Digital BW, The Print

On 9/19/06, CDTobie@... <CDTobie@...> wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 9/19/06 9:59:01 AM, gudstrand.list@... writes:
>
>
> > Does this mean the Epson 2400 is back a generation?
> >
> > http://www.inkjetart.com/hp/B9180/index.html
> >
> > "Our own tests found the HP B9180 prints to be quite neutral in their
> > grayscale reproduction, even when using all seven colors. When the HP
> > printer driver is set to print with only the black and light gray inks,
> the
> > results are indeed more neutral than Epson's "Advanced B&W" setting,
> which
> > does use some of the light colors (light cyan, light magenta and yellow)
> to
> > help make their grays
> >
>
> Epson is at the head of the pack, offering variable toning with minimal
> amounts of color as needed. The HP in question prints only straight gray
> and
> blacks. Such inks have a carbon tint, that varies with the media involved.
> The
> latest Canon's function much like the Epson K3s; we'll see what the 12 ink
> HPs
> offer at Photokina (and the latest Epson too...)


Are you saying that the HP cannot print black and white with variable
toning?  I thought that the use of the colored inks with B&W was the default
in the HP print driver.  Have you used the HP?  Like most I have not seen
any prints from it.  I have heard good things about the printer from those
who have it and have reviewed it, I am curious why your opinion seems to
negative in regard to the 9180.  In a perfect world we could all buy the new
Canon but for some of us the $2,000 price tag is a show stopper.  The cost
of the Epson at $850 (plus RIP) is also a lot more than the HP.  If
reasonable output can be attained from the HP it seems like a great printer
for many.  I also seems that its presence has already had an impact on
prices and features of other printers as well.  This can only be a good
thing, can't it?

-- 
-Gary


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