Digital BW, The Print

I'm new to the group so forgive me is this has been addressed in the 
past...

I have an Olympus P-440 that gives me nice 8x10 color prints. The 
b&w prints are less then satisfying for the most part.

I see some graduated banding especially in fields of what is 
supposed to be solid black. And there is an overall lack of "snap".

Any success stories out there? Any tips? Should I buy an Epson 
inkjet and go with the BO method?

Lykes Keenan
Austin, Texas