Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Clayton Jones" 
<cj@c...> wrote:
> Hello Grant,
> 
> > To set the scene;
> > I currently don't have an appropriate printer, I run WinXP with 
> > Photoshop 7 - though this is also an interesting learning 
> > experience!! And use 35mm Digital SLR.
> > I am still confused as to wether I am better getting an Epson 
1160 
> > or the 1290!! Seems the 1160 is tried and tested while the 1290 
has 
> > some other advantages!!
> > 
> > Going with your previous advice of BO printing with the option to 
> > expand at a later date would you have a preference or
> recommendation?
> 
> Well, hard to recommend something for someone else.   Problem with
> buying the bigger printer now is that some ink/CIS/software systems
> are available for the 1160/1280 but not for the 2200, and vice 
versa.
>  What if you buy one and a few months later, knowing more, decide 
you
> really want the other?  Plus, things are changing rapidly.  By this
> fall when you understand the various systems better there may be
> something new that changes the whole equation (such as empty carts 
or
> R9 system for the 2200  - either of those are possible and would 
open
> up avenues that aren't available now).
> 
> My main point was to get started as easily and inexpensively as
> possible and build up your experience for a few months until you 
know
> enough to make an educated decision on the more expensive hardware. 
> I'd recommend one of the smaller letter size models (the new 980 is
> under $200, or find a factory refurb - I'm using a refurb 870 and 
it's
> great).  When you reach the point where you know which way you want 
to
> go, the smaller printer can be put back into color service or 
reserved
> for small jobs or something.
> 
> As for 1160 vs 1280, the 1160 is 4-ink, unchipped carts, and larger
> droplets.  The 1280 is 6-ink, chipped carts, variable droplets and
> 1440 dpi.  Paul Roark said recently that the 1160 was easier to 
switch
> different inks, but the 1280 produced better results.  So, depending
> on what you want to do...
> 
> There are many choices and it's hard to decide without understanding
> them.  It takes a while for it all to sink in.
> 
> Bottom line is you either want to make an uninformed choice now and
> take a chance, or wait until you know more about it.  If you decide 
to
> wait, then the next choice is either to do no actual printing during
> the wait period and just read up and educate yourself until you know
> what you want, or you can do some BO printing on an inexpensive
> printer while you're waiting and be adding actual experience to the
> equation, and building up your Photoshop skills as well.  IMO, you
> will learn an enormous amount that can't be equaled by any amount of
> study, and you will have a lot more confidence when you make the 
final
> decision.  I hope this helps.
> 
> Regards,
> Clayton
> 
> 
> Info on black and white digital printing at    
> http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm

Clayton is offering excellent advice, and I would second the idea of 
getting a refurb 980 (they're hard to find new). My first printer was 
a 980 and I learned a ton using it. I just bought a cheap 1520 to use 
as a second 'learning tool' using a larger 13" wide format with the 
new MIS u.t. inks, and after I wear it out practicing, I hope I'll be 
ready to invest in a decent machine, rather than spending a ton of 
money now on a decent printer, and wearing it out making mistakes. I 
have learned a ton following this list also. M.R.