I have 2 Epson printers at the moment; both Photoquality (1290 A3+ and the Photo 900) both take the same cartridges, but the 900 prints directly to CD or DVD as well, all for £99. You will not get much better photoquality for your money than the 1290, but that is £300. I have been using compatible inks in mine for a year and I have not had any problems. My original Epson 740 (about to be donated to my daughter) has been running perfectly for the last 4 years on compatible ink. The last lot I bought cost me £25 for 5 matched pairs!