Digital BW, The Print

Hi,

I was used to make B&W prints with silver traditional laboratory.

Now I would like to switch to numeric B&W prints with a printer like
Epson 1280/1290. 

Could you please advise me about the differents available inks
(pigment, carbon) in a qualitative and financial matter ?
Let me know your personal experience and your view about the 1280/1290
prints in comparison with silver traditional prints.

Please give me your advises about the real visible differences between
the prints carried out with a 1280/1290 and a 2400 epson printers for
intance ? 

Thanks for your reply,
Serge