Ink-jet Printers

The Bottom Line: Kodak's ESP 5250 multifunction printer isn't marred by the errors of its predecessors, but it still needs improvement before it can keep up with the competition. Right now, its pleasing photo quality and satisfactory output speed don't justify the $170 price tag and lack of features.

Specs: Copier, Printer, Scanner, Ink-jet, 1200 dpi

The Bottom Line: The HP Officejet Pro 8500 wireless makes a convincing inkjet argument for offices with a high volume of prints. With a function touch screen, multiple networking options, and an astoundingly fast print speed, it makes perfect sense to give this workhorse an Editors' Choice award.

Specs: Fax, Copier, Printer, Scanner, Ink-jet, 2400 x 4800 dpi

The Bottom Line: The Brother MFC-990CW is a speedy, fully capable all-in-one device that earns our recommendation for an individual or a family that will make use of its touch screen and telephone/answering machine. Mechanical issues notwithstanding, this is the highest-scoring Brother printer we've tested to date.

Specs: Fax, Copier, Printer, Scanner, Ink-jet, 1200 x 2400 dpi, Cordless handset

The Bottom Line: The Brother MFC-3360C does decent quality text and graphics, but anyone printing a large volume of photos won't be happy with the extremely slow output speed. If you're set on buying a multifunction printer, put your $90 toward a more capable device, like the Canon Pixma MX330.

Specs: Fax, Copier, Printer, Scanner, Ink-jet, 600 x 1200 dpi, Corded handset

The Bottom Line: We've tested plenty of printers at CNET, but very few have frustrated us as much as the Brother DCP-165C multifunction has. The counterintuitive setup, bland design, deplorable print quality, and crawling output speeds earns this printer a double thumbs down. Spend $30 more and you can get the Canon Pixma MX330, an all-in-one printer that adds a fax machine on top of the copy, scan, and print features.

Specs: Copier, Printer, Scanner, Ink-jet, 1200 x 2400 dpi

The Bottom Line: The Epson Stylus NX515 is a capable machine that will improve the efficiency of any office or work-at-home setup. Not only is it a lightning-fast all-in-one, but it also has a broader range of features than most other $150 AIOs. As long as you don't need a full creative software suite, the Epson Stylus NX515 will make a dependable sidekick to your computer.

Specs: Copier, Printer, Scanner, Ink-jet, 2400 x 2400 dpi

The Bottom Line: The Brother MFC-5890CN all-in-one is hands down the worst printer to take up space in our lab. From the irritating initial set up to the horrendous output quality and slow print speed, this device is the easiest way to flush $200 down the drain.

Specs: Fax, Copier, Printer, Scanner, Ink-jet, 1200 x 2400 dpi, None

The Bottom Line: HP's basic Deskjet D2660 inkjet has a fold-up paper tray and a unique paper corral that make it easy to store away. We noticed several flaws in the output quality, but if you don't expect too much in terms of photo output, this $50 inkjet will make an excellent at-home printer for intermittent use.

Specs: Personal printer - Ink-jet - Color, Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, PC, Mac, USB

The Bottom Line: We like the simplicity of the HP Officejet 6000 single-function inkjet printer. The print quality meets HP's high standards, and it outputs full color photos at an impressive rate, but its lack of an LCD screen takes some getting used to. Nevertheless, the HP Officjet 6000 performed well and earns our recommendation as a great single-function printer.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Ink-jet - Color, Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Workgroup printer, None, None, None, PC, Mac, 1 year warranty, USB, Ethernet

The Bottom Line: The Canon Pixma MX860's auto-document feeder, large LCD screen, and quick print speeds are sure to increase your productivity, but it also includes plenty of software to nourish your creative interests. At $199, this multifunctional printer earns our recommendation.

Specs: Fax, Copier, Printer, Scanner, Ink-jet, 2400 x 4800 dpi