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Epson's original PictureMate snapshot printer has been a PC World Best Buy ever since we first reviewed it in June 2004. Now, for about $50 more the company is offering the PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition, which addresses the few quibbles we had with the previous excellent version.
The most notable difference is the 2.4-inch color monitor that flips up from the top of the printer and lets you view and edit your photos.
The Deluxe Viewer Edition is also faster. When we connected our shipping unit to a PC, our test photo printed in 1 minute, 39 seconds--37 seconds faster than the original and swifter than many of the other desktop photo printers we've tested. The quality is excellent, too: Our photos appeared bright and sharp, with plenty of shadow and highlight detail. Part of the reason for the speed increase may be the printer's USB 2.0 Hi-Speed port.
While the PictureMate's handle makes it easy to carry, the Deluxe Viewer Edition becomes truly portable with the addition of an optional rechargeable battery. It slots away neatly inside the printer, but at $70 it's pricey.
The Deluxe Viewer Edition uses the same Epson six-color ink and paper packs as the original model, which rated the lowest per-print cost in our April issue's roundup of 4-by-6-inch photo printers.
The PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition's high-quality photos and low per-print costs should land it on any amateur photographer's short list.
Epson's excellent upgrade to the PictureMate adds a color monitor and faster performance.
Price when reviewed: $250
Current prices (if available)
