Moving from Epson 3800 to P800-any advice?

[Dave Gurtcheff]

My old reliable 3800 is slowly giving up. After Super Storm Sandy, we were homeless for 6 months, and no power in our home and the 3800 was subject to freezing temperature (as was my Epson 7890).Every time I use the 3800, there are nozzle clogs and I must go through several cleaning cycles. Even after cleaning, one color never shows a perfect test pattern. Today I tried to make a 14"x19" print, and the nozzles were clogged. I could not clean them because  two inks were low. Rather then spend another $110 for inks, I found out Epson has a $300 mail in rebate, so I bit the bullet and ordered a P800. Is the P800 as reliable as the 3800 and 3880? Does it use the same maintenance tank? I have limited room, but the size seems similar to my 3800. Any and all advice or tips appreciated.
TIA
Dave in NJ

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Dave,

I got my P800 in August to replace my own dying 3800, and so far ithas been absolutely superb. It fits in exactly the same space as my old 3800, and if anything it is even better built.

It is early days yet, but so far it seems to have inherited all the good qualities of the 3800 and 3880. And it does use the same maintenance tank as the 3800 and 2880, although the inks are different.

I don't want to bother with rolls or prints bigger than 17x22, so it does just what I need. So I say: Go for it!

Eric

[raymond bleesz]

Dave---Not too dissimilar issues for me -----I took my 3800 in to be serviced as I was not able to "clear up the issues" & have now "dedicated" it to Matt papers after it was serviced (approx $300). I had ordered the 800 in the interim which came in a matter of days from its Texas warehouse, and I have run perhaps 30 sheets, 8x10's, of Hahnemuhle Glossy Fine Art Baryta Satin paper through it for a preliminary portfolio review: 10-12 prints for final selection. The printers are of the same size et al.  I was impressed with the 800 & with the first run of prints. This all happened in the last month or so. The reviews I read of the 800 has all been consistently good.

Raymond in Colorado

[Dave Gurtcheff]

Thanks Eric and Raymond. The P800 is due to be delivered today. B&H sent me an email with links to mail in rebates. The first rebate is for $300 for buying the P800. The second one is for $50 if you are the owner of the 3800 (and other printers as well) and are upgrading. I am sending in BOTH rebates and see what happens. $350 off is a bargain!
Dave

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

There were similar rebates available when I got my P800, and I applied for both, but I messed up and didn't include a copy of my invoice. They wrote to me about the omission and gave me a chance to provide it, which I did. Both rebates arrived promptly.

Rebates can sometimes be iffy, but Epson was right on top of this. Excellent service, and an excellent printer.

-Eric

[Benny Profane]

Love my P800, but still waiting for rebate, months later.

[BradSmith]

I just posted on another thread here titled "Printer Decision" about choosing between the P800 and the comparable Canon.  You can read my post there.  Bottom line...I had to replace my 8 yr old 3800 which was a wonderful printer.  First P800 had to be replaced under warranty.  Second one is also a major disappointment because of one issue - just as the first one, it is terrible at loading "fine art" paper (i.e., thick, stiff) from the front tray.  I wish I'd have changed to Canon.
Brad

[Benny Profane]

I just posted on another thread here titled "Printer Decision" about choosing between the P800 and the comparable Canon.  You can read my post there.  Bottom line...I had to replace my 8 yr old 3800 which was a wonderful printer.  First P800 had to be replaced under warranty.  Second one is also a major disappointment because of one issue - just as the first one, it is terrible at loading "fine art" paper (i.e., thick, stiff) from the front tray.  I wish I'd have changed to Canon.
Brad

Try loading thick roll paper. Not good.

[Cincinnati]

Be aware that 3rd party inks are not yet an option on USA made printers. Apparrently ink cartridge Chips cannot be reset twice.