The Epson Stylus Photo "R" Series printers are probably the most popular models in Epson's current product line. With so many different ones to choose from, it may be difficult, at first, to determine the difference between the various models available and to decide which one would best fit your needs.
This guide is intended to clarify the features that each model offers, and also to offer suggestions for which printer would fit your personal needs.
The basic features of all of the models in Epson's "R" Series are:
-Direct CD and DVD printing
-Excellent print resolution, perhaps the best in the price range: 5760 x 1440 DPI
-Six individually replaceable color ink cartridges
-15-page per minute standard text printing
-Borderless photo printing
-Software suite that will help you edit photos and layouts as well as designing your own custom CD and DVD labels
Any model you choose from the "R" series will have the features above. Now, for more detail regarding the various models:
R200 - One of the first models in this product line. The R200 features the basic specifications listed above and is the most affordable printer in this series. This printer, along with the R220, would be an ideal choice for someone who just needs a basic printer that can handle everyday printing tasks, as well as occasional photos. The CD and DVD printing capabilities seem to be the most popular feature of this printer.
This is the absolute best value for independent musicians and video production artists to print professional-looking CDs and DVDs. Presentation makes all the difference in the entertainment industry, and you will definitely make a good impression on potential customers if you can offer a custom, personalized disc as opposed to a plain CD with permanent marker as a label.
This model is being phased out of production, however, and it will be replaced by the R220. Don't worry about future compatibility or support issues, though. All of the basic components of each printer in the R series are compatible with each other (ink cartridges, disc printing tray, etc.) You can find this printer for well under $100 in my eBay store, Ammon-Tech-Supply.
R220 - The R220 is the new model which will replace the R200. There are hardly any differences between the R220 and the R200, besides having a slightly different casing. Basically the same printer with a new look. The R220 will cost slightly more than the R200 since it is a new model, but it is still very affordable and a great value for the price, under $100. You can find the best prices right here by browsing through my listings and bidding on an auction, or, if you don't want to bother with the bidding process, you can opt to purchase one right away from one of my fixed price listings or store inventory.
R300 - Also one of the first models in this series, the R300 offers several more features that cater to the photo enthusiast. The R300 allows for printing directly from digital cameras, portable hard drives, and memory cards, without requiring a computer. This printer would be an ideal choice for someone more involved in photography, or for those who would need a portable printing solution without having the extra hassle of carrying around a laptop. The R300 includes a monitor that allows the user to navigate through the various features of the printer, such as loading a file to print and selecting the output type, i.e. CD printing, photos, plain documents, etc. There is also an optional color preview monitor available for purchase separately, which offers even more editing functionality when you don't have access to a computer.
The R300 is also being phased out of production and will become increasingly difficult to obtain. As of right now, there is no comparable replacement model for the R300, but you can buy one now from my listings while they last. The R300 is moderately priced at $140 and under.
R340 - The R340 offers all of the features of the R300 plus more. The color monitor, which is optional on the R300 and must be purchased separately, is a standard feature of the R340. All of the great features are included in one compact package: CD and DVD printing, direct input from sources like digital cameras and memory cards, as well as editing capabilities with the color preview monitor. Best of all, you can use these features practically anywhere you can plug a socket in. The R340 is currently the top model in this series, but even so, the price is not out of reach. You can have this printer shipped right to your door for less than $190 when you purchase from my eBay store.
I strive to offer the absolute best prices on the printers that I sell, and I offer a competitive price matching policy. Some retailers may try to lure you in with huge rebate offers, which, in the end, often end up costing the customer more, since it involves purchasing an additional item along with your printer, such as a digital camera. How can I offer the lowest prices on the internet for these printers? I am an independent retailer, and I do not have to worry about the operating costs and price-fixing polices that large chains like Best Buy or other online retailers have to deal with. I take pride in operating a business in which I can offer customers the best prices around as well as personal attention to each transaction. Please feel free to visit my eBay store at: http://stores.ebay.com/Ammon-Tech-Supply to purchase your next printer.
Guide created: 11/29/05 (updated 09/29/08)
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