Digital BW, The Print

On 8/11/06, Tim Timmermans <zenphoto7@...> wrote:
> The bronzing on this 1800 is driving me crazy. I've had to switch to
> matte papers exclusively.  Still, even printing postcards or other non
> fine art projects results in less than acceptable prints. I'm
> considering getting the hp design net 130. I could use the larger
> format anyway as my prints are starting to sell pretty well.
>
> Anyone here have experience with this printer? Is is a wise investment?
> I think I could pull off a trade-in of the 1800 at comp USA so I
> wouldn't be out of pocket for the whole $1300 or so.
>
> Any thoughts on this?
>
> Tim
>

  The DesignJet is a very good printer and offers relatively trouble
free prints.  It is very popular with the digital fine-art crowd and
will deliver very high dmax B&W's as well as vibrant color.  Using
HP's papers will provide you with ~100 year lightfastness.  You can
also get archival prints from other media as long as it is a swellable
polymer.

That being said, if I were you I would wait until Sept. and look into
the new HP B9180.  This is a pigment printer and will provide archival
prints on a wide range of media.  The early reviews have reported that
this printer is the best B&W printer bar none and it is equally adept
with color.  The 9180 is only 13x19 but it is rumored that larger
format printers using the same print engine will be available later
this year.

There are several new and innovative features in this printer and I
think it will be the one to beat once it gets on the market.   HP is
running ads that it will be available on Sept. 1st at a price of $699.

-- 
-Gary