Help with Printer Decision

[lima]

I've read all the great things many of you have written about the Epson r1900--and I was just about ready to get it when information on the HP B8850 caught my eye. Now I am torn about which would be better--does anyone have experience with the HP? I understand it is very good with black and white photos and matte finish papers. Has anyone had any problem with the Epson and ink clogging--that's been mentioned a few times.

Thanks for all of your wisdom!

[droseball]

I have the Epson 1900 and previously had the Epson 2200 (another earlier wide format) and the only problem I have had with the 1900 is some faulty ink cartridges. When I called the tech help, they explained that some of the earlier cartridges had a communication problem, and that it is random and they now have the problem fixed. The only problem is, that some of them are still being shipped out! Not from them (Epson) but from other vendors. They always have sent me replacements though and they work just great! I am very pleased with it and have been printing all day on some Christmas projects, so it is a good printer. The only reason I changed to it and replaced the 2200 was because the 2200 would not do borderless 12x12 layouts, and I wanted to print my own from here. I had the 2200 for years (since it came out) and never had any problems with it. I have no experience with the HP though. Hope this helps some!

[lima]

Thanks, Denise--that is good to know. I appreciate your taking the time to comment.

[Carol Elliott]

I just replaced my HP 8750 wideformat printer with the HP B8850. I had the 8750 for 3 1/2 years and loved it. A mechanical problem killed it. I usually don't purchase extended warranties, but did on the 8750 (three years). I did have to have it replaced and the new one was on my doorstep the next day. It was painless. I'm waiting to purchase the extended warranty on the B8850 a few months before the initial one year warranty is up.

I've had the B8850 for 3 weeks and just love it just as much. It uses pigment ink, which meant I had to change the type of HP 13x19paper I was using, but that is the only thing for me. The prints have been wonderful. I print all my layouts and photos on glossy paper. B&Ws photos print beautifully, although I don't print many of them. I have printed (all on glossy photo paper) a 62 page 8x8 book for my father-in-law, 40 Christmas cards, 20 double sided pamplets for my sons boy scout troop, and the normal day to day text printing on regular paper during this three week period. I still have plenty of ink left.

I purchase all my ink and paper on line from HP. I am up to 15% off all my orders, shipping is free (next day, 2nd day, or regular), and there are always internet specials. I should have been keeping track of how much I"ve saved! I'll never purchase ink or paper in a store again!

HP does not have 12x12 paper (would be nice). I just use the 13x19 and cut out the layout. This printer also can use a number of art papers that cannot bend (sends them through flat). Haven't tried this yet. It is a beast size wise though! But it is my beast!

Don't know if this helps ... it would probably be nice if we could try out printers before we bought them!

[lima]

Thanks for your extensive answer, Carol. You've given me a lot to consider--this is not going to be an easy decision!

[sarahorton]

I'd suggest going to an office supply center and looking at print samples. The Epsons have a gloss optimizer technology that makes the ink look smooth an even across the surface on glossy and matte finishes.
I haven't had trouble with my Epson inks clogging, but I turn the printer off when not in use. Turning off your Epson printer seals the print heads and keeps them from drying out.

[hulseyfam]

I remember WHY I didn't ask for one for Christmas LAST year. It's just too mind boggling for me and I don't live in an area where I can go look at them or test printing. I just have to go off of user reviews! And being so new, I really don't know what I want or need or what options are on any of them!

I'm leaning towards the Epson, but not exactly sure why. I like that the print heads gets sealed when not in use because I'm sure I'll go in spurts with my printing, it's just a matter of finding a good deal on it. So if you know of one out there, let me know!

[lima]

I've been looking, so maybe I can save you some time. The best price I have found so far is at the Epson store. The r1900 is $399 after $150 in rebates and free shipping. There are some other models with rebates as well. http://www.epson.com

[droseball]

Originally Posted by lima

I've been looking, so maybe I can save you some time. The best price I have found so far is at the Epson store. The r1900 is $399 after $150 in rebates and free shipping. There are some other models with rebates as well. http://www.epson.com

This is the same deal I got for my R1900 in September and I just got the $150 in rebates (two separate ones for $100 and $50 each) and I am pleased with my printer as I said above. The other place that I buy Epson inks and my Epson Matte scrapbook papers from is Atlex.com. They usually have competitive prices too but I haven't checked on the printer itself lately. I do buy inks and papers from them all the time though. Any other questions about this printer I would be happy to answer if I can!

[sarahorton]

I use Atlex for paper and ink too. They have great prices, so I stock up when I see I'm running low on any of the colors.

[hulseyfam]

How does the R1900 do with black and white pics? I think that is the biggest complaint I've heard in my little research.

[lima]

The R2400 is supposed to be better with B/W since it has additional shades of black ink cartridges.
http://www.redrivercatalog.com/infoc...-or-r2400.html
I found a mention of a particular paper for B/W printing with the R1900 that produced excellent B/W results--Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk.

[hulseyfam]

Ok I'm telling DH I want the R1900. NOW, what paper do I tell him I want and what size? 13x19?? Or do you buy a variation of paper sizes depending on what you are printing? I would like to print 12x12 layouts and then the occasional picture. And also some 8x8 layouts.

[sarahorton]

I recommend buying Epson papers because the inks/papers are formulated to go together. You'll get optimal results when you use Epson ink+Epson paper on an Epson printer.
For printing layouts, I use Epson's PremierArt™ Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper which is 12x12 inches.
For printing 8x8s on letter size papers, I generally use Premium Presentation Paper Matte.
They have an array of photo papers on their website - each with a printer compatibility guide. You'll want to check to make sure that you are purchasing paper that is compatible with your printer ink because not all papers can be used with all printers.

[jmparkerUNC]

I started out with an 800 series EPSON and fell in love. Recently, I bought the r1900 after really getting into more digital scrapbooking and I don't know how anyone lives without it. I've had no problems with the ink clogging, but then again, I too like someone said earlier turn my power off when not in use. I order the paper and ink online from Epson and they send it in 2 days usually even when I check "regular ground shipping"! They're fast! I have NO complaints.

Good luck!!

[Debbyo]

I'll throw a real screw into everything -I checked them all out about a year or so ago and ended up with the Canon Pro 9000. I love it! I wasn't sure whether to choose the Epson or the Canon, but then the Canon came on sale at $100 off, so I jumped for it. I haven't been sorry about it, it performs!

[cheri20]

Those of you that have the R1900 have you printed on transparencies?
If so what setting's are you using?
I have tried and the ink does not dry. I called Epson and they said it probably will not work well as this printer uses pigment ink rather than dye based inks.
The pigment based inks are better for the photo's etc.

Thank you.

[sarahorton]

Cheri, I answered on the other thread, but I've had really great luck printing on ink jet printable transparencies. You print on the rough side. The rough texture is the coating that absorbs the ink.
I've also used ScraPerfect printing pouches. You pat the pouch all over the transparency before printing. It helps the ink dry.

[cheri20]

Thanks Sara...I'm so glad to hear it works on this printer.
Could you let me know what settings you use while printing...draft, text, photo?
Also what paper selection...plain, glossy..?
My old printer has a specific transparency setting.
Again thanks for responding!

[hulseyfam]

With the r1900 can you just print on a 4x6?? or do you usually just pile a bunch on an 8 1x2x11 and then print??? I'm just placing my first order tonight and wanted to get the right stuff!!

[Amy L]

Jaime, I would think that the R1900 and the R1800 (which is what I have) would be similar. On mine, you can print on lots of different sizes of paper...4x6, 8.5x11, 12x12. Just an excellent printer.

The only trouble I have had is color management with my Mac. Apparently Epson and Apple don't communicate too well on this. I haven't upgraded to Leopard because it seems that the problem is worse with it. Through lots of trial and error and consultation, I now get good color on my prints.

[hulseyfam]

So what do you guys get for printing photos and not LO's? Looks like all I really see is glossy unless I just go with the 8.5x11. I don't know, maybe that's what everyone does for printing photos is just puts them on an 8.5x11. Sorry I'm clueless, I've never printed photos at home before!

[Amy L]

I use both glossy and matte for my photos. Epson has lots of paper sizes for both finishes.

[sarahorton]

I use matte most of the time because it's more archival.

[hulseyfam]

One more question....I think! My paper just came and I'm ready to print, BUT what printing selection do you pick?? Photo? Best Photo? And do you guys print from your jpeg or do you print from PSE after you've saved it to a jpeg??

[sarahorton]

Congrats on your new printer!

I use the Photo setting.
In my opinion Best Photo just uses a lot more ink with little to no discernable difference in quality.

Printing directly from PSE will give you better quality. Make sure to click on Edit > Color Settings > Always Optimize for Printing.
When you click on File > Print, look for Print Preferences to enter the printer driver where you can select the paper type, etc...

[hulseyfam]

Originally Posted by sarahorton

Congrats on your new printer!

I use the Photo setting.
In my opinion Best Photo just uses a lot more ink with little to no discernable difference in quality.

Printing directly from PSE will give you better quality. Make sure to click on Edit > Color Settings > Always Optimize for Printing.
When you click on File > Print, look for Print Preferences to enter the printer driver where you can select the paper type, etc...

Thanks! Before you posted, I did end up printing from PSE, but did Best Photo-so that info is good to know! But I did not optimize for printing. Thanks for that tip!