DYMO DiscPainter CD/DVD Color Printer (1738260)

I've had a long and "complicated" history with my Dymo Discpainter. Like most relationships that endure past the proverbial seven year itch...my Dymo and I have settled into a comfortable relationship of compromise: (1) I don't expect it to always consistently print the same output quality, (2) print on multiple brands of printable CD media, and (3) add expect it to print correctly on fully-saturated settings without splotching. While the Dymo gives me: (1) high quality prints for dithered "300 dpi" prints that look great WHEN I first do the entire design in Photoshop {including Text} (2) or use the remarkably flexible software that does rudimentary layering (if you know what I am talking about then your not a graphics novice) for producing some fine results.My first Dymo and I did not get along at all...the printer refused to print on just about ANY media I'd throw at it...or it would print fine for 3 CD/DVDs and then stop recognizing any media. During my travails with "DYMO 1.0" -Dymo did send me a very healthy stack of competing brands of media to test on my uncooperative Dymo. Dymo 1.0 printed on none of them. Dymo 2.0 that they shipped to me has worked on all media (with varying degrees of output quality).Along this line of media compatibility. And despite the one review in here (yes, I just read ALL of them) that claimed that VERBATIM was not the brand to buy for this printer...he is incorrect. VERBATIM is the preferred brand and I must say that I've gotten the most positive and consistent results with VERBATIM (no, I have no connection with VERBATIM business or otherwise). And unfortunately VERBATIM is the most expensive (see my review RiData printable CDs for a supplemental review)For the many people who disliked the quality of the output I would say the painted output is only as good the CONTRAST/COMPLIMENTARY-choice of colors you as the designer choose. Don't choose black on brown and expect brilliant results for example. Dark background and light text is outstanding. Once I got my second Dymo sent to me using the usual speedy Amazon-type return method I can at least get the CD/DVDs to print out correctly. Not a home-run endorsement but I now know(1) what the Dymo is capable of {it's been 2 years since I bought mine} and (2) what not to expect it can deliver....For best results use MEDIUM settings for all printing...high saturation printing, unless you're using very good media is just not going to work consistently. 4 color printing just can't handle high saturation levels (too much paint 'mixing'). I know I've tried extensive experimentation.Also, as I said above I would recommend that you do all your cover design work in an alternate graphics program like Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (for the novice folks out there) and paste it into the Discus software for easy digital "stretching and pulling" into the label template....While the single 4 color ink cartridge may be concession to keeping the printer footprint down I have not noticed the excessive ink problem. I am, however, only a moderate user (no more than 5-10 prints at a time). Within those constraints I have only changed the toner 2x. So consider that I suppose.Just finished reading the reviews of the Epson Artisan 800 and the newer 810 ...disappointing because these are two newer AiO printers that have CD print capabilities but as of OCTOBER 2009 there is still no better alternative to the DYMO for printable CD printers other than this dedicated device. Not a (w)ringing endorsement to be sure but an accurate one. The DYMO works well as a very good pro-sumer device if you are not expecting to open a business with it or you cannot handle anything less than perfection (which SO MANY reviewers seem to suffer from). No more complaining about packaging, packing tape, color of the device etc. Focus on the ITEM not on its silly aesthetics.One final "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW" Dymo request....Windows 7 is HERE (and its fantastic...speaking as an 11 month beta tester) where the heck is the 64-bit driver/software???? 64-bit is now a reality not a niche. I do NOT want to keep a separate 32-bit OS running JUST so I can use my DYMO....which parenthetically is EXACTLY what I do now!***Conclusions***----After the moderate level of complaints I've brought up this product-line does seems to generate a less-than-exalted consumer satisfaction level anyway...but the DYMO (1) for its much lower price now and (2) still best-in-class (satisficing rather than thrilling me) is still the recommended printer within this product line for being a dedicated print device. CAN WE ALL COLLECTIVELY BELT OUT A CYBER YELL FOR THE 64-BIT DRIVER/SOFTWARE THOUGH. WHEN IS IT COMING!?In short, in contrast to printed-labels this product is the recommended choice. Buy it.UPDATE AUGUST 2010.... I use this printer infrequently but I when I need to use it...I need it. And is so incredibly unreliable and finicky that I essentially eat a huge crow on this one.......and the first chance I get I WILL go the route of the Epson Artisan 810 (or printer similar to it in the future). As was said, great idea but huge fail on implementation.

I really wanted to like this printer, but it just does not do a good job. The print heads clog 25% of the time I can not get a good print out of it. The images come out wavy. When it does print properly it looks pretty good, but certainly not professional. I really like Dymo products but I have to say stay away from this one. Not up to Dymo's usual level of product development and no software updates.

I got tired feeding CD to my EPSON printer. So I got my self a Primera Bravo II printer burner but it is too bulky to setup every day plus I have to re-calibrate nozzle every time it is transported to a new venue for shows and special events. Finally I decided to give Dymo DiscPrinter a try.I found that the fixed nozzle printing technology is a good one and offer lot potential in the future.It works well for me. I print mostly simple graphics and words on Taiyo Yuden Watershield CD-R 80, Silver. It comes out beautiful. I have to set at higher resolution and ink density in order to produce a good print quality. It take about 2 minute to print a CD and about 400 CD per ink cartridge.I agree with other reviewer that it could be better if have black color ink. Specially for printing full color images.The software included with the printer does not work well. Specially it never remember the font size in the text block. I always have to re-size the text for it to come out right. Fortunately, you don't have to use it. Other label making software can also print in the DiscOrunter. (Lost a star because of the software.)I like to see this product further improved:1) Black ink support.2) Release a better version of the software.3) Printer/Burner combination unit. Even if print and burn are two separate step.4) Incorporate a multi CD/DVD staking capability.After all it works for me and I will continue uses it.UPDATED 27 March 2011 *****************************After 12 Month of use over thousand CD printed - one day during printing the ink smeared all over the disk. Problem was the waste ink tank is full. As far I can find Dymo have NO provision for user replacement of waste ink tank nor replace Ink Absorber.That's the reason I down grade the rating to 3 star.I did replace with an other Dymo Discpainter but doing so it increase my product cost by about 35 cents per CD produced. I'm taking extra procedure during each ink change to drain extra waste ink from tank and hopping it will last longer.Watch this space.One more clarification - my printer is used in a mobile operation it get moved and setup and pack up every day.