Digital BW, The Print

I am very close to purchasing an Epson 1280, as it is in my price range w/
the Epson rebate. The 2200 is just out of range. Among other things, I wish
to make fine art B&W  13x19 prints which I had previously done on a Kodak
XL7700. I would value any insight or recommendations as to best ink,
archival & otherwise, semi-gloss/luster media combinations et al. Is this
the best printer in this price range for this type of work? I do not want a
CIS system just now. Can I swap out ink tanks to conserve the "better" ink,
or is that not recommended? Thanks,  -Barry