Epson EPL-7000 laser printer
                         Copyright 1991 David Batterson


     Epson's EPL-7000 laser printer replaces the discontinued model EPL-6000
(previously reviewed in PC REVIEWS).  I liked the EPL-6000, and this new
model is even better.
     The Motorola 68000 microprocessor now runs at 12MHz, instead of 10MHz.
A larger paper cassette holds 250 sheets, instead of the EPL-6000's 150.  You
can later upgrade to true Adobe PostScript with a Weitek RISC (Reduced
Instruction Set Computing) processor by replacing the controller.
     There's now a cheaper way to add memory.  You can add 1.5MB to the
existing .5MB by popping in inexpensive memory chips.
     The printer engine is the Minolta SP101.  Print speed remains at six pages
per minute.  The printer's warm-up time is approximately 60 seconds.
     The review unit came with the optional 2MB memory expansion board.  You
have to buy it (or the optional .5MB board) to add memory beyond 2MB.  Total
memory capacity for the EPL-7000 is 6MB, more than you should ever need.
     Keep in mind that you MUST first add 1.5MB to the controller board before
you can use either memory board.  I had to zip down to a dealer and buy 12
256Kx4 80ns DRAMS, which cost me $84.  Then I installed the memory board, for a
grand total of 4MB printer memory.
     The EPL-7000 comes with the 65-in-One font.  This cartridge is equivalent
to the HP ProCollection font cartridge.  It provides Helvetica, Times Roman,
Prestige Elite, Courier, Letter Gothic and Line Printer fonts, ranging in size
from a tiny 3.6 point up to 14 point.
     Popular word processors, such as WordPerfect, Microsoft Word and
Professional Write support this cartridge.  Look for the HP ProCollection in
your program's list of font cartridges in the setup section.
     The printer has a wide selection of symbol sets.  Besides the usual IBM-US
and Roman-8, you can choose Legal, Roman Extension and international sets
(French, German, Spanish, etc.).
     In addition to HP emulation, the EPL-7000 emulates the Epson LQ-2500 and
FX series dot matrix printers.  I don't think you'll use these very often.
     The EPL-7000's smart paper sensor now adjusts the temperature and amount
of toner.  With the EPL-6000, you had to make this adjustment with the printer
control panel.
     During my testing, I printed on copier paper, laser paper, envelopes,
labels and transparencies.  I printed a wide assortment of text and graphics
documents, using Artline 2.0, Express Publisher 2.0, PFS:First Publisher 3.0,
Professional Write 2.2, Publish It! 1.2, The New Print Shop, Calendar Creator
Plus 4.0 and others.  The printed output was superb.
     The SelecType printer controls have been expanded too.  (Don't look for
DIP switches, since there aren't any.)  SelecType commands let you choose font,
paper size, paper cassette, portrait/landscape, offsets, memory sharing and
more.  The Channel configuration lets two PCs use the printer at once.
     No product is perfect; I did discover one minor omission.  Many laser
printers have a door in back that you open for face-up delivery.  This is
recommended for labels, transparencies and heavy paper stock.
     The EPL-7000 has no such door.  Instead you must purchase and install the
optional face-up output tray.  Maybe the "EPL-8000" will change this.
     Suggested retail price of the EPL-7000 is about $1,400, with street price
much less than $1000.  This is an excellent value.  Check with your Epson
dealer for option prices.
     For more information, contact Epson America, Inc., 20770 Madrona Ave.,
P. O. Box 2842, Torrance, CA  90509-2842; 213-782-0770, FAX: 213-782-5220.
                                       #
     David Batterson sees the day coming when all computer users can afford
laser printers.  Send your comments via MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.