Epson Stylus Photo R300M

Having searched around for a number of different options for a home printer, I decided upon the Epson Stylus Photo R300M. Overall I think it was a good choice.

Having owned a number of printers prior to this one I think that Epson products are vastly underrated and often overshadowed by Hewlett Packard in particular.

What are the specifications for this model?

. 6 separate cartridges for each colour (which personally I prefer as it saves replacement when just one colour runs out!)

. Epson PRINT Image Matching II technology ensures the best possible prints from PIM-enabled digital cameras

. 5760x1440 dpi through Resolution Performance Management (RPM)

. Prints up to 8.3" x 44" for panorama photo prints

. Four card slots that support SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro, CompactFlash Type I and II (including Microdrive) and SD/MMC cards. This means that you can print direct from a memory card, which saves you taking it into boots to get your holiday snaps developed!!!

. 2.5-inch colour preview LCD monitor - hurray I can actually see what I'm printing rather than hoping for the best!

. Direct Print from any PictBridge-compatible digital camera.

What's new?---------

Some of you might be thinking so what's different to the R300? The simple answer is not very much. The key additional feature is the 2.5 inch colour monitor (hence the R300M - for monitor) This is a nice extra for those of you who don't want to up load your images onto a PC first and have the hassle of setting up print preferences through the PC. The monitor allows direct compatibility with a digital camera or memory card and you can view your images on the LCD display and select print options directly.

The other great feature of both the R300 and R300M are the individual ink cartridges. Most printers have the traditional three colours in one cartridge, which have to be replaced every time you run out of one particular colour even if there's plenty left of the other colours. I find this so wasteful. The individual cartridges allow you to replace only what you need, saving you money.

Value for Money--------

This is debatable. At the time of writing this review the cheapest price for the R300M was £133.95. The question is whether Epson can justify the almost £50 extra that they charge for the new model, given that the main improvement is a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The answer to that question is one of preference, for me I do a lot of printing from my digital camera and the LCD is a handy device, for those of you who prefer to upload your pictures to the PC first there is probably little benefit.

Usability 90% - With the added LCD screen printing is easy and straight forward without having to link the printer to the PC.

Quality - 90% - Very detailed, clear and crisp printing, which considering the R300M is a home printer is to be commended.

Size 80% - Despite the fact that it is bristling with technology, the printer itself is reasonably compact and will fit on most printer tables.

Value for Money - 60% - I do feel that the price is a little steep considering that all that has been added is the LCD screen, but in the grand scheme of things £133.00 for a home printer is still excellent.