Whether they use pigment- or dye-based inks, one almost universal problem with inkjet printers is that their output onto plain paper can be ruined by smudging, either merely by wiping a hand across the page or by a wayward drop of water. By contrast, the DX8400 uses Epson's cunning Durabright inks, which are resin-based.

With the HP Photosmart C5280 you get a colour screen, multi-format card reader and some clever photo enhancement options, such as red-eye removal, that you can apply even in direct photo print mode, when printing from memory cards. Also unlike the Officejet, you can print direct onto CDs and DVDs.

Updated As you’d expect from a Brother printer, the new DCP-560CN has a distinctly formal look to it, emphasised by the ADF (Auto Document Feeder) fitment above the flatbed scanner

This bargain combo comes in at a just over £45 and comprises a scanner, A4 printer, copier and photo printer. It connects to a Mac via a discreet USB lead that tucks away neatly, and has another USB port for PictBridge printing straight from cameras. There are no memory card slots or Ethernet ports.

Looks lovely, doesn’t it? That’s what Samsung is hoping you’ll think as it charges a premium for its new product. Laser printers are available from as little as £50 now.