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Epson Stylus C review: Epson Stylus C

Epson Stylus C

Headshot of Lori Grunin
Headshot of Lori Grunin
Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography | PCs and laptops | Gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
The Epson Stylus C68 and C88 are the 2005 replacements for their 2004 predecessors, the Stylus C66 and C86. Both of the newer products differ from their previous versions in two ways: they feature a more compact design and use a new set of inks, dubbed DuraBrite Ultra. For these inks, Epson encapsulates the pigment within resin for better results on glossy photo paper and improved fade resistance. Speed and features remain unchanged, however; the C86 and C88 offer faster performance than the C66 and C68. The Epson Stylus C68 will be available only in Canada through authorized dealers, computer superstores, and specialty retail stores.
Overall, the Epson Stylus C88 fares reasonably well for its price class. It's moderately fast, with a modest ink cost (based on the manufacturers usage estimates) and decent print quality.
Estimated cost per page  
Color graphics  
Text  
Photo  
Epson Stylus C88
20 cents 
4 cents 
24 cents 

Print quality  (Longer bars indicate better performance)
Text  
Graphics  
Photos  
Epson Stylus C88
Fair 
Fair 
Fair 

CNET Labs inkjet printer performance  (Longer bars indicate better performance)
Text speed  
Photo speed  
Canon Pixma iP4200
6.7 
0.6 
Lexmark P915
6.4 
0.2 
Canon Pixma MP130
6.0 
0.3 
Epson Stylus C88
5.0 
0.4 
HP PSC 1510
4.9 
0.4Â