QTR-Quadtone RIP

I have had my Epson 3800 for almost 6 years. It was purchased from my local emporium, Pro Photo Supply, in January 2007. It has worked  well. The few problems I have had were mostly caused by me. I do not track ink/paper costs since I photograph for fun and do not find these costs significant, compared with cameras, lenses, and travel. I love this printer and while most of my prints are not huge, lately I have been making more prints on 17x22 paper, a major advantage of the 38xx printers. I have no idea what Epson has coming next but the differences and improvements are becoming asymptotic, lots more money for real but small improvements. I'd not hesitate to get a 3880 tomorrow if my current printer were to suddenly die (oops, I should not have said that, bad karma?) 

--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "genenphotos" <genenphotos@...> wrote:
>
> Apologies for getting a little off topic.  I have a question for Epson 38XX users.  A friend asserts that ink cartridges for his Epson 3800 last far longer than the smaller ones used in R1900, R2000 printers.  Since the cartridges for the former cost about 7 times more, do they last 7 times as long?  Is there  justification here for buying a 3800/3880?
> 
> -Gene
> http://genenphotos.com
>