Digital BW, The Print

I need advice on upgrading to new scanner & printer

I work in 35mm, exclusively in B&W (Kodak T400CN). My present scanner is 2720 
dpi and my Epson 3000 prints max 1440 x 720. Different tech experts tell me 
different things. One says get a Minolta DiMage 5400 and another says Nikon 
8000. The price difference is enormous, and the Nikon scans medium format, which 
I don't use, so why pay for it? The Minolta scans at 5400, and the Nikon scans 
at 4000. What's your consensus?
I use PS7 and MIS quad inks carts.  Trying to fill the carts was a disaster, 
and I won't even contemplate CIS.
Is there an advantage to upgrading my printer from a 3000 to a 7500 when they 
both print at a max 1440 x 720? The 7600 is 2880x1440 - and is $3000! It 
would be a big stretch - is it worth it?    I will continue to dedicate my printer 
to B&W , and my prints are always 11 x 14 and 16 x 20. Can a  35 mm neg  go 
larger? I appreciate all the input you can give. I'm not a techie and don't 
understand half of what you all talk about, but am boundlessly grateful for this 
forum. Thanks to all.
                     Arlene


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