Digital BW, The Print

Hi there, long time lurker...and all that.

I'm considering buying a large format printer.  My primary uses (in 
order of importance) would be:
1) Digital negatives for cyanotype/van dyke prints
2) Black and white prints (a secondary use, but I feel I may fall in 
love with this)
3) Color prints (I actually see this as quite rare).

I've just about talked myself in to the piezotone system for black and 
white.  I particularly like the possibility of doing split tone prints.
I am considering a refurbished Epson 1280 (a bargain at $200 after 
rebates).  My next choice would be a refurbished Epson 1800 at about 
$380.

Because I think just about any printer at this quality level can 
handle the demands of my digital negatives, the choice really comes 
down to how well I will like black and white prints made with the 
piezo inks.

So, how good are black and white prints with the 1280 and the 
piezotone system?  Am I likely to regret not getting the 1800 based on 
print quality alone?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks

I can use a CIS with either printer (and if I start printing my own 
black and white, I'll do that), so ink costs should be about the same.