• On BNET: 3 worst things about the iPhone 3G S
January 5, 2009 6:19 AM PST

Print, scan, copy with $55 Epson Stylus Photo printer

by Rick Broida

This multifunction photo printer normally sells for $150 or more.

(Credit: Epson)

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.

Originally posted at The Cheapskate
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
Recent posts from Crave
Ramen robots invade Japanese restaurant
Poll: Why don't you have an iPod or MP3 player?
Oppo's affordabe high-end Blu-ray player is here
iPhone 3GS jailbreak, 'purplera1n,' hits Web
Apple patents point to haptics, fingerprints, RFID
Friday Poll: We the ppl--imagining a digital 1776
Gadgettes 144: The Childhood Nostalgia Episode
Duet D8 is no iPhone clone
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by rwiechec January 5, 2009 10:19 AM PST
Expensive printer ink jsut disappeared with the new KODAK Easy Share line of ink jets.
They provide double the cartridge life at near less the costof others ie epson,kCannon,HP to mention a few.
Black Cartridge 9.95 color pack 14.95 done.
Its about time that the competitors lost busness as they all made smaller cartritges with resulting less ink for lage unit prices.
Kodak will swamp the market as I paid less for a 5300 series 72 dollars + free shipping thur Buy .com
and get significantly more ink at prices noted above along with direct online ordering when I need more ink. Prints a quality page in both black and white or color

rwiechec
Reply to this comment
by 40list04 January 8, 2009 11:54 AM PST
Well, I think I know why Epson has slashed the price on this one, offered free shipping, and seemingly has a near-infinite supply of refurbished units. I ordered one of these on a whim after reading this article. It arrived today. Started through the setup and got as far as the message "cannot recognize ink cartridges". Their tech support (Ukraine?) was unable to do anything so, after going through the proper dance, they are supposed to be sending me a replacement immediately. We'll see.

I've never had a problem with refurbished units in the past but I guess there is a first time for everything. My hope is that if the replacement is equally screwed I'll be able to return it without excessive hassles. Oh well, live and learn...
Reply to this comment
by rickbroida January 9, 2009 1:50 PM PST
Yikes! Sorry to hear that. Hope Epson steps up and makes it right.
Reply to this comment
(3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

Add this feed to your online news reader

Crave topics

Making sense of Windows 7 upgrades

faq The basics and the fine print on Microsoft's options for those eyeing the next operating system from Redmond.
• Full Windows 7 coverage

Road Trip 2009: Big Sky Country

CNET News reporter Daniel Terdiman takes his car full of gadgets to the Rockies and the Great Plains in search of tech, science, nature, and more.
• America's Fortress: Cheyenne Mountain

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right