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Author Topic: Epson 3880 vs 4880  (Read 14393 times)

paulhart46

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« on: January 31, 2010, 03:23:27 pm »

Hello:  I am new to the site.  I am trying to decide between the 3880 and the 4880, with the current rebate there is not a great difference between the cost of the two printers. I need help in making the correct choice. I did not see a prior discussion on this topic and I trust that this is an appropriate question for this forum. Thank you  Paul Hart
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madmanchan

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2010, 03:37:31 pm »

Main practical differentiators are roll support (4880 has it, 3880 doesn't) and the cost of switching between the two black types (less expensive on the 3880). What are your needs? Do you need roll support (e.g., do you want to do a lot of long panos)? Do you like to switch between PK and MK papers?
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Bob Rockefeller

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2010, 04:06:35 pm »

Quote from: paulhart46
Hello:  I am new to the site.  I am trying to decide between the 3880 and the 4880, with the current rebate there is not a great difference between the cost of the two printers. I need help in making the correct choice. I did not see a prior discussion on this topic and I trust that this is an appropriate question for this forum. Thank you  Paul Hart

The 4880 also has a vacuum platen for less head strikes.

Bob
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Bob Rockefeller
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abiggs

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2010, 04:10:16 pm »

Switching between black inks is a non starter on the 4880, however it has roll support and much much better paper handling. It all depends on your needs. You will likely not see the difference between the prints from the printers.
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Andy Biggs
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Gemmtech

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2010, 10:44:05 pm »

I found that both printers are identical in quality and I believe the decision is very simple, if you print from rolls on one paper type (matte or gloss) and print a lot of panos over 37" then buy the 4880, if you like borderless sheet printing, use both matte and gloss papers then buy the 3880.  My friend and I just went through the same decision and we both purchased the 3880, however at the time the 4880 was about the same price.  Paper handling is hit or miss it seems, I haven't had any problems with any papers even at 17 x 25, even if I cut them from a roll.  Some get head strikes with Ilford Gold Fibre Silk while others like myself don't.  Also, though I never validated the print speed, according to the specs the 4880 is significantly faster.  If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably buy the 4880 because I'm not printing much borderless except for some 5x7 and 8x10.  The 3880 runs a little quieter, however you can get 110ml or 220ml ink cartridges with the 4880, which I'm assuming are cheaper per ml than the 80ml cartridges that come with the 3880.  The build quality is better on the 4880 but that doesn't affect the prints.

3880
Less expensive (slightly)
80ml ink cartridges could be a plus or a minus
Borderless sheet printing 4x6 5x7 8x10 etc.
Not as heavy
Quieter in operation
Cheaper to switch black inks PK / MK


4880
Better build quality
Roll printing
Faster print speed
110ml or 220ml ink cartridges
Vacuum paper hold down
Panos muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch longer than 37"
With rebate can be about same cost as 3880

I just checked and with the $500.00 rebate on the 4880 they are basically the same price.
« Last Edit: January 31, 2010, 11:18:27 pm by Gemmtech »
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howardm

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2010, 08:42:29 am »

also, the 38xx will natively print on smaller cut sheets like 4x6 or 5x7 whereas the 48xx will not and you have to cut to size thus wasting paper.  

have you looked at the Canon iPF5100 ?

robgo2

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2010, 03:06:10 pm »

One other difference:  The 3880 is much smaller and lighter.  So if space is limited, it may be the better choice.

Rob
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WilliamBriggs

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2010, 01:37:04 pm »

I had the same dilemma myself and I went for the 4880. Seeing as there is not a lot of cost difference between the two, the 4880 is a well built heavy duty machine, takes roll paper, has a paper tray and can be much more cost efficient with ink especially if you use 220ml cartridges. Only down side of the 4880 is wasting ink to change between matte and glossy. I only print matte so it's not an problem for me. The 4880 is heavy and requires some dedicated space. Really nice printer - pretty fast and very quiet.
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PeterSibbald

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2010, 10:04:23 pm »

I'm moving to a new thread...

« Last Edit: February 11, 2010, 08:16:44 am by PeterSibbald »
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vandevanterSH

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Epson 3880 vs 4880
« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2010, 10:35:08 pm »

Quote from: abiggs
Switching between black inks is a non starter on the 4880, however it has roll support and much much better paper handling. It all depends on your needs. You will likely not see the difference between the prints from the printers.

I upgraded from a 3800 to a 4880 when the "double" rebate was offered.  The 4880 cost, IIRC, $880.00 and free shipping.   If the 3800 is now about the same cost as a 4880, I would go with the 4880, IF you print exclusively on either Matte or Glossy.  Switching inks on the 4880 is a PITA and costs ~$70.00 in ink.  

The real plus of the 4880 besides build quality is the paper handling and the fact that the sheet paper is held in enclosed trays and the printing surfaces are more enclosed.

Steve
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