Digital BW, The Print

I am thinking about getting a hp 7660... for $149 sounds like a lot 
of fun!  Anyone using one?  How bad is the color (my kids like me to 
get 4x6 kiosk prints now andthen and are happy with them for snaps)?  
How well can it produce a smooth b&w gradient?????  After much 
testing I have determined that while my 1160 and VM inks can produce 
good step wedges and usually a beautiful print, that the Epson driver 
makes it impossible to get a smooth dither free gradient.  How does 
the 7660 compare?  Anyone willing to send me a quick little b&w 
sample from the 7660?

thanks for all advice,

mark