Epson Stylus Photo R220 Ink Cartridges

Epson R220 Printer Review

The Epson Stylus Photo R220 is an inkjet printer designed to specifically fit the needs of buyers that are looking for an affordable solution to printing photos at home. Expert reviews on performance tests note that the device does better with quality than speed, with standard text and graphics printing at a rate of only 15 pages per minute and 4x6-inch photos taking less than one minute. While the device does suffer from slow speeds and other elements like limited connectivity, it uses inexpensive Stylus Photo R220 printer ink to produce lab-quality photos.

For a photo printer, the R220 has a disappointing lack of connectivity, with no memory card slots for direct photo printing from digital camera cards or a port for PictBridge-compatible cameras. Instead, the unit's build is basic and includes features like a front USB port (for connecting laptops) and a total media capacity of only 120 pages. The device has flexible support for paper, however, accepting a maximum size of 8.5x44 inches and unique media like glossy photo paper and compact discs.

One positive to this device is its excellent photo output, which expert tests show will outperform average drugstore prints with a maximum resolution of 5760x1440 dpi using color Epson R220 printer ink. Text and graphics also stood well against tests, printing above par with good detail and sharp resolutions using Stylus Photo R220 ink.

One perk to this device is its cost-efficient replacement Epson R220 ink cartridges, with optional remanufactured replacements available from third-party vendors. This unit's 6-color ink system uses light magenta, magenta, light cyan, cyan and yellow Epson R220 ink cartridges that can each yield up to 430 pages, as well as a black supply that can last 630 pages.

With the unique capability to print on discs, as well as its excellent across-the-board quality, this inkjet printer offers some of the best output in its class. However, the R220 lacks typical photo-centric features like memory card slots and fast image printing that may have users seeking out more versatile units.