I've been using my Epson Stylus Photo 960 for about 1.5 to 2 years now
with no problems. It gets regular use with black text printing about 3
to 5 days a week and color photo printing about once a week to once a month.
I've only used genuine Epson Inks and have only had a head clog once.
Selecting the "cleaning" program solved the problem but did waste a lot
of ink. I cringed as I heard it squirt into the bottom sponge.