Epson Stylus 1160 Color InkJet Printer

• 1,440 x 720 dpi resolution
• Prints black text at 9.5 pages per minute, color at 7 pages per minute
• Prints up to large 13-by-44-inch format
• Built-in USB and parallel ports
• 1-year warranty

The 1160 is long rather than deep, a necessity for printing large images and a useful design if your peripherals live on a shallow shelf or cabinet. With impressively sturdy construction, the 1160 is a snap to set up. Plug it in, load the software and two ink cartridges, then print. If you have little experience with printer setup and need assistance, we suggest tossing out the poster-size instructions and referring instead to the helpful user's guide, which is supplemented by an electronic reference guide.

With high 1,440 x 720 dpi resolution and a four-color ink-jet system, you'll produce crisp, clear images. Four-picoliter ink droplets compose the fine lines and detailing of your work. Epson combines Micro Piezo ink-jet technology with AcuPhoto halftones to bring out natural skin tones with smooth gradations. An added value is the truly fast printing speeds--up to 9.5 ppm for black and up to 7 ppm in color on regular paper sizes. (Expect slower speeds for large projects.) We appreciated the rapid drying time for inks, which reduced smudging.

A bigger paper tray would have been useful for major projects, but the paper guide slides easily to accommodate envelopes and 4-by-6-inch photo paper. The page-output trays are built into an ingenious door that closes securely when not in use. Slide-out extensions support larger paper sizes.

Overall we found this machine perfectly suitable for a busy office environment. For offices combining Windows, Macintosh, and iMac users, the 1160 features built-in USB and parallel ports for both systems. Your staff can easily share the link to the 1160 via built-in printer sharing. Epson backs the 1160 with a one-year limited warranty. --Barbara Price