Get a Wi-Fi multifunction printer for $59

Lexmark's X4650 multifunction printer works over Wi-Fi--or with the bundled USB cable.

(Credit: Wal-Mart)

In the market for a new printer? Might as well get one that doubles as a scanner and copier. And one that works without wires.

Wal-Mart has the Lexmark X4650 wireless all-in-one printer for $59. Shipping will run you 97 cents, though you can skip that by opting for store pickup. Either way, plan on paying sales tax.

As most of you know, I hold Wi-Fi printers in the same high regard as chocolate-covered caramels and Jessica Alba. The X4650 connects to your Wi-Fi router for blissfully wireless printing and scanning.

Ironically, Wal-Mart bundles a 10-foot Tripp Lite gold-plated USB cable, just in case you're not planning to go the Wi-Fi route.

The X4650 offers dual-cartridge printing. If you want the best possible photo results, you can swap in a photo-ink cartridge for the black one and enjoy six-color output.

The downside is that, as with most inkjets, cartridges cost a pretty penny. Plan on dropping at least $25 for each replacement--a little less if you go the remanufactured route.

The printer supports all the latest versions of Windows and Mac OS X. Though it lacks fax capabilities, it can scan to your PC's fax modem (if it has one) and also offers a handy scan-to-e-mail option.

In short, it's a fairly basic multifunction printer, one that sold for $130 when it debuted about a year ago. CNET hasn't reviewed it, but the reviews I've seen elsewhere have been mostly positive. (The only real ding is relatively slow printing.)

In any case, $59 for a Wi-Fi-equipped all-in-one is a rare find. Definitely worth considering.

[Certifiedfryguy]

I was in the market for a cheap wi-fi printer about 2 weeks ago. Wound up going to target because they had one similar to this one for about $79 (which was the cheapest i could find at the time).

I also picked up a HP all in one photo printer on clearance for $24 as a backup =)

[wwrrww]

The only reason why Lexmark is not giving away the printer for free is because people would buy it for the parts and maybe wonder whats going on. You will be paying for the cost of the printer 30 times over as you buy overpriced ink cartridges. And buying a new printer for just for the cartridges does not work since new printers come with "starter" cartridges which have less ink in them.

You should only be buying this for the Wifi scanner and the USB cable. Never do any printing from an inkjet, unless you're printing $100 bills with it.

[Mr_fleabite]

Agreed, I've had the great displeasure of owning 2 Lexmark's in the past, both ran through ink ridiculously fast. I was in college printing loads of paper, granted, but even with everything on B&W only draft quality. I was never bold enough (no pun intended) to try the refill-it-yourself stuff. Should have shelled out for a B&W laser.

[vasu1]

i can't agree with you more. this is a scam going on with most of the inkjets, hopefully kodak version of cheaper $ 10 inks catches on and soon..ofcourse the downside the higher intial investment. but when is the free market economy going to swing the prices down?

[Roni7777]

Yes, wireless printers maybe on the same level as chocolate-covered caramels and Jessica Alba, but no where near the level of a chocolate-covered Jessica Alba.

[Mr_fleabite]

Nice

[aggie1993]

Wow! Now how am I supposed to get any actual work done with that awesome vision running in my head?!?

[krubby]

Have to chime in a bit in support of a few comments already made. In my opinion this is the type of purchase youneed to think about your printing use and calculate perhaps a 1-2 year cost versus initial outlay. I bought a very very nice HP printer a few years ago for like $39.00, thought it was a steal. then I found myself buying $25.00 cartridges almost every 5-6 weeks (and that was for pretty light printing use).

If you can get buy without color I suggest a inexpensive laser printer - can get them from $59-$119 range (maybe even an all in one towards the top of that range). if you need color may still be better off with a more efficient ink jet or even color laser in the long run.

I think this is an ok deal, but not a killer one if you do a lot of printing and won't use the scanner much or at all.

[rickbroida]

I agree 100 percent. I tend to shy away from inkjets myself, largely due to the cost of ink. I do the majority of my printing on a laser. But occasionally I need to scan and copy, and at times like those, a printer like this is just fantastic to have around.

[krubby]

I should note my price range above is usually for a non wi-fi printer. I should of clarified that. Usually wi fi tacks on another $40-$50, so that is another nice feature of this deal I would say.

[george_liquor]

Watch out for crappy 3rd party ink carts. The OfficeMax carts I bought didn't have the little sponge at the business end of the cart like the Canon ones did, and they leaked ink all over my carpet when I tried to install them.

[lwr84]

May I suggest refilling. Inktec makes really good products (I don't work for inktec) and they are simple to use. I use a plastic bin to protect against any spillage. i really can't stress how much money you'll save. My girlfriend is a first grade teacher and she prints like crazy. I bought one OEM HP 27 cartridge a year ago with a refill kit and am just now having to replace it. I refilled it at least 8 times, and each time I got quicker at it (in other words, it became less of an inconvenience each time). We're actually looking for a new printer and I came across this. Inktec makes refill kits for Lexmark 36 and 37 carts, so I'll probably be buying.

[QueSeraSera]

When shopping for a printer, I always research the cost of ink cartridge or toner for the printer.
They make money on ink cartridges and toners and not so much on printer.
You could end up paying more for ink cartridges in the long run even though the printer was cheap.

The slow printing and tax kill the deal.

[mhaven98]

I've owned two Lexmarks - never again. They both broke down way too early with very little use. They are cheap and I guess you get what you pay for. My HP has been running fine four years and counting...

[PeteyBrian]

Thanks Rick!!! Funny - a WIRELESS printer INCLUDING in a USB printer cable! A few years back, I bought a cheap HP inkjet printer (with didn't include a USB printer cable!) and needed to print something out important that night - no USB printer cable anywhere or in my house - had to go to Radioshack at the close and pay $22 for a USB printer cable!!!!!!

I have yet to get three WiFi printers to work with my MACs.

[chowbiz]

Since I already own 2 (non-wireless printers), is there an inexpensive device to turn them into wireless?

[krubby]

I'm far from an expert but I don't think so.

[trooper_thorn]

I think LinkSys sells a wireless print server. Not sure about the cost.

[Juice875]

It depends of your definition of "inexpensive." Apple sells the Airport Express for $99 and it's also a router and can play iTunes wirelessly.

[ckmquinn]

This is a TERRIBLE printer. I bought one at BJ's Wholesale 6 months ago, set it up, and discovered that the print quality is awful, and the Wi-Fi functionality uncooperative. After 2 weeks trying to make it work, with no support help from Lexmark, I disconnected it and am trying to find some other rube who will buy this junk. Not worth even $5. Don't waste your money!