Like the HP PSC750, the LexmarkX83 is designed with style in mind. While not as aesthetically pleasing, the X83 offers productivity and features, and top value for money.

With excellent printing speed in both the plain format and blank page print tests, the X83 produced approximately 4.5 and 15 pages per minute respectively. Heavily formatted text produced a different result less than one page per minute. However, due to our priority rating of plain text and blank page performance, the X83 produced an excellent printing score overall. Second only to the Quality Award winner, the HP K80, a low A4 scan speed of 73 seconds adds further to the potential productivity of the X83.

Our quality tests showed the X83 to be an above-average performer, with the only standout being colour print quality. Good detail, accurate colour and well-defined text was noticeable on the PC Authority Printer Test Page. Against a grey background the text lost some detail, and a slight white border was present around text in some places. On the whole, however, text capability was above average. The tonal transition from white to black was good overall and showed fairly good gradation, although it didnt quite reach 100% black. The X83 was next in line after the two outstanding Hewlett-Packard models.

Scan quality was below average for both the colour print and colour photo scans, producing slightly washed-out colour and a relatively unfocused and noisy image.
The final distinguishing feature about the X83 is price. The only other device to match it in terms of functions and specifications is the HP PSC750. But, when looking at performance scores, the X83 is a more productive alternative. For $150 less than the HP PSC750, and as the second cheapest in the round-up, the X83 is a close runner-up for the Value Award, but it doesnt quite match the budget performance of the Canon C100.