I had an 4000 before the z3100 and my R2400. Sorry but in my eyes the 4000 is old. It can't really compete anymore. Yes it was a nice printer but both are far better. Especially the HP is fantastic compared to the old 4000. ( Extreme on Glossy but also pretty much on Matt papers)
I compared prints a lot and I think in that term the 4000 is really "old"
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Christopher -- thanks very much, especially for comment on mat papers, since I primarily print on those cotton papers in color.
How, exactly, do you think the new z3100 is superior to the 4000 in color with mat papers? Deeper blacks? Better tones?
Is the difference using photo papers more pronounced, that it is in color?
I apologize for the number of questions below, but any response on any of these points would be greatly appreciated:
(1) The other thread is discussing lots of problems with the z3100. Is the consensus that these are isolated to a few individuals, or a common issue among all users? Would you recommend that someone buy now or wait? And if it is to wait, how long, since the rebate expires in May
(2) Anyone know if Canon will provide a software update that will allow us to see the print que on the hard drive, so print jobs can be easily repeated? That is a significant failure and dumb mistake on the part of HP. Why spool jobs to the hard drive and then not allow us to access them?
(3) Apparently the HP GL/2 upgrade does allow the viewing of the print que. But would it work with jpeg or tiff photo files? What is the cost of the HP GL/2 -- I can't find it on the web site
(4) Any opinions on the long term reliability of HP as compared with Epson? One issue is that HP depends on the hard drive. Hard drives fail. But that is clearly not a user replaceable part, and you can't access it to back up the contents. I assume the drive might run constantly, since HP recommends leaving the printer on all the time. I wonder what an on-site repair might cost if you don't have a service contract. (3 years of next day service is $1500)
(5) Has anyone purchased the Advanced Profiling Solution? Cost? I can't find it on the web site. Usefulness?
(6) There has been some discussion of USB versus slow ethernet connection. One way to speed up ethernet is the Jetdirect 625n or 635n gigabit ethernet server to plug in to the printer. The web site says that the 625n may not be compatible, but both are listed in the manual for the printer. The 625 has EE or EP (?) which I think is necessary for bidirectional communications, the 635 does not. Any opinions on either of those?
(7) There has also been some discussion about problems loading sheets. But the Epson 4000 is not trouble free in that regard, using 17x22 mat sheets. Is the HP better or worse in that regard?
(
There are two models -- the Z3100, and a model with a letter following that. What is the difference? I wonder who sells both. B&H only lists the standard model.
(9) I think someone said that if an ink cartridge runs out in the middle of a print job, you lose the print? Is that correct? If so, that is a signficant failure as compared with the Epson 4000. If you try to change cartridges based on software warnings or even a front panel indicator, you will do so prematurely, at least based on the 4000. With the 4000 you can run them to the bitter end, the printer will stop half way through a print, and then resume right where it left off when you install a new ink cartridge. How does the Z3100 compare in that regard?
(10) Any views on HP versus Canon, and whether it makes sense to wait for the rumored new Canon 24" printer?