Digital BW, The Print

Betty,

almost 2 years ago, when the 1160 appeared, it represented an improvement 
over then-existing hardware. Jon Cone adapted the PiezoBW system to it and 
it became very popular. Using 4 inks instead of 6 had the added advantage of 
a lower initial cost. The printer remained popular mostly because of piezo and 
its software. As it went out of production it became a "collector's item" <g> until 
the 1270/1280 were able to be outfitted with CIS (continuous ink feeds vs 
carts). At this point I don't know of a current 4 color model (in production) that 
is used  for bw printing. 

 In some cases, the 6-ink bw prints may (just may) have a benefit over 4, but 
that's not the reason current offerings are made for 6. It's simply the fact that 
we are using currently available inkjet printers which are optimized for color 
and are therefore made for 6 inks. 

As far as printer quality goes, the newer  ones have better hardware, but  you 
may or may not see a difference in bw prints. In terms of construction quality, a 
complex piece of hardware such as this, that costs just a few bucks should 
hardly be expected to jump through the hoops we put it through. From what I 
read, it's a hit-or-miss as far as banding, clogging etc. For the most part, 
though, with enough ingenuity, people make them work just fine. You have to 
buy up to the wide-format printers (7000 and up) to expect a pro level 
hardware.

Either way, if you are looking to buy, make sure you buy a model supported by 
a CIS (like the one made by nomorecarts.com). And if you decide to go piezo, 
make sure it's supported by their software as well. 

Antonis

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., "Betty Walker" <bawalker@a...> 
wrote:
> I'm new to the black and white digital printing world so please forgive my
> beginner question.
> 
> I've noticed that the Epson 1160 is a highly sought after printer even
> though Epson no longer makes it.  Could you please tell me why this printer
> has such a good reputation?  Why would this printer be preferable to a later
> model Epson printer, like a 1280 or 1290?
> 
> Thank you.
> Betty Walker