Digital BW, The Print

> That's an excellent price if it's new.  The refurbished R1800s are about
> $350 from Epson and $330 on E-Bay (Epson-refurb).

Nah, it's not new.  Refurbished from Epson.  After doing a bit more
research here, I've learned that you've had bad experiences buying
refurbed Epson printers.  That surprises me because I've always been
under the impression that refurbed products get MORE testing than new
products.

Considering your experience, would you still buy a refurb?


> The 260 I have does print a single jet smoother than the
> 1800, but the reduced microbanding may simply be a result of increased
> roughness, which is not a good trade for those who want the smoothest
> multi-channel carbon printing.
> 

Since I already have the 220 with MIS inks, I think I definitely want
to give either the R800, R1800 or R2400 a try. In fact, I'm pretty
happy with the results from my 220 and the main reason driving this
new purchase is the desire for better color prints. 

Although I don't currently make many prints bigger than 8x10, I think
it may be worth the extra $100 to reserve that option.  Having said
that, Epson lists refurbed R800s for $140 on their website (not in
stock currently).  To me that sounds like the ultimate low-cost
archival option for someone who wants to print B&W and color on 8.5 x
11 matte papers.

Thanks,
Chris