Epson Stylus CX4800

When my flatbed scanner stopped working I needed something in a real hurry and ran down to my local computer shop and picked up an all-in-one scanner/printer thinking it would handle the small job I had to do (scanning only) . The guys at the shop told me that this product would do the job until I could get to the city (Toronto) to get my "real" equipment.

I was amazed what this inexpensive little machine could do. It is NOT a professional level photo scanner and definitely not a professional level printer, but I whipped off some proofs and a customer thought they were final prints and wanted to pay me for them on the spot.

I tried printing some digital files and was just as amazed at the quality of prints. Epson claims the inks are smear proof and will last for years. If that's the case, I made a good buy!

Am I going to use this for my work on a regular basis? No. Would I run proofs if I had to? Sure. I can even run proofs/prints directly from memory cards or camera without a computer if I need to.

If you are looking for a capable scanner/printer which takes up little room on your desk, this could be a suitable solution for most general scanning and printing for the average person who uses a digital camera. There are other models, some with fax machines, but the basic features and quality are the same for all of them.

Small space required for all-in-one machine.
Does a decent scanning job.
Does a decent printing job.
Has multiple inks so only the one that runs out needs to be replaced.

None really. For what it is, it is a great little machine.

A long line of Epson printers and scanners, Acer scanners.

Never needed. Once these machines wear out or stop working, replace them. It's cheaper if not covered by 100% warranty.