Digital BW, The Print

> But it turns out the carts are dated as expiring in June 06... will
> this be a problem?


Paul,

I wouldn't worry about that expiration date. One year past isn't too
critical. I would, however, give the carts a gentle shake or two
before installing. Even the best of pigments can settle with time.

 
> What's my plan of attack here? Should I first try and unclog the
> heads, 

I'd say yes. Read up on unclogging the 1280 (used to be lots of info
on the web). Take Tyler's advice. Be patient with the cleaning cycles.
Don't do too many in a row....  





> get some inexpensive color carts from MIS to see if I can at
> least get a print of some kind? Should I try the MIS cleaning carts?

The MIS cleaning carts (or any carts you can fill with some water and
windex or similar, preferably warm) should be what should sit in the
heads while you are trying to unclog them.
I'd skip the color carts and go straight to the Piezo carts after the
cleaning process. Worse that can happen is you'll go through them
while trying to get the heads to work. If at the end the printer is
good to go, you buy whatever ink you choose to print with and you'll
be starting with a fresh set.




> 
> Also, am thinking I'm not wedded to these Piezography carts,
> especially if they're expired. May want to go the MIS route, one
> reason being I can refill those and my expenses will be less in the
> long run.

The expiration is a minor issue compared to the difference between
these two inksets (piezo vs MIS), their properties and the drivers and
profiles needed to run them. Depending on your level of experience and
technical confidence go with what you feel more secure about.
If indeed you have a constant volume of printing such that refilling
carts will be worth the hassle, consider a Continuous Flow System. But
then, never let the printer sit idle for longer than a week...

Antonis