Handles wide variety of paper, fine-art media

Epson's new R2000 is a 13-inch printer with several features normally reserved for pro-level printing, such as pigment-based inks, flexible media handling and larger-capacity cartridges compared to its predecessor, the R1900. The eight-color unit works with Ethernet, 802.11n (the company does not recommend using the wireless capability on 802.11b/g) and USB 2 and uses Epson's UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 ink for vivid, archival printing idea for serious photography, and which can be printed on sheet or roll paper, canvas, art boards and CD/DVDs.

The printer features Epson's MicroPiezo print head and an enhanced gloss optimizer for a very smooth finish and feel, including red and orange inks for more natural skin tones and a Photo or Matte Black printing option to ensure deep blacks on matte or glossy media. The company says the larger ink tanks can deliver up to 50 percent more prints than the previous model. Its roll-paper support allows for panoramas up to 44 inches long, even on canvas, and a front, straight-through path can handle media up to 1.3mm (one half-inch) thick, as well as direct CD/DVD printing.

The Photo Stylus R2000 will arrive later this month through all authorized resellers with a one-year, whole-unit exchange limited warranty plan, but does not include USB or Ethernet cables. The printer supports Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and Windows XP or later. It will retail for $500.

By Electronista Staff