Why You Can Trust CNET Print, scan, copy with $55 Epson Stylus Photo printer
If you don't mind "settling" for a refurb, the all-in-one RX595 can handle all your scanning, copying, and photo-printing needs.
Epson's having a rare sale: you can get a refurbished Epson Stylus Photo RX595 all-in-one printer for just $55 shipped.
What's significant about this model? Most of the cheapie multifunction printers I come across have low-end print engines, meaning they're not great for photos. The Stylus Photo RX595, as you might infer from the name, was built with glossies in mind.
It accepts just about any memory card on the planet (USB drives, too), previews images on a 2.5-inch color LCD, and prints using a six-cartridge system. It can also print on CDs and DVDs, scan directly to PDF, and crop/edit photos--no PC required.
CNET hasn't reviewed this model, but it rates 3.5 stars from Amazon customers. It's Windows- and Mac-compatible; all users will need to supply their own USB cable. Thankfully, even though this is a refurb, Epson backs it with a full one-year warranty.
One final note: Yes, replacement ink is expensive. That's true of all printers. So you might as well get the best possible deal on the hardware.