Customer Reviews
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PRINTER 
2008-09-19
Worst printer I have ever seen. An attempt to use it generally necessitates a head cleaning operation before it can print copy that is readable. That means you need to plan to spend about ten minutes working with the machine before you can actually print a single piece of paper. The ink cartridges empty quickly and clog frequently. Printing is not possible if one color cartridge is out, even if that color isn't needed. There is nothing redeemable about this machine. I am literally throwing it out and purchasing something else.
Decent Prints If You Get Lucky 2008-08-19
Worked out the box great, decent prints and fast.
Then my nightmare began---with the blinking of the low ink light. I bought genuine Epson ink, replace all the tanks. Low ink light still comes on. Talk to tech support at length was told I needed 'T078120' not the 'T0781' ink I bought ? Huh ? It fits into the printer and even says on the box it works with the R260. Obviously the tech support people shouldn't have left their old job at McDonalds.
Not willing to risk another $75 for a set of ink, I tried generic ink. And of course that didn't work. I have since been told that its possible the geniune ink I bought was old---seems Epson codes the date into the ink now so they can shut you off. So good luck while you're out there buying ink!
For 10 years I'm only used Epson printers. But no more, this is the last one I'll buy. It turned out to be a $180 paperweight.
I am super happy with the Epson R260 photo printer! 
2008-07-19
I have been using Epson printers for years now, and I find that the Epson R260 is my favorite. It never has conflicts with my old XP or new Vista computers. I buy GENERIC ink and it accepts all inks with no conflicts. This is so important to me! The older Espon printers did not like generic ink. I had to dibble and dabble to get the generic ink to work. So far, so great and I have had the R260 now for 9 months or so. I hope I never see an error message that a part is going bad and needs replacing like the older ones gave me. That was a big rigg!
I print a lot, so I am used to the quick using up of the ink. All epson printers are like this. I love the dpi and the quality of my prints, so I don't care if the ink is used fast.
I love convienience of printing quality photos and cards at home. All other printers are not up to par in this dapartment, I think. This is why I love Epson.
Please save yourself the trouble. 2008-06-07
I am now on my third R260 printer. The first one died a few weeks into ownership, after a whopping 30 or so prints (b/w homework, not photos). The warranty replacement arrived DOA. The second replacement arrived working, partially.
On this third version I frequently get streaking on about one line per paragraph of text, and trouble shooting doesn't seem to help. The printer jams every 3-15 pages. I've tried to get another replacement, but as this one is not "dead" yet, I just have to wallow in my misery.
Even when this printer is working, it is very loud, both in start-up, printing and shutdown. I do not recommend this at all. This printer is so bad, it's actually inspiring me to write my first review.
I just tested the photo feature today. The prints actually look nice if you turn the settings for quality up. I tried also to print an image to the sample CD that came with the printer, but it jammed and it had only printed 1/2 inch, so I can't tel you the results.
Please, do not buy this. If you're offered it via a "free printer" deal, ask for alternatives.
The Worst Printer I Have Ever Owned 2008-05-11
I was in the desktop publishing business in the 1980s. Companies sent us their printers for evaluation. Since that time I have used or reviewed dozens of printers.
Two years ago, a client gave me the Epson R260 so I could print on inkjet-printable DVDs that I was delivering to him.
The one piece of good news is that, when it works, the Epson R260 makes beautiful prints on DVD discs.
That is the ONLY good news.
In every other respect, this is a horrible printer. I hate it.
First of all, the CD/DVD tray jams constantly. I complained to Epson tech support and they sent a new tray to me (the jamming happened within a few weeks of my first use). The jamming continued.
Second of all -- and this is unforgivable -- every time the printer has any kind of major jam or malfunction (which seems to happen about every 50-75 DVDs), it goes into some sort of reset mode which includes dumping ink. And not a little ink, but approximate 25% of the ink in all six cartridges. Now, I purchase nothing but genuine Epson ink, and in case you haven't looked, a complete set costs $80, plus tax. So each of these episodes costs me a twenty dollar bill. Just imagine every time you have any problem with your printer, you have to reach into your pocket, pull out a twenty dollar bill, and put it in the waste basket.
I have own three HP inkjet printers (the P1000, P1100, & HP855C) and I've had them for years and years. They work perfectly every time, use very little ink, and are wonderful in every way.
So, do not purchase any Epson inkjet printer, ever. Stay away! Get an HP or Canon.
Nice printing, scandalous ink consumption 
2008-04-24
The Epson Stylus Photo R260 Photo Printer delivers Ultra Hi-Definition Photos and Documents at amazing speeds. Print photos like those you've come to expect from the lab but better. Precision, 6-color printingand Claria Hi-Definition Ink provide the ultimate combination of photo quality and longevity. Display stunning, borderless photos that are smudge, scratch, water and fade resistant. The Epson Stylus Photo R260 even corrects the color and lighting in photos automatically for simply amazing results - it's like having a lab technician right inside your printer. The Epson R260 races through every project, printing text up to 30 ppm and borderless color photos in as fast as 13 seconds. And, you can print your favorite photos on the spot, right from your PictBridge-enabled digital camera or mobile phone. With this versatile printer, you can even personalize CDs&DVDs using your own photos and text. Print directly onto ink jet printable CDs&DVDs for professional looking results with no messy labels. The Epson Stylus Photo R260 gives you superior photo quality, versatility and performance right at home. Black&Color text up to 30 ppm 4x6 inch borderless photo in as fast as 13 seconds Epson PRINT Image Matching, Exif Direct Ink jet printable CDs and DVDs Maximum Paper Size - 8.5 x 44 inchesInput Paper Capacity - 120 sheets plain paper 20 sheets Premium Photo Paper Glossy Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Connectivity Supports - Plain paper, Epson Premium Bright White Paper, Photo Paper Glossy, Premium Photo Paper Glossy, Ultra Premium Photo Paper Glossy, Premium Photo Paper Luster, Premium Photo Paper Semi-gloss, and Presentation Paper Matte, Premium Presentation Paper Matte and Matte Scrapbook Paper (letter), No. 10, DL, C6; plain paper, bond paper, airmail Envelope Operating Systems - Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, XP and XP Professional x64, Mac - OS X 10.2.8 or later (Power PC and Intel Core processor) Uni
Printed well then DIED after 90 days.... NOT dependable, expensive ink, no product support from Epson 2008-04-18
Printed well then DIED after 90 days....
NOT dependable
expensive ink
no product support from Epson
I am still looking for a DEPENDABLE ink jet printer
This one will dissappoint and cost you MUCH money is supplies.
Great Pictures but Wow I can't get the cartridge out!!!!! 2008-03-08
I love the quality of this printer. I have had so much fun printing Cd labels. Unlike the other reviewers, I was actually surprised that the ink lasted as long as it did. I don't know if I just don't do as much printing as others but I was surprised. My problem was in changing the cartridges. It is very hard. I presently have two that won't come out at all. I have sent an email to Epson but I am ready to throw the whole thing in the dumpster. My fingers are so sore from trying to get them out that I am thinking of buying another brand. When I bought it, the reviews were pretty good, but there were some who said it was expensive to get the ink. I was prepared to spend the money for good pictures. I replaced the cartridges once with no problem but now I am unable to replace the ones that are empty. It doesn't work at all with empty cartridges so I can't use it all. I will probably buy a Canon........
Ink Replacement will drain your wallet!! 2008-02-24
This printer prints very good but my ink lasted less than 1 week!! The cost per cartridge is 13-18 per color. You can buy a bundle for 60-80 dollars but most include 5 colors excluding black so expect to pay another 15-18 for black ink. If you run out of one color the printer will not print at all because the Epson online help indicates you have to have all cartridges working before it will print. Money maker for Epson. The printer prints great but the cost to maintain this printer in not worth it.!!
Don't buy this waste of money and ink 2008-02-19
Since my previous review vanished, I figured I'd do another one. This printer is awful, it will actually dump ink into an ink sponge. If you run out of color ink, you will be unable to print in black and white, as the printer will lock itself. As other customers have stated, replacing the cartridges is a pain. I will never purchase an Epson product again, my frequent emails to their customer service have only garnered cookie cutter replies.
