Digital BW, The Print

How does the Epson R2400 with K3 ink compare to the 1280 with MIS 
UT2?

I print color and b&w, but the challenge seems to be getting a good 
inkjet b&w print. I'm considering an R2400, and the 1280 which I can 
get for a very good price. I have been searching for some time, and 
it appears that the 1280 with ut2 inks would be about as good as a 
2200. I haven't seen enough reports on the R2400 with Epson K3 ink 
to really know how well it does with b&w. I have read reviews, but 
it seems that every time a new printer comes out, there are terrific 
reviews. Also, I wouldn't want to spend more than $50 or so for a 
RIP. Price is a big factor in my decision right now.

I know I will waste ink with the 1280 switching between color and 
b&w. I would use up a cart before I switched. I could also print 
with b&w for several carts before switching to color, and vice 
versa. I realize I will have to live with the inconvenience of not 
being able to make one print without switching ink, sometimes. I do 
have an R200 that I can use for everyday prints, documents, etc. 
Would the money saved by buying the 1280 ($500-600+) justify the 
wasted ink costs? I expect I would want to upgrade to a better 
printer in a year or two (maybe 17" wide). I also realize that the 
R2400 is just a better printer, and probably more reliable. 

Also, has anyone used the MIS pigment color inks for the 1280? I 
realize that's somewhat "off topic" here, sorry!


Thanks in advance for your thoughts, suggestions, and advice.

Mike