples of the many excellent printers offered by Epson. If these models don’t fully meet your requirements, consider exploring other options in the Epson Expression Premium series or other printer models from Epson.
Information You Need to Know
Q1: What is the difference in print quality between the XP-7100 and XP-8700?
A1: Both printers offer exceptional print quality using Epson’s Claria Premium Ink technology. While the XP-8700 boasts a slightly higher print resolution, the difference is barely noticeable in everyday printing.
Q2: Can I print photos directly from my smartphone to the XP-8700?
A2: Yes, the XP-8700 supports NFC technology, allowing you to print photos directly from your smartphone with a simple tap. You can also print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet using Epson’s iPrint app.
Q3: What is the difference in ink costs between the XP-7100 and XP-8700?
A3: Both printers use individual ink cartridges, but Epson’s ink cartridges are known to be relatively expensive. The ink costs are generally similar between the XP-7100 and XP-8700.
Q4: Which printer is better for business use?
A4: The XP-8700 is generally a better choice for business use due to its faster print speed, larger ADF capacity, and advanced features like NFC connectivity. However, for small businesses with limited printing needs, the XP-7100 can still be a suitable option.
Q5: What are the warranty terms for the XP-7100 and XP-8700?
A5: Both printers come with a standard one-year limited warranty. Epson also offers extended warranty options for an additional cost.
