Epson C84

Epson's new Stylus C84 is the replacement for its popular C82, but it's more than a simple update and name change. With this model Epson has introduced its Durabrite ink technology.

This uses a pigment-based ink, as in commercial printer, not the standard dye-based ink used by most inkjets. The pigment is wrapped in a soft resin, which makes it waterproof, smudge-proof and longer lasting.

The new ink technology gives the additional advantage that it bonds to the top of the paper and isn't absorbed. This means that there's no bleeding even on cheap copier paper.

The C84 itself is compact with a stylish silver and black finish. A single door on the front drops down to act as a paper tray, while the rear of the printer houses the USB and parallel interfaces - Epson has plans to release Ethernet and Wifi versions.

We used the USB interface and found that installation was a doddle and were soon ready to run our tests. Epson claims 22ppm of text but our tests showed that a more realistic figure is 13ppm, which is still fairly rapid. Switching to an A4 photo took 58 seconds. The C84 is also capable of borderless prints on 4 x 6in and A4 paper.

We were pleased with the quality of the output on both photo and standard paper, although the output doesn't have the high-gloss finish of a standard inkjet. Unusually for a printer in this price bracket, the four ink colours are on separate cartridges, so only the ink that runs out has to be replaced.

It's an impressive printer and the Durabrite ink is great for all-round printing on different stock. However, those interested in high-quality photo printing should go for a traditional inkjet printer for best results.

Contact: Epson 0800 220 546
www.epson.co.uk

Specifications:

• 120-page feeder
• Quoted print speed: 12ppm colour, 22ppm mono
• 5,760dpi
• Four cartridges
• 128KB memory
• USB, parallel ports
• 4.2kg
• 460 x 437 x 308mm (h x w x d) printing size

See also:

Dell A940

Four handy devices in one for under £100  03 Feb 2004

Lexmark P3150

Excellent value although output is slow.  29 Jan 2004

Canon Bubblejet i455

Decent quality with value for money.  13 Jan 2004

HP PhotoSmart 7260

This inkjet printer could be just what you need to make copies of those embarrassing new year's party pictures.  12 Jan 2004

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