Future of the Epson 7/9800?

[Bill Lawrence]

Hi All,

I have an Epson 4800 which I have been quite happy with (other than the occasional head clog), and which produces beautiful prints, both color and B&W.  I'm now looking at a larger printer, although haven't quite decided whether to go with the 7800 or the 9800 - that 24" carriage is right on the borderline for my needs.  However, before I shell out the bucks for either, I wanted to check if anyone has news on when Epson might introduce a replacement line for the 7/9800 series?  If its going to be soon, I might wait and see what the future holds, but I can't hold off too long on purchasing.

Anyone out there with a crystal ball, who knows what the future holds for the 7800 and 9800?

Thanks!
Bill

[John Hollenberg]

In the past, these printers were on a 3 year development cycle.  Since the 7800 was released around May/June of 2005, that would leave a little over a year.  No telling if the entrance of Canon/HP will have any effect on altering that schedule.

--John

[NikosR]

In the past, these printers were on a 3 year development cycle.  Since the 7800 was released around May/June of 2005, that would leave a little over a year.  No telling if the entrance of Canon/HP will have any effect on altering that schedule.

--John
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I hate spreading rumours, but I would expect Epson to start introducing new high end printers (replacements of the 4800/7800/9800 series) within the year. I have heard this from two seperate sources (Epson dealers), who also implied that Gloss Optimizer  technology would be also supported and all printers will support PK and MK simultaneously. No other details given. Additionally, a printer larger than the 9800 was mentioned.

Now, I have no clue whether the 'within the year' speculation will actually prove to be true, or even if they introduce all such printers at the same time, but you don't have to be an insider to guess that Epson is working in this direction based on their existing products and competitive landscape. My guess would be that the 4800 would be the first to get replaced.

[Bill Lawrence]

I hate spreading rumours,
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But rumors are what I wanted to hear!  Thanks for all the input - by the sounds of it, I'm going to go ahead and purchase as I will need something before the new ones come out (and if they do, such is life. . .).  Now I just have to figure out 7800 or 9800.

Bill

[abiggs]

I am hearing that Epson will be reformulating their magenta ink, and will relaunch their printers with little changes other than that. Unfortunately, no addition print head to alleviate switching ink cartridges.

I am not under NDA, so this might be rumor.

[Christopher]

I am hearing that Epson will be reformulating their magenta ink, and will relaunch their printers with little changes other than that. Unfortunately, no addition print head to alleviate switching ink cartridges.

I am not under NDA, so this might be rumor.
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If that is all they do they are the joke of the year... and insane

[free1000]

Epson are currently giving loyalty cash backs on all their large format printers. This makes me nervous to buy one as it makes me think something new might be in the works and they are clearing out inventory. Probably wrong about this though.

I got burnt when I bought the 4000 and a few weeks later the 4800 was announced, doh! So much for the 3 year release cycle, it seems the 4000 was replaced much faster than this...

I would love a large format K3 printer with the gloss enhancer. However, I have to say that the results from a 2400 that I bought two weeks ago are far better than I saw in any K3 demo. The gloss prints are close to those from the R1800. I am curious to know if the same quality can be got from 3800/4800/7800.

Worth waiting a few more months I suspect.

[claskin]

I believe I am correct in recalling that Epson typically introduces new printers in May. Having also been burned on the 4000, I am waiting patiently (with an HP B9180) for a larger format printer. The 3 year cycle, although historically correct, occurred with virtually no competition. Epson is not about to give up market share without a fight. I believe that refresh/replacements will be announced sooner rather than later. The rapid replacement of the 4000 with the 4800 should have been predicted since it was a 17 inch version of the 7600/9600, both of which were rather long in the tooth and ripe for replacement. As I believe is the case with the 3800, the 4000 was released to hold the market (please don't attack me, it is merely my humble, uninformed opinion). My recommendation is to wait it out at least until May.
Carl