Epson EcoTank ET-3950

The Epson EcoTank ET-3950 is a handy all-in-one printer for printing all my documents and images. Installation is easy, and I get started right away. I operate the printer via the buttoned color screen, as it does not have a touchscreen.

First Impression The printer comes in a large box, but the printer is smaller than I had expected. What strikes me immediately is that there is no flap on the back of the printer. This allows it to fit flush against a wall. In the box, besides the printer, I find a manual and a power cable. There are also 5 ink bottles in the package: 2 black, one magenta, one cyan, and one yellow. I turn on the printer and select my language. I then follow the installation step by step via the buttoned screen. I carefully fill the 4 ink reservoirs. After 11 minutes of initialization, the paper tray at the bottom opens. I put some A4 paper in it and adjust the guides. The printer prints a test page with different colors. After this, I place this sheet on the scan plate. Now the printer is also ready for copying and scanning.

Connecting via Apple AirPrint I easily connect the EcoTank to my iPhone or MacBook via Apple AirPrint. To do this, I go to the settings on my Apple device and select the Wi-Fi network of the 3950. I find the password on the inside of the paper tray. Now the printer is connected, and I print documents directly from apps like Safari, Mail, and Photos. This is handy if I want to quickly print a return form or another document.

Unique print ideas in the Epson Smart Panel app I only adjust a few settings via the Apple share menu, such as the print size. For more print settings, I use the Epson Smart Panel app. In this app, I also get nice inspiration for printing cards, for example. Father's Day is just around the corner. In the app, I select a Father's Day card and add a personal message.

Handy automatic functions With this Epson, I quickly scan or copy a large stack of paper double-sided using the automatic double-sided document feeder. Double-sided printing is also automatic, which saves paper. When I turn off the printer, the paper tray retracts automatically. This printer does not have a transport handle. When switched off, the print head slides to the right, thereby blocking the seal that prevents leakage.

I hesitated for a long time between a laser printer and this EcoTank because we only print sporadically. However, the ink is so inexpensive that you can automatically print more often and in large quantities. I'm now trying to make it a habit to occasionally print a photo on photo paper so the ink flows freely through the nozzle. This printer does a great job, by the way!

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