I've been shopping printers too. I asked an Epson sales rep in both Best Buy and Comp USA about them. The rep at Best Buy thought the 820 was a better printer than the 785, which confused me.(she was wrong) The rep at Comp USA claimed the 820 had the exect same print face as the 785, just not all the bells and whistles - like you said. Most retailers have the 820 @ $99.00 and the 785 is now $149. I'm sure better prices are out there online or at wholesale clubs.