Digital BW, The Print

I notice on the MIS website that the Epson 890 and 1280 use the 
exact same UT2 ink cartridges. I also notice that Paul's workflow 
curves are the same. I would like to ease into this B&W inkjet 
printing without spending a fortune. Since the 890 is much less 
expensive, I was wondering if I can expect the same print quality 
from this printer as from the 1280. Is there a difference in the 
print head, affecting the quality, or is the 890 just a smaller 
format version of the 1280?
Thanks for the response,
Steve