Pros
High-quality and realistic photo prints
Easy setup and user-friendly app
Affordable ink and paper
Portable and compact
Good connectivity options, including wireless printing
Durable and reliable
Convenient for printing at home or while traveling
Perfect for various uses like scrapbooking, photo albums, and gifts
Cons
Minor issues with photo size in collage settings in the app
All-in-one ink system wastes ink if one color runs out
Limited to small print sizes (4x6 and 5x7)
Main Product Advantages
10 Print Quality
The Epson PictureMate PM-400 offers high-quality, realistic photo prints that are frame-worthy and vibrant. Users noted the superior print results, which encourage them to frame and display the photos.
9 Ease of Use
The printer is user-friendly, with an easy setup process. It supports wireless printing directly from phones and other devices, and the accompanying app makes printing straightforward. However, some issues were noted with the app's size settings for collages.
8 Affordability
Users found the ink and photo paper to be affordable, making it economical for regular use. Compared to other home photo printers, the running costs are considered reasonable.
8 Portability
The compact and portable design allows for easy transportation. Users appreciated the portability for travel and events, making it versatile for different printing needs.
8 Versatility
Besides printing from mobile devices, the printer supports printing via SD cards and various layouts, including collages. This flexibility is appreciated by scrapbookers and photographers.
8 Speed
Users mention the printer's quick printing capability, which makes it suitable for anyone needing frequent or quick photo prints without waiting long periods.
7 Durability
The printer is highlighted for its durability, with some users reporting multiple years of use without significant issues. However, there's a wish for improved longevity as the printer models themselves have not seen major updates.
7 Connectivity
WiFi setup is reported to be straightforward, and it supports multiple devices like PC, Mac, iPhone, etc. However, some users wish for more straightforward app functionalities, especially concerning print size adjustments.
7 Print Sizes
While the printer supports borderless 4x6 and 5x7 prints, the integrated app’s size settings in collage mode aren't always accurate, requiring users to use other apps for precise layout management.
6 Ink System
The all-in-one ink system is convenient, but once one color runs out, the entire cartridge needs replacement. This aspect is seen as a drawback compared to individual color cartridges.
Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printer Review
The Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printer shines as a compact solution for photo enthusiasts looking to quickly print high-quality pictures straight from their devices. The sizes supported are perfect for personal keepsakes and gifts, allowing prints of 4" x 6" and 5" x 7" with remarkable longevity of up to 200 years.
This printer is optimized to deliver the best performance exclusively with genuine Epson-brand cartridges. Using third-party inks, despite claims of compatibility, is not supported and could result in functionality issues or complete non-operation. Epson clearly communicates this in various formats including the packaging, supplementary materials, and their website.
Epson regularly releases firmware updates aimed at enhancing security, performance, resolving minor bugs, and ensuring the printer continues to function according to its original design. It's important to note that these updates could render third-party cartridges inoperative, even those that worked before the update.
Conclusion
The Epson PictureMate PM-400 is an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable, compact photo printer designed to produce long-lasting prints. Its performance and longevity are best maintained by using only genuine Epson ink cartridges, despite the potential inconvenience for those preferring third-party alternatives. Regular firmware updates ensure continuous improvement and security, reinforcing the printer's optimal functionality.