Digital BW, The Print

I've been reading the recent Just Starting thread with interest but
seeing I have different needs/questions/concerns, I'm starting a new
thread.

I've always used labs for digital B&W prints (although I did some
darkroom print back in college) with OK-to-great results.  Now it's
about time to start doing my own.  I have very good Photoshop skills.
 The things I've read about dedicated B&W carbon inksets sound
promising for excellent quality.  I have no suitable printer now, so
I'm starting from sctatch.  The printer will be dedicated to B&W from
day one, no color.  

- I want to keep costs down so letter size seems to make the most sense. 
- I want the the system I choose to be controllable, so I can
eventually learn much (everything?) about printing. 
- I'd like a relatively recent printer as I expect to move to Vista
soon (having longterm problems with XP, I feel like anything would be
better).  I've seen too much hardware thrown away over the years due
to lack of drivers.
- Refillable ink cartridges are appealing.  CIS may be in the future.

The MIS UT-EZ for the Epson C8X line looks appealing but it's not
clear if it allows for real control once you get beyond the "EZ"
stage.  Also, does it actually work properly in the latest C88/C88+
models. 

The Epson R200/220 with MIS inks seems to definitely be controllable
but will these printers be supported in the future (Vista)?  The more
recent R260 evidently uses different carts.

If the C88 is feasible, what's the difference in the "+" model.  Radio
Shack has the C88 on the shelf for only $39.95 right now and I think
the C88+ is about $65 at Epson.  The 88+ is listed at Microsoft as
Vista compatible (with no driver yet).

Please help me sort this out.
Thanks
Mark