Digital BW, The Print

I am currently saving for an Epson 4800. I can probably make do with a
13" printer but I have been pointing toward the 4800 for two reasons:

1) more precise construction = better prints (maybe) and 
2) lower ink costs. 

With respect to ink costs, I would guess that I'll print 100-150
prints per month at around 11x14 or and perhaps 20-25 at 16x20. I'm
not sure whether that makes the savings for 110 or 220ml worth it.
And, I don't really know whether the more precise construction of the
printer will make a noticeable difference in print quality. 

I'd love to have comments from users of either the 2400 or the 4800 or
both. 

Thanks,

--Gib

I moved up from a 2200 to a 2400 when the new printers came on the
market last summer. I wanted the option to print larger as well as let
my smaller prints breathe a little. I also wanted to print with the
Epson inks on a good satin paper using Premium Semi Matte. All of
these objectives I've achieved, and I'm pleased. It is said, though I
can't prove it, that the pro series that begins with the 4800 is
better constructed to narrow tolerances. The profiles that come
bundled with the printer are quite good, and I am not sure whether the
same profiles are available to 2400 users; I hope someone can respond
to you on that issue. The new printer driver with the advanced black
and white feature is available on the 2400 as well as the 4800, and is
a significant advance for those of us doing black and white work,
particularly on the glossy or satin finish papers (such as premium
semi matte) but on rag paper as well (see Clayton Jones' website on
this). As a 2400 user you can take advantage of the Premium Semi Matte
paper though Epson only makes it in cut sheets of 17 x 22. Simply cut
it down and use the balance for small prints or test strips. People
seem to be very happy with both printers (the 2400 is certainly not a
flimsy machine). But if you want to print on larger sheets from time
to time get the 4800. The profile question I hope someone else will
address. By the way you can print very small with the 4800 (see my
earlier post #70654 about this). 
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