Epson has unveiled a range of new printers and promised that they won't need the ink refilling for two years. The EcoTank printers come with enough ink to print 4,000 pages in black and 6,500 pages in colour with refills not requiring the purchase of new cartridges.
The company claimed that people could save up to 65 per cent on the cost of ink by using one of its EcoTank printers. Two new models have been announced, the L555 and L355, both coming with a full tank of ink. When the ink runs out users will need to order a refill bottle and pour in new ink before priming the printer. Epson said people would need to use "genuine" Epson ink to refill the tank.
Both printers can also scan and copy, with the L555 doubling up as a fax machine. Both also come with Wi-Fi and are pitched as being suitable for home and small office use. EcoTank printers have been available in Brazil, China, India and Russia since 2013, with Epson now launching the range in Europe.
Enticing customers with cheaper ink is big business as manufacturers struggle to persuade people to continue buying official refills. Earlier this year HP announced its Instant Ink subscription service. HP uses internet connected cartridges to monitor ink usage and send out replacement cartridges. The company claimed that by subscribing to Instant Ink customers could save 70 per cent on normal printing costs.
Despite bold claims about cutting the cost of ink, Epson's new printers are quite expensive. The L355 costs £250 while the L555 costs £330. Replacement ink bottles cost £8. The new EcoTank printers are available now from Dixons, Currys and PC World.
