Epson Artisan 800

Cool Yule Rating: 5 stars

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Cool Yule Rating: 5 stars

Price: $299.99

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Description: I never really got into the concept of the all-in-one device, mainly because most of the functions (print, fax, copy, scan) were pretty dull if you think about it. Seriously, who would want that as a gift? It's like giving your spouse a vacuum cleaner.

This changed, however, with the introduction of photo printing capabilities to the all-in-one concept, as well as Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking capabilities (along with the ubiquitous USB port, in which Epson still doesn't provide a cable for – ugh). The Artisan 800 is aimed not just as a multifunction printer, but more of an "all-in-one" device to meet all of your printing needs. The design (sleek black, smooth lines, very nice LCD screen) is meant to provide inspiration to users that they shouldn't just stick this in an office or den, but rather move it to the living room. The Wi-Fi capabilities would certainly allow for that.

Obviously, photo printing is the highlight of this printer. The Artisan 800 uses Epson's Claria technology, which uses additional ink cartridges and other "secret sauce" to produce brilliant, high quality prints. The paper tray can hold both 4-by-6 photo paper and regular 8.5-by-11-inch paper, so you don't have to switch trays when going from a regular print job to a photo print. The 7.8-inch touch panel display lets you print photos directly from its built-in media card reader, so you can avoid using a PC if you just want to print photos from your digital camera's card.

My favorite feature of the Artisan 800 is its ability to create personal note paper (lined or graph paper), as well as coloring book pages based on photos that you scan. So you can take a photo, print it on the Artisan 800, then open the scanner and print out a coloring book page. Maybe this appeals to me because my children are getting into the whole coloring book stage, but it's a very handy feature to have (later, when they're in school, they'll likely appreciate the ability to print out one or two sheets of lined or graph paper – it beats having to run to the store late at night for emergency homework projects).

The printer comes with additional software for creating print projects (including the very cool ArcSoft Print Creations), so you can do things like photo calendars, greeting cards and other creative projects. In any living room, the Artisan 800 will likely get a workout from the number of different things you can think up.

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