Digital BW, The Print

I had to make the same decision. The 4800 was tantalizing at the low price.
Here is my final logic.

- I am going to be printing some glossy and some matte. That is painful on
the 4800 because of the cost of changing inks.  

- While I like 16"x20" sometimes, it is rare and 13"x19" will do just fine.
If I occasionally need 16x20 I can have it printed for me by someone else,
or get access to a 4800 via a local photography center.

- The ink costs of the 4800 are less, but only if you put enough work
through the printer so that you use up the inks before the printer says they
are too old. SOMEONE HELP OUT HERE - Does the 4800 ever make you replace
inks because they are too old?

Though my ego would like to have a 4800, my needs and pocketbook are very
happy with the 2400. 

If you see yourself moving in a direction that makes the 4800 seem like what
you need in a year, go for it. In two years, or a little more, there will be
a new printer that will make you drool and you'll be glad you don't have a
big investment in the 4800.

Steve. 

-----Original Message-----
From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of G Guhan
Gunaratnam
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 7:48 AM
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Digital BW] Is Epson 4800 overkill for me?

I need to buy a new printer.  To date, I've been planning on getting the
R2400, but a local camera shop has dropped the price on the 4800 so it is
now on 2x the price of the R2400.  It has tempted me to think about getting
it.  I know the cost in ink will be significant, but I don't know if I print
enough to justify it.