Comparison Epson EcoTank L312 vs Epson EcoTank L132

The color palette that the printer can print. A large number of colors is required for high-quality photo printing and obtaining color prints with many shades. The standard is 4 colors.

The black and white print speed provided by the printer. It should be noted that this parameter is often indicated for low quality when the device is running at maximum performance; at a higher quality (even at standard), the actual speed can be noticeably lower, so you should choose with a certain margin. Also note that high speed significantly affects the price, power consumption and noise level. Therefore, it does not always make sense to chase maximum performance — for simple applications (for example, at home or in a small office), a relatively slow and inexpensive device may be the best choice.

As for specific values, speeds up to 20 ppm are considered relatively low, 20 – 30 ppm — average, 31 – 40 ppm — decent, and the fastest models are capable of delivering more than 40 pages per minute.

— Pigment. Ink based on pigments — solid dyes, which are diluted in the form of microparticles in a liquid filler to a state of suspension. Compared to more popular water-based inks, these formulations are noticeably more expensive, and the finished image may turn out to be somewhat less bright (compared to printing with water-based dye on the same printer). On the other hand, pigment ink gives higher detail, which is especially important for photo printing. In addition, finished images resist moisture better and do not fade as quickly in bright light — this resistance is not enough for outdoor use, but indoors such prints can be stored for a very long time.

- Water soluble. Inks based on water-soluble dyes allow achieving high realism of color reproduction in color printing, they are well absorbed into the deep layers of paper and are cheaper than pigment ink. Also, water-soluble ink does not dry as quickly in the cartridge or print head of the printer. They are recommended for use with inkjet paper - ordinary thin paper strongly absorbs dropsy, which can cause ink to show through on the back of the sheet. At the same time, water-soluble inks are afraid of moisture and direct exposure to ultraviolet rays - when water gets in, the paint “floats” on paper, and it fades under sunlight.

– Pigmented / water soluble. Some printers have a print head that allows you to print with two types of ink at once. A common case is when their black cartridge is filled wi...th pigment ink, and the color one is filled with water-soluble ink.

Approximate noise level generated by the printer during normal operation. The decibels in which the noise level is expressed is a non-linear value, so it is easiest to evaluate this indicator using comparative tables. The quietest printers give out about 35 dB — this is the volume of a conversation in a whisper, such noise will not stand out even in a quiet library reading room. A volume of 40 dB approximately corresponds to a conversation at an average volume, according to sanitary standards, this is the upper limit of permissible constant noise in residential premises during the day. For offices, the border is slightly higher — 55 – 60 dB, this is the volume of a conversation in raised tones. And the most powerful and heavy models give out up to 70 dB — this is comparable to a noisy city street; if such a printer is planned to be used frequently, it is advisable to install it in a separate room.

In general, lower noise levels make the device more comfortable to use, but may affect performance and/or price.