Ordering Prints and Printers ?

This may have been asked before but i couldn't find anything.

I've got to the point where I'd quite like to get a selection of my photographs printed.

Couple of questions I'm keen to ask everybody.

1: Last time I ordered prints online was through Photobox. I was quite pleased with the results (even up to A4) but wondered who other people use ?

2: My printer is fairly basic. I was looking at a few new printers a couple of months ago but with one thing or another I never got around to buying one. How much would I expect to spend on a printer that would give me prints (up to A4) of equal quality to those i'd get through Photobox for eg ?

3: A lot of you put borders on your pictures. When you order prints I asume you don't bother with the frame - does this mean you keep the original version as well on your host site ?

Thanks

I like the HP range Phil, I had an Epsom many years ago and it was terrible, also had a Canon, it was the same, I've got the HP1220C it does up to A3 size and the print quality is excellent (on glossy paper). resolution 2400 x 1200.

The other one I have is the HP PSC1317 it's a printer-scanner A4 size, I got this one because it can scan and print like a photo copier.

I only print my own photos, for other work i do i get them sent off to either Photobox or Snapfish... but looking at others too just to see the difference in quality. I am currently putting together my portfolio book using aperture, will let you know how that turns out quality wise, but they send it to a proper printing company

I've asked for a proper printer for christmas from my in-laws will let you know if i get it and what it is and what its like (fingers crossed )

i use photobox and very happy with it but they been playing up on me lately !dont have a printer but i have got my eye on epson stylus R2400 or R1800 ! yeh i wish !! it had exellect report and very professional printer but pricey

I always use photobox. Never been disappointed with their prints. I've had quite a few done on A4 recently and they look great.

I have always used Photobox and have been very happy with the quality of their prints. I have bought prints that are 30" by 20" from them with no loss of quality

ROFL We have asked for a printer from the in-laws too

Anyone have any recommendations?

HP , HP, not the sauce btw.

I use photobox and have no problems with them, they did the canvas print of Storm which turned out brill. As for printers I would always go for HP, there is not much diff in quality with epsom imo but the epsoms I have use have knocked by ink like oliver reed and a bottle of whiskey

I've not ordered a print since my days of 35mm photography - back then I used Colab in Cardiff - that was a long time ago...

Now I print using my Epson RX620 - but it drinks ink... The results are nice though...

But the 'fab' glossy prints from photobox seem so much better than anything I've seen from home printers.

Is it the paper ?