I have been using an Epson C86 inkjet for the past three years for my home office printing. I'm starting to have issues that I can't seem to resolve with standard procedures (head cleaning, print head alignment, etc.). I'm resigned to purchasing a new printer, but I'm not sure whether to stick with Epson or go with a different brand.

My needs are modest, as I use labs to print serious photo work. However, I do print some photos for personal use and make my own greeting cards and calendars, as well as do document printing. The C86 has worked well, for the most part, for these purposes. I have been rather disappointed in the "finickyness" of the C86. (Those head cleanings use a lot of ink.) My husband uses a cheap HP printer that we've had for nine years and never has to do maintainance, and it's just now starting to wear out. Perhaps it's just the small ink droplet size of the Epson that makes it more prone to printing issues, and I may not be able to get away from having to baby my printer. Do all brands of inkjet photo printers need pampering?

I am not looking at all-in-ones (which seem to be very popular for low-end printers). I already have a scanner, so I need a printer only, preferably in the sub-$100 range. I will appreciate any information to help me make a decision. TIA.