Re: filmscanners: Any insight on H.P. vs Epson printers

[Arthur Entlich <artistic@ampsc.com>]

I don't have either printer.  I do have sample prints from the 1270.

There are more issues than image quality.  In fact, more and more the 
qualitative differences between basic print output is not "the issue" 
with inkjet printers, because, very simply, they are getting very close 
to one another in output quality.

The issues are more complex, and you can't use a loupe to see most of them.

How fast does the printer work?  Does output take 10 minutes or one minute?

What type of paper can the printer use, (surfaces, weight, etc) and how 
do the inks respond to different paper types?

How much do papers cost, if the printer requires a special paper made by 
a specific manufacturer?

What is the maximum print size, versus paper size that can be used?

How long do the images last before fading, and under what conditions? 
Is fading fairly uniform or tend to emphasize one color more then others?

How much does the ink cost per print?  What is the usable life of the 
ink carts, once opened?

Is there more than one type of ink available for the printer?  Will the 
inks types available fulfill the needs I have in mind?

Are the cartridges refillable, or are ink cartridges available by other 
than the manufacturer?  (what would happen if the company went under, 
decided to stop producing the ink carts, or simply made the carts overly 
expensive?)

Can individual ink colors carts be replaced, rather than having to toss 
a cartridge due to one color running out?

How durable is the printer?  Is the ink head permanent or replaceable? 
Will the head be more apt to clog in the type of climate I will be using 
the printer in?

What is the warranty like?  How long is it, what's covered, is shipping 
included, will they cross ship?

Years ago, print quality was a, if not THE major issue in deciding which 
printer family to buy.  With the current quality being offered in that 
department, other issues become the deciding factors.

Art

Dan Kimble wrote:

> I am looking to buy another printer. I currently have an HP970cxi which
> has PhotoREt III technology (HP's latest three color + black) and I
> think it prints great. I have not seen a side by side comparison of the
> HP's vs the Epson's. I have heard a lot of talk about the Epson 1270 on
> this list, but has any one done a fair  comparison??
> 
> Any help would be appreciated.
> 
> Dan