Review: Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4640

By pc on February 10, 2016

(Last Updated On: October 6, 2017)

The only thing I have to complain about after reviewing the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4640 was lugging the thing up the stairs to the office. Seriously, that’s it. From ease of use, to functionality, to quality printing, I have to give this all-in-one, inkjet printer, scanner, and copier the thumbs up.

The initial set-up process does have a number of steps to go through – inserting cartridges, calibrating, configuring drives, and Wi-Fi connection – but nothing too onerous and the touchscreen display kept me updated with the progress. It was all relatively simple.

Next up, giving it something to print. One of the main selling points is Epson’s advanced printhead technology, PrecisionCore, which basically packs more nozzles on the head, meaning a higher density of inkdrops that result in a crisper print. I tried a range of files, text, graphs, images, of varying colours, sizes and resolutions. One-sided, two-sided, portrait, landscape, collation, margins, the lot. The quality was high, and the speed was quick – more than matching the ISO ppm (pages per minute) of 20 for black and colour – and enough to give many mid-size lasers a run for their money. Photo quality was similarly fairly good, enough, at least, for projects and homework assignments.

Print, scan, copy and fax

The WF-4640 comes with two 250-sheet paper trays and also an 80-page tray for envelopes, labels and specialty media. Additionally, the two-sided automatic document feeder will copy and scan one- and two-sided originals. It measures 465mm (W) x 420 (D) x 420 (H), so you’ll need a reasonable space to put it but Wi-Fi capability means it can go almost anywhere and still connect.

Scans can be up to A4 in size, with a resolution of 1200 x 2400dpi. The copy function has four modes (colour, black/white, draft, and normal) and goes up to 210 x 350mm. There’s also fax transmission and reception capability.

Overall, this is a printer that delivers some serious quality prints, quickly and economically. The design is functional and the price is fair (RRP $499). The WF-4640 will handle anything a classroom can throw at it … and more besides.