When you consider the meaning of the word Genesis, you might think of the first book of the Bible or you might think of the Rock Band that included Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel. The World English Dictionary also offers the definition for the word Genesis as ‘a beginning or origin of anything’. So where are we going with this?

Lexmark’s latest multifunction inkjet printer offering has been boldly badged as the Genesis S815, but is it really the creation of something divine or merely a cover version of an old classic?

Well let’s start with how the Genesis S815 looks….. It certainly is a looker. With its upright stance, sleek shiny black frontage and 4.3 inch touch screen the Genesis compliments any desk or workspace. But there is more to this printer than good looks; Lexmark boast that their ‘Flash Scan’ technology can scan an image in around 3 seconds as well as instantly previewing the page on the main display for adjustment. You’ll also find features such as wireless printing, PictBridge USB port, multicard reader, duplex mode and even the ability to access online content using the touch screen.

Lexmark quote print speeds of 33ppm draft and 18ppm at standard quality but we couldn’t achieve print speeds anywhere near these quoted. The print quality was excellent, with clear crisp text even at very small font sizes and very accurate gradation when printing graphics. When we printed at photo quality the output was once again excellent and amongst the best we’ve seen for a printer at this price.

The Genesis utilises the now familiar 4 ink system for its ink cartridges which means that you only replace when the individual cartridge is empty. Depending on your usage you can choose between the Lexmark 100XL ink cartridges which will print circa 600 pages or the lower capacity Lexmark 100 ink cartridges which will produce around 200 pages.

Overall we were impressed the Genesis. It’s a truly awesome looking bit of kit with some innovative functionality but just a bit of a let down when you consider the print speeds. If good looks are your thing, if you don’t print hundreds of pages and cost isn’t your main concern, then this little beauty might just bang your drum.

So do we think that the Lexmark Genesis S815 is the work of divine intervention ? Well maybe not, but its certainly the years highest chart entry to date!