Need advice on Best 13" Printer, Cannon, Epson

[Norm_Cabana]

Carl,

For $299 make sure that it is new, not a refurb. For inks, even though they cost more, I stay with Canon inks. I tried some of those cheaper brands in my i960, just printing contact sheets to plain paper, and I started getting clogs before I finished one cartridge. My livelihood depends upon the quality of the products I produce so I don't take chances to save a buck or two.

Papers: You are not restricted to Canon papers. I only use high gloss so I can't really address the papers to use for other finishes. I originally started with Canon Photo Paper Pro and then switched to Epson's Premium Glossy Photo Paper. The reason was that for the 13x19 and 11x17 size Canon paper came only 10 sheets to a pack and each sheet had another protective paper. Way to much packaging material to deal with. The price for two packages of the Canon Paper was similar to the 20 paper pack of Epson. A couple of years ago I read an article in Photoshop User where they compared the various papers and they recognized Moab Paper's Kokopelli 260 Gloss as the best high gloss paper. I bought some and have never looked back. I get the same or better quality as the Epson but with 50 sheets to a pack and the cost is roughly 75% of the Epson paper. Moab merged with Legion Paper and the Kokopelli line has been discontinued. It has been replaced by Lasal Photo Gloss 270. I am just using up the last of my 260 paper so I'll soon know if it is a similar quality.

Hope this helps.

[Rob_Levin]

Great thread and perfect timing for me. I am also in the market for 13" printer and I have been agonizing over the HP B9180 vs Canon 9000 vs Epson 1400. With the HP being twice the price of the Epson and the Canon somewhere in between. Before reading this thread I was leaning towards the HP over the Epson (now I am way over to the HP side) and didn't really consider the Canon. The pricing is HP $559 and the Canon $$319 at B&H (and lower at Adorama) so now the Canon is very much back in contention. At the very least I have eliminated the Epson from my list.

So the question is HP B9180 or Canon 9000?

Has anyone compared ink/operating costs between these two that they are willing to share?

[DougAxford]

Hp has a very active forum for the 9180 on Yahoo
hp9100Series@yahoogroups.com

Joining is free and I joined without buying. I'm still undecided, but since I'm in Canada, the choice is much easier with the lack of support from Canon.

[Carl Brady]

I bought the HP Photosmart Pro B9180 last week and have, so far, only used it for a few documents. I am planning to also buy Photoshop CS3, a monitor calibration system and a new computer. I'd be very interested in your opinions as to the best items to purchase. Y'all really helped me make the decision to buy the B9190!
Thanks to all of you who rendered an opinion.

Carl

[Norm_Cabana]

Ok Carl, now that you've made a purchase tell us WHY you chose the printer that you did. It will help others in making their choices.

Thanks