Considering Epson 4900

[Mike Guilbault]

My last Epson printer was the 1280 and I'm considering upgrading to the new 4900. I've read some reviews (mostly from here) but haven't found any data on the cost of running it.  The last time I looked at printer specs, the cost per 8x10 was a usual spec.  Is that still viable?  I realize that it'll depend on the image/paper etc., but is there an average?  How about how many 8x10s you can produce with a set of ink cartridges?  I'd appreciate any reference anyone can provide.

[Mark D Segal]

My last Epson printer was the 1280 and I'm considering upgrading to the new 4900. I've read some reviews (mostly from here) but haven't found any data on the cost of running it.  The last time I looked at printer specs, the cost per 8x10 was a usual spec.  Is that still viable?  I realize that it'll depend on the image/paper etc., but is there an average?  How about how many 8x10s you can produce with a set of ink cartridges?  I'd appreciate any reference anyone can provide.

There's enough data in my review on this website http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/printers/the_epson_4900_printer_hands_on_and_down_to_work.shtmlfor you to get what you need as well as it can be at this stage of experience with the printer.

[Mike Guilbault]

Thanks Mark... I was actually looking for your review - and found some references to it - but hadn't been able to track it down.  Much appreciated!

[Mark D Segal]

You are welcome, hope it helps.

I assume you are familiar with the *Search* function on this website's Home Page - it should have pulled up a ready reference to the article - if it didn't, something didn't happen right.

[Mike Guilbault]

That helped tremendously Mark - thanks again.  Actually - a lot more information than I needed to convince myself but worthwhile to read none-the-less.  


Oh... one more question.  I see the dimensions of the printer are 34"(W) x 16"(H) x 30"(D), but what is the actual 'footprint' of the printer?  In other words, how big of a table (or how small of a table) can it be placed on?

[wtlloyd]

The 4 rubber feet will safely sit on a 21" x 20" surface...that is, with a smidgen of room left on all four sides....

[mikeguil]

That's perfect... I won't need a new printer stand then!

[Luca Ragogna]

Hey Mike, if you bought the printer before Feb 28, I have an Epson Golden Ticket you can have to get a $500 rebate. Lemme know.

[Mike Guilbault]

The rebate goes until the end of March - got the rebate coupon online - but thanks!  Do you have this printer Luca?

[Mike Guilbault]

About the paper feed?   What is the minimum paper size you can feed through the 4900?  8x10 I assume is ok - but how about 5x7 or 4x6?

[Randy Carone]

No 5x7 or 4x6 on the 4900. You'll need a 3880 to go to 4x6.

[dgberg]

For the small ones print multiples per page and cut apart.

[Mike Guilbault]

If you're using roll paper... what's the minimum cut?  In other words, lets say I wanted to print some 5x7s. Could I line them up to take 5" worth off the roll (so two 5x7s end to end in 'landscape' format as they come out of the printer)?  How about a strip of wallets at 2.5" in the same configuration?

[Luca Ragogna]

The Golden Ticket is a special coupon you can use to get an additional $500 off the printer in conjunction with other rebates. It was offered on the 7890/9890 and 4900 until feb 28. If you haven't bought the printer yet get them to back date the invoice and I'll hook you up with the coupon.

I bought the 9890. I'm doing canvases for other photographers so I wanted to get a wide format.

[wtlloyd]

On the 4900, in Lightroom, I can get 17" roll paper to print and cut a minimum of 6". The Epson driver can be set to a minimum of 5", which is what I set it at (and 17" width). Nevertheless, it gave me just about a 3/4" border at the top and 5/8" at the bottom of two rows of wallet sized prints (one row 2 x 2.5 in portrait, and one row rotated to 2.5 x 2 under it). Some tweaking may find a way to cut closer at the top....

[Mike Guilbault]

That sounds reasonable.  Thanks.

[Mike Guilbault]

The Golden Ticket is a special coupon you can use to get an additional $500 off the printer in conjunction with other rebates. It was offered on the 7890/9890 and 4900 until feb 28. If you haven't bought the printer yet get them to back date the invoice and I'll hook you up with the coupon.

I bought the 9890. I'm doing canvases for other photographers so I wanted to get a wide format.

Luca... thanks for the offer... I won't be able to pickup the 4900 for a couple of weeks, so it probably won't fly.  I'm quite happy with the $500 mail-in so no worries.

Congrats on the 9890! I may contact you when I need something more than 17"!

cheers!

[Luca Ragogna]

Please do. And I still owe you a coffee at some time