I checked the HP support page for the Z9+ and the are already two firmware updates on the initial firmware with what it seems important fixes like "IQ and color improvements" etc. Maybe the printers were not ready when they introduced back in June. Also I found some interesting pictures in the following site (bottom of the page):
http://www.hackworth.co/hp-designjet-z9/
showing among other details the LCD and that the roll 1 is loaded from the front (I thought someone said that the printer is only back loaded?)
Also I found the following picture showing the back of the printer (hope these will add some information on the mysterious new HP printers ).
Thanks for that link Pangiotis - it helps to have some more puzzle pieces. Sure, one can load the top roll from the front, but after leaning over with some really heavy rolls in the worst ergonomic position, I imagine that that would be only occasionally. Depends of course on where and how the leading edge of the paper goes in.
Most of the discussion around loading from the front and back centers around loading sheets, which is and has been the problem. We've been using Ernst Dinkla's solution from long ago - a work-around, loading the sheets in through the roll slot, however bypassing the so called tray, and loading straight through on top of the roll, directly in. The photos don't show any front loading, only bent over top loading and loading from the back as before. Also no sheet loading.
We can only hope the loading issues have improved.
The one good thing is that they have included cowls (covers) over each roll, which will be a great help for keeping dust off the rolls.
Thankfully, it also looks like they've kept the printhead cartridge system where each printhead cartridge has 2 colors. This means no changing an entire print head costing thousands when one clog sends the printer down. Now, as before, if one printhead has problems it can be pulled and replaced easily and cheaply like it has been ever since the HPZ3100 through the current HP Z3200ps machines.
As far as understanding what and how the vertical trimming works, the following photo shows two blue tabs that apparently are positioned manually to set the vertical trimmer settings? Not sure, but this is the first clue that we've seen:
This photo below, verifies that the screen is a touch screen, and it looks like a USB3 port has been included, which is another mystery, but an interesting one.
Judging from the photos on that page:
More HP Designjet Z9+ PhotosIt now seems that the new Z printers are an upgrade of what we now have in the Z3200ps printers. An important and well thought out upgrade, given that inks, dual roll loading, tilt touch screen, controls, and the vertical trimmer are newly re-designed.
I would love to put one of these through its paces - it looks promising. But first and foremost, Aardenburg needs to do testing. Without comprehensive testing by a credible, ethical 3rd party well established source, using I* technology, there is no way to accurately compare Vivid with Vivera other than HP's claims that "Vivid tests better."
All in all, ink issues aside, the new Z6 and Z9+ printers are looking pretty interesting.
Best -
Mark
* All images are used under "fair use" for educational purposes.