Great print quality, when it works
Written: Sep 20 '03 (Updated Dec 24 '03)
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Pros: Great print quality. Versatile photo-paper roll feed. Direct-to-CD printing.
Cons: Periodic ink splotches. Has problems with paper path. Ink cartridges special order only.
The Bottom Line: The print output is absolutely stunning on plain paper. This is offset by periodic large ink blotches that ruin your output. Ink cartridges are special-order only in Orlando, FL.
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| quincy011's Full Review: Epson Stylus Photo 960 InkJet Printer |
I run a small graphics design business and needed a really good printer for my job proposals. After a lot of research, I narrowed my search down to an Epson and a Canon. I spoke to a Canon and Epson representative at a local computer store on two separate occasions. Of course, both extolled the virtues of their printers. The Epson representative, however, did something that made me think. Instead of pushing a printer on display, getting an immediate sale, he told me of the Photo 960, which he though would better serve my needs. After some more research, and the Epson rep forgoing an immediate sale, I chose the Epson.
Setup was easy, though I have to admit that the multiple steps to mount and use the photo paper roller are a bit intimidating (haven't had to use it yet). The print quality is absolutely awesome when it works.
Here is where the story turns. My 960 has a tendency to spit out globs of black ink, typically at the end of the print job. Of course, this is done while the paper is still being printed. Typically 4 to 6 out of every 10 prints are ruined by this printing error. I have tried changing paper types and weights to no avail. This artifact occurs at almost the same spot on the pages. I spoke to an Epson representative (sadly, not the same one who sold me on the unit). His eyes widened when I described the problem, and he recommended an immediate warranty replacement.
I called Epson and went through the warranty process. After a few days, I had a new (refurbished) printer, with a new set of ink cartridges. This is good, since this printer problem occurred right in the middle of my printing out a rush job and I had burned through a lot of paper and ink trying to get useable samples out the door (remember that 4-6 of over 10 were corrupted).
When assembling the printer, I noticed that it only came with one of the two black cartridges needed. So, I used one of my old black cartridges and started printing. Immediately, the ink artifact returned on my very first print. I called Epson and they walked me through the process of cleaning and aligning the nozzles/cartridges. After running about 6 sheets of paper through, the print quality returned to normal.
I began another run at producing my now-late print job. After about 5 or 6 good prints, the problem returned again. Pulling my hair out, I sat back to think about what was going on and remembered that I used one of my old black cartridges in the new printer. Could the problem be centered on a bad ink cartridge? I pulled the used cartridge out and replaced it with the other used cartridge. Voila! I finished the first part of my print job with no more ruined prints. I called Epson and told them what I had discovered and that I would be sending their replacement printer back, and keeping my old one (I had delayed sending in the old one just in case the refurbished replacement didn't work).
Fast-forward a month and my ink blotch problem is now starting to periodically return. Cursing, I checked the printer status and found that two of the cartridges are very low on ink. Is this ink blotching a sign of low ink cartridges? I hope not, since that is a pretty dramatic way to warn the user of low ink!
This problem has also surfaced periodically when the paper is pulled into the printer askew. I don't know why, but the printer seems to have problems with the paper path when loading from the rear/top loader. Globs of ink will smear on the bottom corner of a page when this happens.
This printer consumes a LOT of ink when using it in superphoto mode (I guess I shouldn't be too surprised at that). And, speaking of ink, the cartridges are only available via special order; my local office supply stores do not normally carry them.
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Well, here is a follow-up to the Epson 960 I reported on. The spewing ink problem disappeared for a few months. The paper-loading problem still plagues me, though thankfully only periodically. Two weeks ago, the spewing ink problem returned. Again, I contacted Epson. The phone rep tried to tell me that I was printing on too heavy photo paper. She said that the printer only took paper under 100lb stock. I chuckled and told her that I was printing on 75-lb Kodak Satin photo paper. She then said maybe she was wrong, and it might be a 60-lb limit. She recommended printing only on genuine Epson paper. I pulled out a pack of Epson photo paper I bought recently and told her that Epson’s own paper is 72-lb stock and even offered to give her the item number to look up the specs! She then arranged for another printer to be sent to me (my 2nd replacement printer, but who’s counting anyway?).
The printer was waiting for me 3 days later, missing one black ink cartridge (this printer takes 2 black cartridges). I thought, maybe the printer doesn’t like having both blacks installed and proceed to load it with all of its new ink, minus one of the 2 black cartridges. The printer refused to initialize. I followed step-by-step the manual’s instructions on how to load cartridges. No deal. I used one of my old black cartridges and added it to the printer and voila! Ok, test print time. Nothing happened. The Mac gave me a warning that the printer was not on, or not connected. I double-checked the connection, which didn’t feel right. I pulled the plug and re-attached it… but no response came from the Mac. I pulled the printer out of line and found the problem.
They sent me a damaged printer. The exterior housing was brand new, but, the USB, parallel, and power back connectors were not flush with the plastic bezel. The USB port connector plate was bent, and sitting about 1/8 inch away from the plastic. It was clear that this printer had been severely damaged and repackaged.
I cannot describe how upset I am with Epson. I’ve had three printers in five months. They have my $400, and I’m sitting here using Virtual PC to print to an old HP printer through a print server!
If anyone has any useful suggestions (other than to sell the Epson on e-Bay), I’d be happy to hear them. If you are considering the Epson, know this: some people have bought this printer and love it. It works consistently well for a friend of mine who bought his just after I did. He only prints letters, and directly to CD/DVDs. I only pray that his doesn’t ever need service since Epson has ZERO quality-control!
Thanks for reading my rant,
Terry
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Here is another update in my Epson saga. I called Epson and demanded a supervisor. I received the usual 'I can help you with any issue you have' speech. I started from the beginning and the phone rep quickly realized that I needed Tech Support. I was transferred to, and talked at length with a very helpful fellow who, in the end, said that he couldn't give me the relief I was asking for (a full refund). He took my information and arranged for a 2nd-level rep to contact me. Later that night, I received a call and, after going round and round with him, he arranged to send me a brand new printer. I was assured that this was a fluke, and that Epson wanted to make this right.
A new printer was sent promptly. The new printer came with a software CD that contained a newer version of the drivers I had been using. The first thing I noticed was that print quality on Kodak paper had declined dramatically. I guess there were some changes made to the specifications (I had been using the premium luster photo paper setting on superphoto mode for printing on Kodak matte-finish paper). Now, I can't find a suitable setting for this paper. Conversely, print quality on Epson photo paper is perfect. I have had a few printing snafus. On one print on plain paper, it smeared ink all over the place (not the same as the previous blotching problem).
I've scaled-back my in-house high end printing for obvious reasons. I'm ok with the printer if it will give good results with Epson paper, though I'm not happy being forced to use Epson papers only. I'm a fan of Kodak papers, but, if it works I'll live with it.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 350.00
Operating System: Macintosh
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Epinions.com ID:
quincy011
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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