Digital BW, The Print

> I am currently using an Epson 2100 (2200) with the Archival Matte 
> paper and Matte Ink for my black and white output.  Whilst I am 
> moderately happy I would like to improve things if I could.
> 
> My options are to go back to a 
> wet darkroom or to improve the output I am getting, 
> either by using a 
> different inkset or buying a 1290 with a dedicated B/W inkset.... 

Maybe I'm missing something, but there is a whole family of options
for improvement other than the two you mention.  These involve 
addtional software to drive your 2100/2200, such as ImagePrint,
Epson's Pro RIP, and OPM/IJC (www.bowhaus.com).  The latter one is
the only one that's free, except it's $200 if you want to be able
to tweak your own profiles.   It's Mac-only though.

John