We tech editors are sometimes so easy to impress. The first thing we noticed when we received the Epson TX600FW for review was the neat tilting control panel / LCD display planted right on the front of the device. “Oohs” and “aahs” greeted the printer when it tilted up its button-laden control panel ala’ some movie prop from the main deck of the Starship Enterprise. Adding to the amazement factor were the buttons of course – the more buttons there are, the happier we tech-happy editors can be.

The relentless advance of convergence makes this LCD-toting All-in-One a viable and affordable purchase.

Another set of neat features were the trays and fold-out holders located all around the multi-function printer, a sleek fold-out cover/tray for the automatic document feeder, an output tray that blends nicely with the device’s façade near the bottom, and a hidden input tray at the rear that is cleverly tucked away behind the scanner hinge mechanism. Also impressive was the glossy black finish and smooth contours of the TX600 that detracts none at all from its visual impact.

The tilting LCD/Control Panel combination was a big hit with the editors at HWM.

Above the superficial tilting and Transformer-toy aesthetics of the TX600 that nonetheless captured our fancy, as it is meant to do, this multi-function printer is chock-full of features that will appeal to the busy office manager or the executive in need of a personal office document machine. The TX600FW is a Wi-Fi and Ethernet-enabled printer, copier, scanner and fax that take into account the myriad ways to handle documents, and devices smart methods to make moving around data, whether it be printed or electronic, in an easy and convenient manner.

The bottom tray (top photo) folds away neatly when not in use. The ADF cover forms a smooth curve when closed and a holding tray when open.

The only way to cover most of the TX600FW’s numerous features is to offer them up in a list form, so here is a comprehensive listing for your perusal:

Printing – Epson’s DURABrite ink makes an appearance with this model, guaranteeing long-lasting printouts with a modicum of durability in regards to water, sunlight, and UV resistance. Epson’s Intelligent Ink Cartridge System gives the user the ability to monitor ink levels almost in real time, while the separate cartridges enable easy and economical replacement of individual colors that have run out. A speed of 38 pages per minute in draft mode both when printing in color and black, plus an estimated speed of 20 seconds for printing out a 4x6 photograph, makes this all-in-one one of the fastest units we’ve ever encountered, barring laser printers. Micro Piezo Print Head and Variable Sized Droplet Technology work together to give both economical printing returns and quality output due to the small droplet size and precise control afforded by Epson’s quality components.

Fax – The TX600’s fax function also work through an answering machine, or the equivalent office switching equipment. As with stand-alone faxes, the user is able to set up header information to display on outgoing faxes, while sending faxes is made easy by the unit’s “broadcast” multiple-recipient ability and speed dial functionality. Faxes can be sent both in black and white or in color, while settings like contrast and resolution can easily be accessed.

The copying "Home" page of the in-printer control panel.

Copying – Using the scanning element of the unit, the TX600FW has multiple competencies in image handling – refresh a faded image’s color, render a copied document in black and white or in other colors, make multiple copies of your original. The TX600 applies auto-fit functions to each of your job requests as well.

There are multiple "Scan To" options within the control software.

Scanning – This A4 Flatbed colour image scanner can scan up to A4 documents with a pixel depth of 24bits in its output. Maximum resolution is at a nominal (for a stand-alone scanner that is) 2400 x 2400dpi, and the TX600 achieves this scanning resolution at a positively hasty 4 ms per line when scanning in black-and-white. The TX600 is able to scan to all the usual outputs: scan to PC, to external storage, to email, and to memory card.

Some limited image enhancement, coupled with extensive image handling options can be found within the Photos Mode.

Photos Mode – a combination of the unit’s media handling and printing capabilities, Photos (not a typo) Mode takes the images from a memory card or through PictBridge and gives the user multiple printing / handling options, including simple viewing, printing a layout sheet using the photos designated by the user, printing an index sheet for easy notation and later printing of the actual images, or running a slide show.

The paper holder at the rearhides behind the scanner's hinge when not in use. It can hold up to 120standard-weight A4 pages at the same time.

All of this functionality is tied together by the built-in printer control panel and the unit’s excellent media handling capabilities – which includes an Automatic Document Feeder with a 30 page capacity, plus PictBridge and memory card support. The main input tray is able to handle up to 120 sheets of A4 size paper, and an extendable output tray stands ready to hold printed sheets. Scanning multiple images is a cinch with the scanning unit’s ability to separate photos into different areas and treating each image independent from other images.

Multiple memory types are recognized by the built-in card reader.

“Media handling” in this day and age also includes handling the different memory types of course – this unit has support from the common SD card and all its variants, all the way down to somewhat obscure memory types such as xD picture cards, the original Sony memory Stick Pro, and even CF-Microdrives.

Even ink-level and maintenance functions can be found in the control panel.

The aforementioned built-in control panel is a wonder to look at, but a more important role than looking good is its function as central gateway through which the user can access literally all of the unit’s functions, to such an extent that a PC isn’t even required for its operation. From printing, photo handling, setting up the wireless network, to determining output options, everything can be controlled through the tilting control panel, using a very polished user interface akin to the Sony PSP’s “crossbar” menu system.

Network settings such as IP address, and name on the network can be changed within this menu.

Special mention must be made regarding this unit’s connectivity options – in addition to the standard Ethernet connectivity, this unit is also able to connect wirelessly to a network through 802.11 b/g, and also has Bluetooth functionality – perfect for fast transfers of images from portable devices such as cellphones and PDAs.

Ink cartridges are stuffed with technology as well. Individual cartridges can be changed when consumed.

All in all, the TX600FW impressed us at first sight due to its looks, and then made us enter into a long-term relationship with its endless list of features and attributes right afterwards. The TX600FW aims to be all-around useful, convenient, economical, top-performing, and do so while looking good and not emptying your wallet on the side, and we’re glad to say that the TX600FW was able to do all of the above, seemingly without effort. It just goes to show that all people, including salivating tech editors, are able to find love in subjects that are beautiful both outside, and in. More pictures to follow.

The gaping mouth of the scanner element.

Parting Shot.