Epson Stylus Photo 1200

Product:
From: Epson America
Release: announced May 17th
Price: About US$500
Pros: Tabloid format six-color printer replaces the company's Stylus Photo EX model; prints on paper up to 13" x 44". Serial, Parallel, USB connectors all standard. Fast.
Cons: TBD.

Based on the same ink-jet technology as the company's recently announced Stylus Photo 750 letter/legal-size printer, the EPSON Stylus Photo 1200 is a US$500 tabloid-format printer with native USB/serial/parallel connectivity and six-color printing via black and five-color ink cartridges. The company says that that the new printer's six picoliter droplet size, 1440 x 720 dpi resolution and Advanced AcuPhoto Halftoning deliver unsurpassed photo quality in a tabloid format printer in this price range. The unit is speedy, too. It can print a 4" x 6" photo in approximately one minute (Photo quality mode takes longer, however) and an 8" x 10" photo in only two minutes and on paper sizes up to 13" x 44". A roll paper holder is also provided. The software bundle includes Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE.

Epson says a PostScript option will be offered. However, according to a review at www.macintouch.com, the Epson PostScript RIP won't be ready until sometime this summer.

For Further Reading:

• Stylus Photo 750 - Information page
• Epson Stylus Color 740 - Discussion of optimal paper types for Epson printers
• Lab Test: In living colour - Oct. 98
• Epson's Web Site: http://www.epson.com/whatsnew/ygtsi/ (the company's UK site has specific info on the 1200.)
• Review: http://www.macintouch.com/epsonrvw.html