The Epson Stylus Photo R200 is a classic overachiever. You name it, and the R200 can probably print it or print from it.

As might be expected, this inkjet model can print photos in various sizes, as well as typical business and personal documents such as brochures, product sheets, and family newsletters. It can handle the typical variety of paper sizes and stocks, including plain paper, matte and glossy photo paper, self-adhesive sheets, photo stickers, banner paper, iron-on transfer paper, and envelopes. However, unlike typical inkjet printers, the R200 can also print on CD and DVD. Unfortunately, it can print on only inkjet-printable CD and DVD, which means you won't be able to jazz up your current music and video collection.

The R200 uses six color ink cartridges for more true-to-life color, although image quality is good but not outstanding. If you want top-notch photos or documents, you are probably better off investing in either a dedicated photo printer or a higher-end inkjet. Print speeds are about average for models in this price range, but considering all the versatility the R200 offers for less than $100, the print speed and other flaws are reasonable tradeoffs.

The R200 is easy to set up and use. It can be ready to go straight out of the box in a matter of minutes, unless you forgot to buy a USB cable (about $15 to $20), as the package doesn't include one.

The paper tray can hold up to 120 sheets of plain paper and varying amounts of specialty papers and envelopes. The R200 can print borderless 4X6-inch, 5X7-inch, and 8X10-inch photos.

The package includes printer documentation, six ink cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta), and a CD tray. The included CD-ROM has printer drivers, Epson PrintCD software for printing on CD and DVD, and Epson FilmFactory software for enhancing, organizing, and printing photos.

Pro: Inexpensive. Easy to set up and use. Can print on CD and DVD, as well as the usual assortment of paper sizes and stocks. Can print directly from many memory cards and from PictBridge-compatible digital cameras.
Con: Can print on CD and DVD only using Epson PrintCD software, which limits potential design choices. Can print only on printable CD and DVD, which are slightly more expensive than regular CD and DVD.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Epson America
3840 Kilroy Airport Way
Long Beach, CA 90806
562-981-3840
http://www.epson.com

Warranty
1 year limited, including Epson Exchange program (U.S. and Canada only)