New Kyocera MFP in review

Kyocera has introduced four new multifunction color lasers that operate at different speeds and with different toner reach / printing costs. Of the four models, we have reviewed the Kyocera Ecosys M5526cdn.

We are reviewing the new Kyocera Ecosys M5526cdn, a color laser multifunction device equipped with a fast dual scanner. This means that the Kyocera can read in one pass from both sides without having to flip the originals. Double-sided printing is also possible.

The printer works with 26 pages per minute (B / W and color printing). For Kyocera Ecosys printers, the print tempo is indicated by the last two digits of the model name (M5526cdn). The multifunction device also has a fax, USB host port, touch screen and Ethernet – only Wi-Fi is missing in this model variant. If you need WiFi accesses the Kyocera Ecosys M5526cdw (see table below).  Documents in JPG, TIF and PDF format can be printed directly from the stick via USB host connection. It is also possible to store scanned documents directly on the USB stick.

The 4.3-inch touch screen makes the device very easy to use and you can find your way around in the many functions and menus. However, the display or the operating panel can not be swiveled. So you are forced to stand in front of the device to properly recognize the contents of the display – wheelchair users have no chance if the device is not on the ground.

Paper trays

Despite relatively fast 26-page engine, the printer is equipped only with a 250-sheet cassette – which is purely arithmetic already in less than 10 minutes empty, if one prints continuously. For an additional charge you can buy a second cassette, which holds another 250 sheets. In addition, there is a manual feeder that holds 50 sheets.

On top of the device existing the scanner as usual, which offers a feeder for 50 templates. The scanner is a “CIS” model – this means that only documents that are perfectly flat on the document glass, can be read sharply. For example, if you put a folded book on the scanner glass, the machine will not be able to scan the letters in the middle of the book. Devices with a high depth of field work with CCD technology – but almost all multifunction devices are now equipped with CIS scanners. The CIS scanners are operational much faster (warm-up time) and require less power.

The TWAIN driver for scanning did not work in our test environment with networking. It was not until we switched to USB that the TWAIN driver was persuaded to work. The preview image in the network TWAIN driver is very small – this is slightly better in the USB driver. In addition, we have to complain that you have to install the TWAIN driver “by hand” (selecting the printer model from a very long list, entering the IP address of the printer) – that could find the software automatically.

Toner ranges and printing costs

You are no like that year of the functional thought (Dell, Xerox). The Tasch of the toner cartridges is quick and easy, but can also be something rusty dust on the desk.

The package comes with toner cartridges, the entire 1,200 ISO pages are enough – this is a bit meager for a device the EIA costs over 600 money currency. The cartridges to buy enough for 4,000 b / w and 3,000 color pages.

The maintenance costs are low for the Kyocera Ecosys M5526cdn. Compared to several competing models, the model ranks second behind an HP printer with ink cartridges, based on our DC-A4 color photograph.

Print quality

For normal use in the office, the print quality is sufficient. In the test lab, we noticed in the strong magnifications that the individual letters have a lot of toner fog, which leaves a slightly blurred impression – older Kyocera printers could do that better.

Graphics and photos succeed the Kyocera Ecosys M5526cdn quite well – even annoying stripes, as you often see in laser printers, there’s hardly any in this model.

All our prints with the Kyocera Ecosys M5526cdn can be compared with our tool Scans & Original Prints and compared with other models.

Our Conclusion

The Kyocera all-in-One is ideal for medium-volume office printing. The manufacturer indicates a monthly print volume averaging 2,800 pages. First class is the new web server designed to make all sorts of settings on the device – the access data are after entering the IP address: Username: Admin, Password: Admin. These data also apply to access the system menu directly on the printer. The operation of the menu Kyocera is also successful because all functions well explained, all buttons are large enough and the operation is understandable even without a manual. The only downside is the non-folding display. There are slight weaknesses in print quality. For the maintenance costs are low and the toner change is done in a few simple steps.

Positive

• Very good setting and management options via the web server
• Easy-to-use touch screen
• Optional hard disk or memory expansion via SD / SDHC card
• Card Authentication Kit (optional)
• Duplex printing
• Dual duplex scanner
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty (but only “bring-in”, no on-site service)

Negative

• Weaknesses in print quality
• TWAIN driver worked in the test only with USB, not with network
• No folding or swiveling control panel or display
• Unpleasant toner odors when printing