Digital BW, The Print

I have to say that this and a few other posts have connected with me.  I've 
been a member of the list for a number of years--but I, too, don't have the 
patience for a lot of the profile making, etc.--and have procrastinated 
about a dedicated ink set for years---from my old 1280 through the years 
with the 2200 which I got as soon as it came out.  I 'solved' my own 
problems with QTR, curves that I have found or were provided and keeping 
paper samples of gray wedges with various curve blends at hand.

But--I would really like to not deal with a RIP and to keep it as simple as 
possible after I process my monos.  I had decided to upgrade to the 
2400--and was about to hit the button to buy when the HP9180 was announced 
(I had discounted the Canon 13" pigment printer because it won't show up 
until 2007 sometime) and then the 3800.  I was sorely tempted by the 9180 at 
first but believe the 3800 is the printer that will work best for me.  Since 
its also a K3 printer but with a bit different algorithm I expect to find it 
about the same as the 2400 in most respects but allowing me to print larger 
when I choose--and still take advantage of the ABW--and I assume I will 
still be able to use QTR later if needed (assuming that it will be available 
eventually for the 3800).

Hope I'm not making a mistake--but I think not.  Still have my 2200 and 1280 
too *smile*.

Diane
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Clayton Jones" <cj@...>

<various snips to keep relevant message short>
Then I got a 2400 and was thrilled to find a system that, with care,
can make very fine prints with a very easy and straightforward
approach (see article #9 at the link below for a description of the
workflow).  As Paul said, the color inks present a new kind of
challenge, but I found that with some experimenting the sweet spot ABW
settings can be found for various papers that reduce the color cast
issues enormously.  It isn't a perfect system, but it is very very
good.  I was never fully satisfied with my 2200 prints, but the 2400
is in a whole 'nother class and I love the results.  You'd have to
drag me kicking and screaming back to a 2200.

So there you have it: ease of use vs print quality, and print
longevity.  The 2400 offers a high quality solution with some
compromises.  We have to make our own decisions if those are
acceptable.  I hope this helps.


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm