Lexmark Platinum Pro905

UPDATE 2011. Some models of Lexmark inkjet printer released between 2009 and 2010 are equipped with faulty print heads. This leads to a deterioration in print quality—sometimes with certain colours completely missing—not long after the initial purchase of the device and even with full ink cartridges.

Users who encounter such problems should call Lexmark's inkjet printer support line on 0207 365 2496 (UK customers only). Once the nature of the problem has been established, eligible users will be sent replacement print heads and a complimentary set of cartridges.

Following continuing issues with print heads and print quality, the Lexmark inkjet printers reviewed on DigitalVersus have had their overall score reduced to two stars as of 11/08/2011 and until a suitable solution can be found. This was formerly a five-star printer.


The Lexmark Pro905 is identical to the Pro901, with an extra paper tray. The machine is otherwise the same. It will therefore give the same print quality, there will be the same cost per page (the same cartridges) and speeds are pretty much the same.

What changes?

Hardware
You'll find the same programmable functions (Smart Solutions) and the same large screen. Just one change: the Pro905 doubles paper load to 300 pages.

Speed: Similar to the Pro901, and indeed on Lexmark printers, from the bottom of the range to the top, the cartridges and motor are the same.

Note that in fact, four printers in the range are based on the same technology, the same programmable functions:

• Lexmark S605: multifunction 3-in1 colour inkjet: Wifi
• Lexmark Prestige Pro805: multifunction 3-in1 colour inkjet: networking + Wifi
• Lexmark Pro901: multifunction 4-in1 colour inkjet: networking + Wifi + fax with 64 MB memory.
• Lexmark Pro905 :  multifunction 4-in1 colour inkjet: networking + Wifi + fax with 64 MB memory.

ISO lifespan

Cartridge	Price	ISO lifespan	Cost per page
105XL (black)	£7.56	510	1.5 pence
100XL (cyan)	£13	600	2.2 pence
100XL (magenta)	£11	600	1.8 pence
100XL (yellow)	£11	600	2.8  pence

This is a total cost of 8.3 pence a page, which is below average.

For more details, check out the test for the Pinacle Pro901