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

["Steve Greenbank" <steve@gccl.fsbusiness.co.uk>]

If you use the HP for plain paper text as well as photos I'd stick with the
HP as IMHO it does this much better.

In my experience I have found Epson photographic type output on specialist
papers is slightly better, but I have not seen the same image printed on
both printers by a competent operator.

One advantage with Epson is the jets are not part of the ink cartridge which
I understand leads to more consistant results from one cartridge to the
next. I have no idea how significant the difference is but it also means
clogging can be fatal.

See other reasons below from Art.

You can go to a shop and get a test print, but there are all sorts of
operator, media and software issues that may influence the result. Your best
bet is a friend with an Epson who knows how to use it. That way you can
hopefully compare the best possible results from each printer.

Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Arthur Entlich" <artistic@ampsc.com>
To: <filmscanners@halftone.co.uk>
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2001 8:34 AM
Subject: Re: filmscanners: Any insight on H.P. vs Epson printers


> 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
>
>
>