Doing The Software Dance
After inserting the installation CD into my computer, the configuration wizard immediately popped up to walk me through the process. If you can handle just about any other kind of standard setup wizard, you’ll have no problem with the WorkForce 600. Along with the drivers, the CD also included some extra software: ArcSoft Print Creations and ABBYY FineReader Sprint Plus.
Although the installation process was very easy to understand, I found that it took a little longer than expected. Not including the unboxing process, it took about 30 minutes to get everything up and running on the network. This isn’t an exorbitant length of time, but it is a bit of a process. Getting other computers to access the printer wirelessly takes 10-15 minutes.
Flips, Flaps, and Panels
Perhaps the thing that impressed me the most about the Epson WorkForce 600 was the fact that it came with so many features and the overall design was so professional. Seeing how you can find this printer on sale for about $150 online, you really are getting a lot of bang for your buck.
You’ll notice that it has a lot of flaps and panels. For example, the main control panel can actually tilt outwards, as pictured above, making it a lot easier for you to access the controls from above. This is remarkably useful, as you can imagine, because you don’t have to be at eye level with the printer to access its functions. In like manner, you’ll notice the main exit tray below. This actually consists of three separate sections that slide out from one another. It’s a space saver when you need it to be. The same can be said about the paper tray on the back.
The integrated 2.5-inch color display isn’t huge, but it doesn’t need to be. Navigating through the menu is a piece of cake, thanks to the five-way navigator located just to its right. Next to this is the dial pad for all your faxing needs, entering number of copies, and all that jazz. The user interface is an absolute joy.
All of those flaps may take a little getting used to. For example, the flatbed scanner flips open on top, but there is another layer that flips up to reveal the innards where you install the print cartridges. Furthermore, the top-most cover converts into a document feeder with the flip of another flap. I say this speaks to its versatility, but some may find the design to be a little cumbersome.
More Than Multifunctional
I was very impressed with the huge array of features and functions on the WorkForce 600, and that’s hold sold me on it. In addition to the regular printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, this thing also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, Ethernet, a 2.5-inch color LCD, a document feeder and a flatbed scanner, a memory card reader, and so much more.
There are even several “secondary” functions that set this unit apart from the competition. For example, while most photo printers allow you to print directly from memory cards (so does this), you can actually back up your SD card data onto a USB drive using the WorkForce 600 too.
Need to scan something, but don’t want to turn on the computer? No problem. The WorkForce 600 can save the scanned image onto a memory card instead. It’s also great that despite its relatively smaller size, this all-in-one is able to offer both a flatbed scanner and a document feeder that will handle up to 30 pages at a time.
Bonus features like these really work in Epson’s favor, especially if someone is deciding between it and a comparable unit from a competitor. This is above and beyond the great price point.