Vincent Verhaeghe

For two years now, manufacturers have been offering some particularly economical models, and HP has even broken new ground by launching a color laser - the Color LaserJet 1600 - selling for less than $300 in mass-retail chain stores.

We look at four printers from Kodak, Epson, Samsung and Canon that make 4 x 6 inch photos. Each printer is ranked to simplify your buying decision.

You can get a basic multifunction printer-scanner-copier for under $100. For this article we ruled out the loss leaders, focusing on midrange models priced at under $150. In our investigation, we found decently-made all-in-ones for that price and even less.

For two years now, manufacturers have been offering some particularly economical models, and HP has even broken new ground by launching a color laser - the Color LaserJet 1600 - selling for less than $300 in mass-retail chain stores.

With their domination of the inkjet market, multifunction printers represent more than just a simple alternative to conventional A4 printers. Using the same print engines and benefiting from enormous progress in the level of integration between the printing and scanning components, they are becoming easier to use and their prices are in freefall. What could be more tempting?

This year in our annual winter ink-jet printer round up we tested four new models from HP and Canon and experienced some pleasant surprises - and disappointment. While HP rolled the dice and offered innovations, the Japanese vendor remained mired in its usual conservatism.

The assumption that laser printers offer a faster yet more expensive alternative compared to ink-jet printers no longer holds true all of the time. Color laser printer prices are falling fast, and their print quality is not necessarily inferior to that of ink-jet printers anymore.

4"x6" photo printers have a lot of advantages, which is why manufacturers are battling it out for market share. But be careful, because there are a lot of factors to consider, beginning with the choice of technology: thermal sublimation or inkjet. We took a look at seven different 4"x6" photo printers to see what their strengths and weaknesses are.

Sure, you need to print - but how about scanning, copying, and even faxing? If you need these capabilities too, perhaps it's time to get a multifunction printer. Manufacturers continue to improve the quality and features of these devices. We take a detailed look.

HP, Canon and Epson say they have managed to squeeze some new value-add out of their latest line of inkjet printers. Our extensive tests put their claims to the test and show what is worth your money and what is not.

Every year at this time, the four major manufacturers of inkjet printers introduce new printer lines. We compare all the new products and show you what to really expect from them - and most importantly, what they'll cost you.