Digital BW, The Print

I am ready to make the next step in digital printing and buy a 
dedicated B&W Printer and a quadtone ink system. I am probably going 
with a Epson 1280 but I am confused on ink systems.  Can anybody 
explain the difference between Cone Products and the others besides 
cost?  Is there a place to go a read some basics to help me make 
informed choices?  Profiles, ICC, Inks, it's a little overwhelming.