Digital BW, The Print

John,   I do understand exactly what you are saying, but there is a 'but' 
there LOL  There isn't really a choice about hardware (speaking ONLY of 
printers)---there is no alternative at this point (and it seems at least for 
up to a year if that) that suits my criteria (larger format, small 
footprint, medium carts--reasonable price for a non volume printer).  I was 
ready to upgrade and had decided on the 2400--and then the HP9180 came out 
and I had that to consider for same size--and then the 3800 which has all 
that the 2400 has and a bit more--there are times I have both the need and 
the wish to use larger media (which I've sent out to ultrachrome large 
format printers in the past).  As far as software, there is only so far I'm 
willing to go-- I won't (or most likely won't) buy a  RIP that exceeds QTR 
price (and I own that license).  So LOL--what I have to work with (plus my 
skills in PS and good camera bodies and lenses and my photography skills) 
will be 3 Epson printers for now (though the 1280 has been moved to probably 
oblivion)---and I'm going to start there (altho' I've printed monos for 
years--shouldn't really say 'start from' but reevaluate how I'm 
printing--whether there IS a need for a dedicated b/w print set).  I know 
that BO isn't for me as I tone all my prints, so that is what I'm referring 
to---if I would find more value in a multi grey set as opposed to working in 
another way.   I haven't gotten excited about the 'new' in the past---I've 
lived with the 2200 for several years with QTR and just reached the point of 
upgrading---so while I have samples OO from the various printers, I have 
pretty much decided that this is the best way to go for late 2006 as far as 
a printer choice.

Having been subbed to this list off and on for years, I know that there will 
always be something interesting happening and I'll continue to follow 
it--and decide what I can use from the information.  I do just wish, though, 
that I could have seen the prints in person---then be able to evaluate on my 
own--it gets more difficult imagining them (as I was trying to do with 
David's post this morning which was what prompted me to post myself).  Your 
post, like most on this list, is helpful and keeps one on track *smile*.

Best,
Diane





<<You really need to purchase samples to see what _you_ like, and then
consider the hardware/software/training needed.  As you can see, there are
people equally excited today about BO printing and K7, for an example of
extremes.
And don't be upset when something new seems exciting, right after you make
your investment in money and time.

Best regards,
<<John Moody