Canon IPF500 or Epson 3800??

[swashbu]

I found a dealer that will sell me a brand new Canon IPF5000 for the same price as a Epson 3800. My current printer is an Epson 2400 and I mostly print 11x17 images and a lot of 7x10 "art" cards. I go through a lot ink and want a printer with larger carts. I know that I will have to add an addition to my house for the Canon but it seems like an exceptional printer and deal that I'd hate to pass it up. I understand the interface is not very user friendly and that concerns me a bit. Also the minimum print width is 8" but the dealer told me I could print the cards as 10 x 7 and it would work OK.

Any comments or insights would be appreciated.
Thanks
Steve

[jdoyle1713]

Steve

The 5000 is an Old Model The 5100 has been out over 1 1/2 So be careful..make sure you get a waranty Or If the 5000 is what you want look around some may have these pretty cheap for sale that are not used..

Cheers
Jim Doyle
http://www.shadesofpaper.com

[swashbu]

Thanks for the advice Jim I think I'll take the 5000 off my list. What are your thoughts on a used Epson 4800, they can be found used locally for around $900 with a cart and some ink in good condition.

Steve

[jdoyle1713]

Thanks for the advice Jim I think I'll take the 5000 off my list. What are your thoughts on a used Epson 4800, they can be found used locally for around $900 with a cart and some ink in good condition.

Steve

Steve

The 4800 doesnt have the newer heads and they have been around for awhile as well..New One 4880 runs around 1750 or so..but has a warrenty.. If you buy a used 4800 and the heads are not good you have a 1K service call coming.. If you know who has used the machine and some history on it well 900 is better than 1750 I guess it depends on cost , avail funds & use..Lots to think about for sure..

I am sure that others can tell me what they have expericed as well on this board with used equipment as I have never bought and used any unless it was a manufacture refurb w/warrenty..

Cheers
Jim Doyle
http://www.shadesofpaper.com

[swashbu]

Jim,
Thanks again for the input. I'm going to save up a bit more and get either the 3800 or the 4880. Your web site is one of the first ones I check for prices and rebates.

Thanks again
Steve

[Ken Bennett]

There are plenty of threads here on those two printers, so I won't belabor the point. However, I will say that I make a lot of 11x17-inch prints and a lot of cards and smaller prints, and my Epson 3800 has been the perfect printer for my needs.

[Petrjay]

Steve, if you're not in a rush and keep an eye out for sales, rebates, etc., you might find a 4800 for close to the same price as a 3800. This was the case a few months ago. For what it's worth, I print in color and B&W up to 17X22 with the 3800, and couldn't be more pleased with the IQ. The only reason I'd upgrade would be to go to a wider format.

Peter J

[swashbu]

KB - It's good to know that the 3800 prints cards with no problems. I print on both sides of the card and my 2400 screws up on about 1 of every 4 for no apparent reason so that is another reason I'm looking for a new printer.

PeterJ - I'll keep watching for deals on the 4880 or maybe buy a refurbished 4880 or 3800.

Thanks to you both!

Steve

[Ken Bennett]

KB - It's good to know that the 3800 prints cards with no problems. I print on both sides of the card and my 2400 screws up on about 1 of every 4 for no apparent reason so that is another reason I'm looking for a new printer.

Sure. I printed a lot of artsy photo holiday cards for friends and colleagues (and the occasional client) the last couple of years, printing on both sides of inexpensive card stock, and it worked well.

You might want to check into the specs on the larger printers. I think some of them don't print smaller than 8x10 inch cut sheets. I know a photographer who kept her Epson 4000 for roll feed and got a 3800 specifically to print cards and small prints. Luckily for her, the 3800 doesn't take up a lot of desktop real estate.

--Ken

[JDBFreeheel]

Swashbu,

If you're so inclined to go even bigger, FYI, there is a dealer who is selling new 24" HP z3100s for about $1800 on Ebay.  Free shipping (freight) to your doorstep (and it's a large box).  Though not the newer z3200 (with the new red ink), they are really decent printers and at $1800 is a solid deal. I purchased from them and am very happy.  

No affiliation other than as a happy buyer.

-Josh

[swashbu]

Ken - What card stock are you using?? I am using Red River 50lb matt and it works great but is pretty thick and I would like to find a cheaper printable on two sides paper, any suggestions??

Josh - thanks for the heads-up on the HP printer.

Steve

[Bill Koenig]

You can't go wrong with the 3800. I've had mine for almost two years now with out a single problem.
If you look back at what's been posted in regards to problems with ink jet printers, you'll that the 3800 is not in the mix, but all the others that you mention, well?

[Scott Martin]

You can't go wrong with the 3800.

To be fair, the inkset is 2 generations old and there have been lots of complaints about paper handling. I wish it were updated or a little more affordable. Considering the likelihood of the former it might not be the best time to buy one.

[Ken Bennett]

Ken - What card stock are you using?? I am using Red River 50lb matt and it works great but is pretty thick and I would like to find a cheaper printable on two sides paper, any suggestions??]

You are going to laugh. I went down to my local office supply store (one of the big boxes) and they had cardstock from several suppliers. I think the stuff I used is from one of the big label/stationery companies. It was cheap, the paper is perfectly nice, and prints well on both sides. It's coated paper, so it works well with pigment printers (that's important), matte finish, and coated on both sides.

When I get home I'll take a look at the box and update this post.