I do a lot of printing. I used to do even more, when my son was using the picture exchange system. When Epson offered to send me their new Artisan 810 to review and keep, I was thrilled. They want me to review it keeping in mind the printing needs of autism families. This is something that I knew I would enjoy doing.
First, let me explain how this printer is different compared to other printers I have used. It has scan and fax capability. You can restore old pictures, make new ones look old, print pictures in black and white and turn photos into coloring pages. You can insert your card into the printer and print out your pictures without first uploading your pictures into your computer.
It also has Wi Fi capability. One of my favorite features is the ability to print labels onto your CD. This allows you to keep track of what is on your discs without writing on them. Epson sent me some photo paper and blank CD’s to use with reviewing this printer. They also sent me some extra ink cartridges. I was relieved, because ink cartridges are expensive.
The ink cartridges for this printer are more expensive than the ones that I was using with my old printer. Plus, it requires one black and five color cartridges to print color photos. The cost of these cartridges vary. I looked around and individual cartridges range from $16 to $20 each. A pack of 6 (one of each cartridge) ranges from $60 – $80. I found that this was the only negative thing that I could say about this printer.
The instruction book has basic information in it. I recommend going to the website and watching the video tutorials. They were extremely helpful. I also recommend having someone that knows how to hook up electronic equipment on hand when you are ready to set up. I had to have my husband hook everything up for me. Operating the printer afterwards is easy.
The print quality is excellent. Even my husband was surprised. The coloring page feature will help me home schooling my son. Converting his favorite pictures into coloring pages will make his hated task of coloring a little 
easier. Creating charts and schedules is always an important thing for me to do every week. Having them print out in the professional quality that my new Artisan 810 provides will help my son. The better the quality of the picture, the better the response I get from my son.
The Epson Artisan 860 is expensive. It is listed at $299. Given everything that it does, I think it is worth the price. You are able to scan, fax and print with one machine. You can buy it now on the Epson website and get an instant $100 rebate.
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