Hi all,
I am a graphic designer looking to replace an aging Epson Color Stylus 3000 with a new color inkjet printer. The demand for color mock ups has greatly diminished as most clients are happy with PDFs, etc to review. But occasionally, I get a request for a comp mock up. The 3000 with Stylus RIP was a great solution, but to get it to work thru OSX is complicated and undependable. The RIP runs in classic only. Gimp-Print just does not do it. The printer is now getting buggy. For example, it tends to spool thru many sheets of paper and after much fidgeting and finessing the paper feed, will finally "grab" one to print.
I'm interested in an inkjet printer that can do up to 13 x 19 media, postscript (RIP) compatible, CMYK to handle graphics (type, eps art etc) well. As RIP software will add $300+, I'm budgeting under $1K for the printer. Ideally ethernet is preferred but I can work with firewire or USB.
Printers I've looked at:
Epson R1800 and the Epson R2400. Postscript RIP software is available for the 2400 only.
Epson 4800, seems to be the successor to the 3000, (a bit pricey @ $1995)
HP DesignJet 30, 90 and 130: All seem to have the specs, and HP offers a RIP software option. However, I've heard mixed reviews about HP printers and just don't know their quality/output etc.
So, your thoughts, experience/critique would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks! W2
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