A Photo Printer That Really Does Do It All
Written: Apr 28 '03 (Updated Jun 13 '03)
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Pros: High quality, low cost CD/DVD printing capability
Cons: Awkward setup
The Bottom Line: Great all around printer IF you need or want the CD/DVD printing feature.
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| green-z's Full Review: Epson Stylus Photo 960 InkJet Printer |
FYI: I bought this printer primarily for its CD/DVD printing function, as such, this review focuses on that aspect of this printer. Also, I use this printer with a Mac Dual 1.25 with OS X version 10.2.5. I do not know what the Windows experience is like with this model.
Like many, I've been printing paper CD labels for years. I've always found the process a bit time consuming and complex. You all know the drill. Plus, labels look so unprofessional. So I was excited when I read about the new Epson Stylus Photo 960 and 900 printers that could print directly onto CDs. No more labels!
The 960 and 900 models are fairly similar. I decided on the 960 because it has separate ink cartridges for each color and it boast a higher resolution. (Plus, the 960 was in stock and the 900 was not). It's important to feel confident about which model you want because most stores have a 10-15% restocking fee on open box printers, and, besides that, once you open the 960 you'll never pack it back in the box correctly.
The 960 comes with the printer, 7 ink carts (two of which are black), a paper roll dispenser and cutter, and a CD and manual. Models shipped after March 1 will also have the CD printing kit included. Look for a sticker that says "CD Printing Now Included." If the box does not have this sticker it is older stock, and the CD printing is not included in the box. You will have to mail in a coupon to get it, which is kind of a pain.
The "CD Printing" sticker also has a little line that says Mac OS X Software Not Included. Being the owner of a Mac that will not boot into OS 9 I was disappointed to see this, and I left the store to do some research. (This printer works fine with OS X, it just does not include stand-alone software to let you print CD/DVDs)
After digging through the Epson web site I found a Photoshop template for printing CDs and DVDs with OS X. That is the good news. The bad news is that you have to own Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (Fortunately, I do, so I went back to buy the 960). I also spoke with Epson about the potential availability of OS X CD Printing software. I was told there was no release date, so it could be tomorrow, or it could be never.
[UPDATE 6/13/03: Software is now available for OS X. Its Called Discus LE and is the same software that is included with Toast 5, if you have that program. The Toast version doesn't have the 960 template, however. By now 960s should have Discus LE included in the box, but if you get one with no CD just call Epson and they will send you a copy.
The Discus software is very easy to use, and is very Mac like. You can pick one of the included backgrounds, or use your own JPEG. You can also select any font on your system, and print vertically, horizontally, or and up or down arch.]
Set up was somewhat painful only because the set-up instructions are incomplete. You have to dig into the manual (who reads manuals?) to find out how to connect the CD printer kit. Of course, now that you know this you should have an easier time than I did. When installing the CD kit, be sure to take out the white disc where the CD goes. Nothing in the instructions tells you to remove it, but its quite apparent that a CD won't fit snuggly if you don't remove the paper filler.
A driver and software CD is supplied. There are some OS X programs, OS 9 as well. However, DO NOT install the driver on the CD. Its outdated and doesn't include the CD media option. Go over to Epson and download the driver there. You can do this the same time you download the Photoshop CD template.
Printing a CD is somewhat awkward, but a big improvement over printing CD labels. To load the CD feeder into the printer you must open the lid, turn a lever inside to a designation position, and slide the CD feeder w/ blank CD into the printer. Once aligned, you then have to turn the lever again to another position (hold the CD feeder in place while you do this) to lock in the CD feeder. Then close the lid and press a button on the printer. After you do all this you are ready to print. Just follow the instructions and you'll have a printed CD in no time.
The results were great, but make no mistake, it won't look like a commercially available CD. It will still have a somewhat homemade look to it because the printable CD media a shinier than CDs that you'd buy in a music store. But, I'll take it any day over CD labels.
If you are considering the 900 or 960 be aware that you will have to buy special inkjet printable CDs and DVDs. These are available on the web, but you'll be hard pressed to find them in your local computer or office supple store. These CDs also cost a bit more than typical CD (a lot actually, if you consider all the rebate deals on non-printable CD media).
The 960 also comes with the aforementioned paper roll and cutter. This is to make printing 4x6s easy, and its similar to the way 1hr photo printers work. My main complaint, however, is that there is so much part switching around involved. This printer does it all, but you have to change the configuration each time you want to print different media. That means loose parts need to be stored...and remember where they were placed when you need them. That isn't an optimal solution, and can get clumsy, but then again this is only a $300 machine, so its pretty amazing that it does have this much versatility. Not to mention the photo quality output is amazing.
Despite all my minor setup and incompatibility frustrations the 960 is a nice printer. I paid $295 for it, though it retails for $350 at many stores. For $350 this printer is no bargain, especially when you can get the 900 for a bit under $200. If you are only going to print CDs the 960 might even be more printer than you need. However, if you are looking for a great all around printer, and you need or want CD printing this is the one. On the other hand, if you don't care about CD printing at all, look elsewhere. There are loads of inkjets from Canon and HP of the same caliber as the 960 for a lot less money.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 295
Operating System: Macintosh
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Epinions.com ID:
green-z
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Reviews written: 50
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