Digital BW, The Print

Hello Roy,

>Your comment about the cost offset because of the price of inks
>inspired me to see what I could find on the subject. It appears 
>that the money saving comes in because of the size of the print 
>cartridge on the 4000 (110-220ml) compared to the tiny cartridges 
>on2200.. An economy of scale.  This is .50 a square foot for the 
>4000 as opposed to 2.00-2.50 a square foot for the 2200.  

This analysis may be based on the cost of prefilled carts.  I use a
2200 with the new easy top fill carts and buy ink in 4 oz bottles, so
the smaller carts only mean I refill more often.  These carts have
pretty much rendered CIS things obsolete unless you print in huge
volume.  Before the new carts, refilling was a messy difficult affair,
and a CIS was more attractive.  But they have their own share of
"challenges".  The new carts are fantastic, make refilling a breeze,
and have opened the door to experimenting with different ink formulas.
It's a whole new world.

IMO, larger carts is not a good reason to buy a 4000.  Not only more
money, they are huge (30" square) and heavy (90 lbs).  Get one if you
want to make 16x20 prints.  If 11x14 prints are enough, then a 4000
may be overkill.

Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm