Epson Stylus C88

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Reviewed by: Lori Grunin

Reviewed on 11/7/05    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 

0.4 

Basic Specs

Product Specifications:
Product Description: Epson Stylus C88 - Personal printer - Color - Ink-jet
Printer Type: Personal printer - Ink-jet - Color
Dimensions (WxDxH): 18.1 in x 9.5 in x 7.5 in
Weight: 9.3 lbs
Ink Palette (Colors): 4-ink
Max Media Size (Standard): A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in) , Legal (8.5 in x 14 in)
Max Media Size (Custom): 8.5 in x 14 in
Print Speed: up to 22 pages/min - B/W , up to 12 pages/min - Color
Max Resolution ( B&W ): 5760 dpi x 1440 dpi
Max Resolution ( Color ): 5760 dpi x 1440 dpi
Interface: USB , Parallel
Media Type: Cards , Labels , Envelopes , Photo paper , Plain paper
Total Media Capacity: 120 sheets
Monthly Duty Cycle: 5000 pages
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year warranty
Modem: None
Networking: None
Type: None
Copier Type: None
Printer Features: Borderless printing
Power: AC 120 V
Battery: None
System Requirements: Apple MacOS X 10.2 or later , Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP