HP vs. Epson…compare and contrast.
Let me start this post by saying that this is my OPINION based on my own experience and is NOT the opinion or view of any site or magazine or company I may work for or be associated with.
I was just pondering the two companies after my husband purchased a new Epson scanner after owning only HP scanners for years. I’ll admit our HP scanner is a few years old and I’m sure HP has better models out, but he was impressed with the Epson V100 price and quality compared to our HP. I found the same thing with Epson printers after being an exclusive HP printer owner for years as well. My husband worked for HP for years and went with Agilent when they split the company.
So, I started reflecting on the two companies and what I have seen as far as their interest in digital scrapbooking consumers and I have decided that Epson is far ahead of HP in this realm. HP tried to get a team together but without support it fizzled. Epson on the other hand advertised with a little tiny new magazine (the old DSM) from the start, they teach classes to consumers at CK shows all over the country, they market their products TO the scrapbooker. They have 12×12 inkjet paper, lower cost wide format printers, scrapbook graphics online and they regularly donate printers as sweepstakes prizes for magazines. Not only that, but my ink drawer is full and the Stylus Photo 1400 sitting on my desk is used for MANY projects that eventually make thier way into the magazine or online. Smart company!!
Unfortunately, making sure the editors are supplied with whatever they need to promote the printing of digital supplies is not the practice or philosophy of HP so I can’t really attest to the quality and ease of use of HP products. That makes for a skewed editorial view which leads to a reluctance for HP to contribute to editorial reviews and sweepstakes etc. It’s a vicious cycle. 
So, for now, I’m an Epson girl and it looks like I may stay that way with my drawer full of Epson Ink(Thanks Patrick-and Lynda!). If Epson keeps putting out quality product marketed to scrapbookers they may corner the market. I don’t think Martha Stewart alone can save them. Come on HP…give us something to work with.
May 23rd, 2007
Great post - I had HP color and laser printers until two years ago when I picked up my Epson R1800 - which is amazing and I don’t regret the purchase at all. I know when I can do better prints on my printer than I get at Costco - that is exciting!
On the scanner front, I have used both HP and Epson scanners - about a year ago I picked up an Epson Perfection 4490 scanner- that was a vast improvement over HP as well.
IMHO I think the difference between the companies is how they view their consumers - it seems HP OWNED the color printer market in the early 90’s - Epson really has come from behind and connected with the customer on a personal level, giving us what we want - I think it is going to take a heck of a lot more than Martha Stewart to bridge that gap!
I love Epson and I am excited that they are excited about the DSM.
May 31st, 2007
I totally agree - I am an EPSON woman! Have been for years. I think HP wins with black and white laser printers, but for scanning and printing it is all about the EPSONS!!