Digital BW, The Print

Hello Everyone, 

This topic is so closed to a major dilemma I have now.  I hope this list
doesn't mind if I throw in an extra question.  

I have a 1270 I am using to print images to sell.  I use carbon inks for the
b&w, and I love them.  I do have a few clog problems, but if I think a
little ahead I avoid 98% of them.  For color, I use dye based inks with
sprays to act as a preservative.  

With all this said, I want a printer I can do both b&w and color without
changing inks.  I also need a printer to print to a larger format than
13x19.  I only use matte papers.  I also would love archival without having
to resort to sprays.  

About 60 to 70% of my images are b&w.  

My money is so tight.  I am about to loose my job in order to start a new
company.  Do you have any recommendations?  

Should I just keep the 1270 for now and wait till Epson comes out with a
better solution for b&w/color?  Should I just break down and buy a 4800?
Should I wait till I can afford a 7800?  Be able to print much large images
has a huge advantage to me.  Or should I buy an older large format printer
and use aftermarket inks?  

I apologize if I strayed too much from the b&w topic.  I am just so
desperate for advice.  

Thanks in advance to everyone for their thoughts.  

George Payne
Cajun Images

www.cajunimages.com
"Documenting Louisiana's Living History -- One Image, One Sound Byte, and
One Story at a time."