Digital BW, The Print

Hello Patrick,

>I currently have an Epson 2200 that is on it's last legs. I do
>primarily black and white using IJC/OPM, and QTR loaded with either
>Epson UC or MIS UT7inks. Currently IJC doesn't support the Epson 3800
>but QTR does.What I would be interested in is what printer to replace
>the 2200?
>I am not adverse to giving either the Epson 3800,R2400, or something
>else a try. The only reason for considering the 3800 is the 
>occasional time I would like to print a larger size. I also realize 
>the problems ongoing with obtaining empty carts because of the 
?recent litigation by epson, which creates another issues. Thanks, 
>any suggestions will be welcomed. 

Some random thoughts:

If you want a new 17" printer then there's not much choice (sticking
with Epson): either the 3800 or 4800, both of which are K3 printers.  

If you stick with a 13" printer then the 1400/1800 have smaller dot
sizes and can do more things with a RIP (such as 3MK, etc).  The only
reason to get a 2400 would be if you wanted to use the K3 inks.  Why
spend more money for a printer you intend to drive with a RIP and 3P
inks?  Well, maybe to use K7 inks and/or a CIS or something.  There
may be a reason, but it will be pretty specific.  

The real beauty of a 2400 is the combination of K3 inks and the ABW
driver, resulting in top notch results and unprecedented ease of use.

Besides producing good results, having good longevity, and ABW's ease
of use, another advantage of K3 inks is they rarely clog, and of
course no hassles with chips, refilling, and carts
availability/reliability.  But it's more expensive, so there's always
a trade off.  You just have to decide where you place the most value.

If you want to use K3 inks, cost is a bigger issue and a 3800 will be
more cost effective in the long run because of the larger carts. 

There are other possibilities as well, such as using a 3800 with QTR
and Eboni to get larger size pure carbon prints, or with K7 inks, etc.

I hope these thoughts are of some help.


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm