Epson R265 or R285 Printer?

maxi_isa

Does anyone know the difference(s) between the R265 and R285 and which would you recommend? They are about the same price (RRP £69.95).
Also, is it necessary to buy a USB cable for connecting to my PC?
(I've seen on posts elsewhere saying that Epson don't include cables, which seems rather mean).
Any help appreciated.

Red_Rose_Exile

Epson do not include cables, don't worry they cost £1 from Poundland

There is not a lot of difference between the two other than the following:

The 285 can print up to 37 ppm ( I am assuming B&W and not colour and the 265 only 30 ppm

The 265 is slightly bigger and heavier

The 265 is Pictbridge compatible, that is you can print directly from a pictbridge compatible camera without the need for a PC

Apart from that they have the same resolution, colour and media capability

maxi_isa

Many thanks for the info RRI.
Not much to choose between the two Epsons.
I've also been thinking of Canon iP4300 and iP4500.
Any views on how they would compare?

Red_Rose_Exile

Ip 4500 marginally faster than ip4300, but not noticeable (31ppm as compared to 30 b&W) and allegedly colour 4x6 photo in 21 seconds

Duplex printing, meaning you can print boths sides (both printers), and both are pictbridge compatible,

IP4500 is compatible with camera phones. More expensive than the canons but inks are comparable in price

Both have impressive resolution

maxi_isa

Thanks again Red Rose.
When I last researched printers a year or two ago, Which? magazine preferred Canon for speed, quality and print cost but in the forums owners liked Epson for lifetime cost because they could take generic (cheaper) inks.
I don't know what Which? thinks now and it seems that Epson have made it harder for generics to work so maybe Canon have the edge now.
Do you have a view on which would be best for photo and general printing?

Red_Rose_Exile

For photos, Canon without a shadow of a doubt, for general then Epson gets my vote.

Both these epsons are pre 2007 models, so you can get generic ink for them

I think I would possibly go for the 265. I'm not too bothered about speed

maxi_isa

Thanks again.
My initial inclination was Epson but I was beginning to be tempted by Canon (I've had several Canon cameras and they have all been excellent). However, unless there are any powerful aguments appearing here (soon) for Canon I will stick with my first thought and go with Epson this time.