Epson Picturemate Photo Printer

When visiting my local computer store today, I noticed the Epson
Picturemate photo printer. I don't recall the specific model number,
and it may not even be a new product. (I haven't been keeping up with
th latest and greatest hardware....)

However, I've been considering a dedicated printer for my photos, so I'm
wondering whether anyone here has had any experience with these. I'm
also curious as to whether there are any competing products (perhaps
from HP or Canon). If so, how do they compare?

Any info would be appreciated.

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 23:28:15 -0400, BRH wrote:

> When visiting my local computer store today, I noticed the Epson
> Picturemate photo printer. I don't recall the specific model number,
> and it may not even be a new product. (I haven't been keeping up with
> th latest and greatest hardware....)
>
> However, I've been considering a dedicated printer for my photos, so I'm
> wondering whether anyone here has had any experience with these. I'm
> also curious as to whether there are any competing products (perhaps
> from HP or Canon). If so, how do they compare?

I don't know how they compare with other brands, but the picture
quality is pretty good, and the print longevity is probably the
greatest available. Of course it depends on how the prints are
stored, but according to some reviews I read when I got mine over a
year ago, they should outlast most print made by local photo labs.
They cost is 26 cents/print (B&H sells Epson's consumables kit for
$26, which includes an ink tank and 100 sheets of 4x6 paper). As
far as I know there are two versions. I think that the older model
has a monochrome display, vs. a popup color LCD on the newer model.
The newer model prints slightly faster.

The Picturemate doesn't require a computer, and is able to do far
more picture editing that what the local labs allow. Most people
don't like overprinting times and dates on their prints, but if you
have the Epson do it, it's much less obtrusive than I've seen other
printers, cameras, and software do it. It's printed using a very
small font, but it's also very fine and legible. When I (and
others) have compared the Epson's print quality with that from local
labs, sometimes the lab does a better job, and sometimes the Epson
does. I'd say that most people I've given prints to where they had
a choice of an Epson or a lab print, chose the Epson's prints about
2/3 of the time.

As I said, I can't compare it with other brands, but in addition
to HP and Canon, there's Kodak, Olympus, Sony and several other
brands available. One, whose name I don't recall (but it may start
with "T") is well regarded, and besides the usual 4x6 printers, also
sells a model that makes 5x7 prints. B&H probably sells most of
these brands, so you could check either their catalog or website to
see what's available, as well as what the current prices are for the
printers and consumables. If I recall correctly, Sony's printers
and supplies are for those that have no shortage of money.