Any recommendations from your personal use? I want to use this printer for general document printing but also for printing my family digital photos on thicker glossy photo paper. I don't really need an all-in-one type model as I already own a scanner.

Looking at the Canon Pixma (that's a new brand for me), HP and Epson. I'm staying away from Lexmark. Don't want to spend too much, in the $130-$ 180 USD range.

Hi Need,
I'm high on HP products. I would take a look at the HP DJ 5940. This printer (retail $100) is a work horse for regular documents yet uses the same technology that is in many of HP's higher end photo printers. The thing that is lacking here is the ability to print from memory cards.

If you want those features you can look at the PS 8050. This has the memory card readers, LCD screen and 4x6 photo paper tray. Usually retails for $150.

A bit out of your price range is the PS 8250, but you might be able to find some deals with the holidays coming up. This uses HP's newest individual ink cartridge technology. Unlike the individual ink carts in other brands, HP uses a closed reservoir system that doesn't waste ink.

Epson do some excellent printers, some of their photo ones just take the memory card straight off so no need to boot up your PC.

Check these out for a better look:
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-8165

I have used the R320 and its very easy, but a little slow.

I'm liking the Epson Stylus Photo R300M and it's ability to print to on CD/DVD.
Thanks for the input guys.

Hiya All
I use an R200, same as R300 but doesn't take memory cards. Had it about 18 months now, good results all round. I have allways used compatibles, but now Epson are taking legal action against compatible manufacturers it could prove to be expensive. Full set for mine, (not the cheapest around, but in my opinion the best) are about £15 ($US 27). Originals about £60 ($105). Lot of difference. DavidB

Before I bought a Canon or Epson, I would take a good look at printer cartridge prices. You pay almost as much for them, and do not get a new print head with each one. I had to junk an Epson printer after the print head quit on my infrequent use.

I am refilling my HP cartridges myself. If one of them dies, I can always run to Walmart and buy another for about $25 24/7.

HI,
Currently have the Epson Stylus Photo 825, from Walmart for around $119.
Great printer with photos on thick photo paper, both matte and glossy, but slow. Also takes the memory card straight into the printer. no computer needed.
Had a HP before that, and it was good, too, but only lasted 3 yrs, before a small "cog wheel" broke. Couldn't find another.
Got tired of refilling my own cartridges with the HP, so now buy Generic cartridges from http://www.printpal.com for my Epson.
Works great, good quality printing, $7 for color, $6 for black.
Best of luck.

I currently use an Epxon RX 420 all-in-one and its very good. One reason I chose this is the cheap consumables (compatible). At a local computer fair I can get each colour cart at about £2 each, and you can re-fill these. The point about the printhead is fair, you do get a new one with each HP cartridge etc, but remember the reason you don't get one with an Epson, they are more expensive printheads and therefore cost too much to put on each cartridge.

The main problem I've found with my Epson printers is that they tend to block up when not in use and use ink to clean themselves. Therefore, I would suggest that Epson's are better if you use them regularly as the carts are cheaper, but for infrequent use, HP might be the best bet.

p.s. I hate Lexmark:)

StuMegu,

I used to have an Epson and had the same issue - I loved the printer but you are correct that the printheads did clog when not in use and require a bit of ink use for the cleaning part.

I'm leaning towards the Epson again for its CD/DVD printing feature but the availability is a little sparse. Those Canon Pixma printers are everywhere and they seem to be well reviewed.

Thanks all for your advice!

Need,

When Consumer Reports did their last printer issue, 6 of the top 10 were HPs. Canon suffers from the same print head issues that Epson does.

Casio sells a printer specifically designed to print on CDs. Staples has it for $80: http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=130109&cmArea=SEARCH

I like HP too.

I'm currently using a 5500 at home and at work. I'm pretty sure it was only about $90.

Photos printed on the good paper look as good as film camera pics.