Epson LQ-2090II NT 24-pin Dot Matrix Printer Review

In today’s fast-paced digital world, dot matrix printers may seem like a thing of the past. However, they remain indispensable for certain businesses that require reliable, cost-effective printing solutions for high-volume tasks.

The Epson LQ-2090II NT 24-pin dot matrix printer stands out as a powerful tool designed for these demanding environments. Known for its durability and versatility, this Epson dot matrix printer is ideal for businesses that need to print multi-part forms, invoices, and shipping labels efficiently.

The Epson LQ-2090II NT review reveals a printer that combines speed and precision, thanks to its advanced 24-pin dot matrix printer technology. This printer can handle continuous paper and multiple copies, making it perfect for industries such as logistics, finance, and retail.

With robust build quality and a variety of connectivity options, the Epson LQ-2090II NT offers exceptional performance and reliability, ensuring smooth operations in any busy work environment. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current printer or need a reliable solution for high-volume printing, the Epson LQ-2090II NT is a top contender.

Epson LQ-2090II NT 24-Pin

Specifications

• Brand: Epson
• Connectivity Options: USB, Ethernet
• Printing Method: Dot Matrix
• Key Features: Ethernet connectivity, monochrome printing
• Model: EPS-C11CF40202
• Print Output: Monochrome
• Maximum Print Speed (Color): 1 character per second
• Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome): 1 character per second
• Weight: 20.7 pounds
• Control Interface: Push button

Features

24-Pin Print Head Technology

The Epson LQ-2090II NT features advanced 24-pin print head technology, which significantly enhances print quality compared to older 9-pin dot matrix models. This technology allows for finer dot placement, resulting in sharper, more detailed text and graphics. Whether you’re printing invoices, forms, or complex documents, the 24-pin configuration ensures that each character is crisp and clear, making it ideal for professional environments where legibility is crucial.

Print Speed and Efficiency

Speed is a critical factor in high-volume printing environments, and the Epson LQ-2090II NT excels in this area with a maximum print speed of up to 550 characters per second (cps). This impressive speed translates to faster document processing, enabling businesses to handle large batches of paperwork more efficiently. Whether you’re printing reports, invoices, or shipping labels, the quick output of this printer ensures that your workflow remains smooth and uninterrupted, boosting overall productivity.

Durability and Reliability

Built to withstand the demands of busy work environments, the Epson LQ-2090II NT is known for its durability and reliability. Its robust construction is designed to handle continuous printing with minimal downtime, making it a dependable choice for industries that require consistent performance. The printer’s long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving businesses both time and money in the long run. This reliability is particularly beneficial in settings like logistics, finance, and retail, where printer malfunctions can cause significant delays.

Multi-Part Form Printing

One of the standout features of the Epson LQ-2090II NT is its ability to print on multi-part forms—up to 6 parts at once. This capability is especially useful for businesses that need to produce multiple copies of the same document, such as invoices, receipts, or shipping manifests. The printer’s precision ensures that each copy is as clear as the original, making it a valuable tool for maintaining accurate records and facilitating efficient document handling in various business operations.

Connectivity Options

To accommodate different business setups, the Epson LQ-2090II NT offers flexible connectivity options. It includes USB and Parallel ports as standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of computers and networks.

Also, for businesses requiring networked printing, the printer offers an optional Ethernet connectivity feature. This allows the printer to be easily integrated into a shared office environment, enabling multiple users to access it simultaneously, thereby streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

Design and Build Quality

Compact Design

The Epson LQ-2090II NT is designed with a compact footprint, making it an excellent choice for offices where space is at a premium. Despite its robust capabilities, the printer’s size ensures it can fit easily on a desk or a dedicated printer stand without taking up excessive room. This compact design allows it to be seamlessly integrated into various office environments, whether in a small business setting, a busy warehouse, or a corporate office, providing reliable printing performance without sacrificing valuable workspace.

User-Friendly Interface

Simplicity and ease of use are at the forefront of the Epson LQ-2090II NT’s design. The printer features a user-friendly control panel with clearly labeled buttons, making it intuitive for users of all experience levels. This straightforward interface allows for easy navigation through the printer’s settings and functions, reducing the learning curve and minimizing the need for extensive training. Whether performing routine tasks or troubleshooting, the control panel’s simplicity ensures that users can operate the printer efficiently and effectively, enhancing overall productivity in the office.

Paper Handling

The Epson LQ-2090II NT is equipped with versatile paper handling capabilities that cater to various business needs. It features a rear push tractor system that securely grips the paper, ensuring smooth, consistent feeding for continuous forms and large print jobs. Additionally, the printer offers an optional front sheet guide, providing even more flexibility in handling different types of media, including single sheets and multi-part forms.

This adaptability makes the Epson LQ-2090II NT an ideal choice for businesses that require reliable printing across a range of document types, from invoices and reports to shipping labels and receipts.

Comparison with Other Dot Matrix Printers

Epson LQ-2090II NT vs. Epson LQ-590II

When comparing the Epson LQ-2090II NT to its sibling model, the Epson LQ-590II, there are several key differences to consider, particularly in terms of features, print speed, and paper handling capabilities.

• Print Speed: The Epson LQ-2090II NT boasts a higher maximum print speed of up to 550 characters per second (cps), making it ideal for environments that require fast, high-volume printing. In contrast, the Epson LQ-590II, while still a capable printer, offers a slightly slower maximum print speed of around 529 cps.
• Paper Handling: The Epson LQ-2090II NT provides robust paper handling options with its rear push tractor and optional front sheet guide, allowing for the use of continuous forms and multi-part documents with ease. It can print on up to 6-part forms, making it highly versatile for businesses that need to produce multiple document copies simultaneously. The LQ-590II, on the other hand, is geared towards simpler paper handling, primarily supporting single-sheet feeding and basic continuous form printing, which might limit its utility in more demanding environments.
• Features: Both models feature the same 24-pin dot matrix technology, ensuring sharp and precise printing. However, the LQ-2090II NT has additional features such as optional Ethernet connectivity, providing more flexibility in networked environments where multiple users need access to the printer.

Overall, the Epson LQ-2090II NT offers superior speed, enhanced paper handling capabilities, and greater versatility compared to the Epson LQ-590II, making it a better choice for businesses with high-volume printing needs.

Epson LQ-2090II NT vs. Other Brands

When looking at the Epson LQ-2090II NT in comparison to competitors like the OKI ML5790 and the Lexmark 2580n, the differences in performance, features, and overall value become apparent.

• OKI ML5790: The OKI ML5790 is known for its durability and reliable performance, much like the Epson LQ-2090II NT. However, while the OKI model also offers fast print speeds, it generally falls short in terms of print quality when compared to Epson’s 24-pin dot matrix technology. The OKI ML5790 has a slightly lower resolution, making it less ideal for applications requiring fine detail and clarity. Additionally, the OKI model’s paper handling is less flexible, lacking some of the advanced capabilities found in the Epson LQ-2090II NT, such as printing on up to 6-part forms.
• Lexmark 2580n: The Lexmark 2580n is another competitor that offers a reliable dot matrix printing solution, especially favored for its network capabilities and ease of integration into existing IT environments. However, it generally does not match the Epson LQ-2090II NT in terms of speed and print quality. The Lexmark model has a lower character per second (cps) output, which may not suffice for businesses with high-volume printing needs. Furthermore, its paper handling is less versatile, lacking the multi-part form printing capability that sets the Epson LQ-2090II NT apart.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High Print Quality: The Epson LQ-2090II NT excels in delivering excellent print quality thanks to its 24-pin dot matrix technology. This results in crisp, clear text and detailed graphics, which is crucial for professional documents and forms.
• Reliable and Durable: Built to withstand the rigors of high-volume printing, the Epson LQ-2090II NT is known for its reliability and durability. Its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it a dependable choice for businesses with demanding printing needs.
• Supports Multi-Part Forms: One of the standout features of the Epson LQ-2090II NT is its ability to print on up to 6-part forms simultaneously. This capability is particularly useful for businesses that require multiple copies of documents, such as invoices and shipping labels, improving efficiency and reducing manual handling.

Cons

• Noise Level: Dot matrix printers, including the Epson LQ-2090II NT, can produce a noticeable amount of noise during operation. This may be a concern in quiet office environments where minimal disruption is preferred. The printer’s noise level might affect the comfort of employees working in close proximity.
• Initial Setup Complexity: While the setup process is generally straightforward, network connectivity configuration might require some technical knowledge. Users unfamiliar with networking might find it challenging to configure the optional Ethernet connection, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve for those setting up the printer in a networked environment.

Frequently Asked Questions