Epson LQ-590II Dot Matrix Printer Review

Introduction

The Epson LQ-590II NT is a rugged 24-pin dot matrix impact printer built for environments where reliability, multipart forms and low running costs matter more than glossy photo output. Designed for continuous daily use in warehouses, logistics centers, medical offices, and retail back offices, this printer solves a common problem: how to get dependable, legible multi-part forms and long-run receipts without frequent consumable changes or downtime.

If your workflow relies on invoices, packing lists, shipping manifests or multi-part carbon copies, modern inkjet and laser printers can’t match the durability or multipart capabilities of a dot matrix. The LQ-590II combines traditional impact printing strengths — long life, tractor-feed support and multipart printing — with modern conveniences such as network connectivity and advanced paper handling. The result is a dependable workhorse that enhances productivity, reduces service interruptions and keeps operational costs predictable.

Overview

Visually, the LQ-590II carries the practical, industrial aesthetic typical of impact printers: solid chassis, accessible ribbons and a straightforward operator panel. It uses a 24-pin print head to deliver crisp, high-contrast monochrome output optimized for text and forms rather than photos. Its clear color styling is atypical for commercial devices but keeps the look clean and unobtrusive in professional settings.

At its core this is a dot matrix (impact) printer that intentionally prioritizes multipart form printing, long life cycles and low cost of ownership. Connectivity options include network-ready capabilities and USB for local attachment, enabling integration into both modern networks and legacy systems. Additional features such as auto-duplex, advanced paper handling and CD-printing support make it a versatile choice for businesses that need robust, continuous printing rather than high-resolution color output.

Ideal users include logistics teams, point-of-sale stations that require receipt and multipart printing, government and health institutions that handle structured forms, and companies with legacy software that still outputs data to serial or parallel-style print devices. The LQ-590II is not aimed at photo enthusiasts or home users seeking high DPI color prints; it is engineered for reliability, multi-part support and predictable long-term operation.

Features

Seamless Integration and Legacy Compatibility: Designed to work with legacy POS and ERP systems, the LQ-590II provides broad driver and emulation support. Advantage: minimal software rework when replacing older equipment. Benefit: quick deployment and reduced IT overhead during migration or upgrades.

Durable 24-Pin Impact Print Engine: The 24-pin mechanism offers high strike density compared to 9-pin models, producing sharper characters and better form legibility. Advantage: stronger, more durable impressions on multi-part stationery. Benefit: consistent, readable records for invoices and compliance documents that stand up to handling and filing.

Low Cost of Ownership & Long Life Cycle: Impact ribbons and mechanical components are optimized for long service intervals and inexpensive consumables. Advantage: reduced per-page running cost and fewer service interventions. Benefit: predictable budgeting and lower total cost across heavy-volume deployments.

Network-Ready & USB Connectivity: Built-in network capabilities and USB support allow centralized deployment across a small office or warehouse floor. Advantage: multiple workstations can share the same printer without complicated workarounds. Benefit: streamlined printing workflow, reduced device count and easier integration with both new and legacy systems.

Advanced Paper Handling with Auto-Duplex: Supports continuous feed, tractor-fed forms, single sheets and optional auto-duplex printing. Advantage: flexible media handling for multipart forms, labels and two-sided reports. Benefit: less manual feeding, fewer printing interruptions and faster throughput for complex print jobs.

Benefits

Lower Overall Printing Costs

Inexpensive replacement ribbons and durable components deliver a consistently low cost per page, ideal for high-volume transactional printing.

Reliable Multi-Part Printing

Print multipart receipts, invoices and carbon copies in a single pass — saves time and eliminates alignment headaches common with non-impact printers.

Easy Network Deployment

Network-ready design reduces the need for dedicated stations; central IT can manage print queues and share the device across the floor.

Operational Uptime and Fewer Interruptions

Robust mechanics and long-life ribbons mean fewer service calls and less operator downtime compared with high-maintenance devices.

Compatibility with Legacy Workflows

Works with established ERP/POS software, so businesses avoid expensive software rewrites and maintain business continuity during replacements.

Usages

Perfect for Logistics & Warehousing

Print packing lists, manifests and barcode-friendly forms that must survive handling and carbon-copy processes.

Workhorse for Legacy System Integration

Replace aging dot matrix units without reworking legacy software — fits into environments that still rely on serial emulations and form overlays.

Ideal for Retail Back Offices & POS

Generate production receipts, returns paperwork and multiple-part transaction records where instant legibility is critical.

Suited for Government, Healthcare & Utilities

Produce compliance forms, patient records and multi-copy documents that require documented proof and archival durability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional durability and long life cycle for heavy daily use
• Low cost of ownership with inexpensive ribbons and robust parts
• Designed for multipart form printing and legacy system compatibility
• Network-ready for shared office or warehouse use
• Advanced paper handling including auto-duplex and tractor feed

Cons

• Monochrome output only — not suitable for color or photo printing
• Slower and lower resolution compared with modern laser or inkjet for graphics
• Bigger footprint and heavier than compact office printers
• Not aimed at home consumers seeking everyday color prints

FAQs

Can the LQ-590II print on multipart carbon forms?

Yes. The 24-pin impact head is optimized for printing through multiple layers of carbonless or carbon paper, delivering readable copies across all parts in a single pass.

Can it handle single-sheet envelopes or CD printing?

The LQ-590II supports flexible paper handling options and CD-printing features in certain configurations, but envelope feeding may depend on your specific media path and settings. Check your deployment needs and test sample media for best results.

What kind of maintenance does a dot matrix require?

Maintenance is straightforward: replace ribbons periodically, keep the print head and platen clean, and ensure tractors/rollers are free of debris. The mechanical design favors long life with minimal intervention.

How does print quality compare to lasers or inkjets?

Impact printing focuses on text clarity and form legibility rather than photo or high-resolution graphics. Expect crisp, high-contrast monochrome output suitable for documents, but not for color images or glossy photos.

Is network connectivity standard on this model?

Yes. The LQ-590II NT is network-ready and also supports USB connection for local attachment, making it easy to share across departments or integrate into existing networks.

Product Specifications

Printer Type	24-Pin Dot Matrix Impact Printer
Warranty	Standard manufacturer warranty (check regional terms)
Ink/Toner Type	Impact ribbon cartridges (replaceable)
Model	LQ-590II NT Impact Printer Series
Connectivity	Networkable (Ethernet), USB
Dimensions	Manufacturer lists weight of approximately 19.65 pounds; chassis dimensions designed for stable industrial use
Supported Media Sizes	Continuous forms, single sheets, multipart stationery, labels; CD printing supported in some setups
Resolution (DPI)	Impact dot matrix resolution (optimized for text/forms)
Print Speed (cps)	Up to 584 cps (characters per second)
Duplex	Auto-Duplex supported

Ratings

Build & Reliability	4.6
Value for Money	4.2
Print Quality	3.1
Print Speed	3.5
Maintenance & Efficiency	4.4
Connectivity & Ease of Use	4.3

Recommendation

If your operation depends on multipart forms, robust continuous printing and low running costs, the Epson LQ-590II NT is a practical, long-lived solution. It shines in warehouse, retail back-office and regulated environments where durability and compatibility matter more than color graphics.

Choose this model when you need a network-shared impact printer that integrates with legacy software, minimizes downtime, and provides predictable per-page costs. Avoid it if your primary need is high-resolution color prints or photo output.

Conclusion

The Epson LQ-590II NT is an unapologetically practical printer designed for environments where reliability and multipart printing are non-negotiable. It doesn’t compete with modern inkjet or laser machines on resolution or color, but it doesn’t try to. Instead, it delivers a focused set of strengths: impact durability, low operating costs, and broad compatibility with existing business systems.

For businesses that process large volumes of invoices, shipping documents and compliance forms, the LQ-590II can reduce operational friction and deliver predictable performance year after year. Its network-ready design and advanced paper handling make it an adaptable addition to mixed fleets, and the total cost of ownership will appeal to managers looking to control recurring expenses without sacrificing uptime.