Originally submitted at Adorama
Epson Stylus Photo R2880, 8 Color 13" Wide Inkjet Color Printer, 5760 x 1440 Optimized dpi with USB 2.0 Interface, PictBridge
I should listen Bokeh Ben review 1-9-11
Pros: Beautiful Prints - BUT
Cons: Constant Cartridge Changi, Too much ink used, Pricey Ink Replacement
Best Uses: No Opinion
Describe Yourself: Professional
Primary use: Business
The R2880 provides great prints, but this is not your father's R1800. I had to replace the R1800, I worked it hard for maybe five years or so. I could not get the nozzles clean enough anymore. Like any other machine you need to replace them, they wear out. I have a lot of Epsons, still do. The R2880 is an operational disapointment and I wish that Epson had just kept the R1800. This reminds me of buying a new car in the '70's. They never could match those of the prior 15 years. Like the R2880 those '70's cars were a transitional experiment looking toward a new era. I don't like being the guinea pig during the transition, it becomes expensive for me.
I've had the R2880 for 60 days. I didn't get it set up for about 2 weeks, I have other printers and several computers. Today I'm ordering my third set of ink cartridges already. I hope the $100 rebate arrives soon. For a casual user this printer may be alright, but if you are concerned with productivity and getting a client's custom job done on time you may become frustrated.
First BIG problem: When the ink light began flashing on the R1800 you knew you still had plenty of ink left, even for A3's and some roll paper going out 20 to 30 inches. The R1800 software also gave a much more accurate ink measurement. When the ink light begins to flash on the R2880, don't attempt anything but a few 4 X 6 snapshots for the kids to play around with. Grab a beer and relax, because something bad is about to happen. Not only will the ink disappear in mid picture but I had 2 fantastic A3 B&W prints end up with several red dribble dots all over the prints mid section. Why red!? I'm printing in B&W ! Now, we not only waste money on ink but paper isn't free either. Consumers beware, this cost gets passed on to you. With a fresh Vivid Magenta cartridge, I could then print 2 great B&W A3's. But then I had to stop again. You got it - flashing ink light. Change that light black now! Oh I forget to mention, I had to change the light light black about four A3 prints ago. Looking at the sofware ink indicater I see that this 20 minute old cartride is getting close to 50% gone.
When the light begins to flash CHANGE the INK quick, don't try to get a little more out of the gas tank for that extra mile!
The ink goes FAST! I never used this much ink in the R1800. The ink system was fine. I've compared prints from both printers. You would have to be a robot with a digital brain to see the difference. That robot then sat down and wrote the marketing description and features at the top of this page. This change of the ink setup doesn't seem to be very cost effective, and a cartridge change out for matte black just doesn't seem like a good trade off to attempt an upgrade in perceived print quality.
EPSON, if you have any still unsold, new, out of the box R1800's, can we trade? I'll even buy another one to put away for the future. Remember, the Corvette became great again in the '90's. I'll look forward to your new R5880's next decade.
Looking at the cons of other reviews, I see that most are in agreement with the ink usage problem. Some seem to accept this beating up on us as most still give 4 to 5 stars. It's not just the cost and ink usage that is concerning. The problem of contantly stopping production to change another cartride is annoying. My complaint is mostly directed to the operational concerns. Even if you're an occasional user, you will want to run off a half a dozen small prints one day to hand to a visiting friend and end up eyeballing that flashing light when you least expect it. Grab another beer and one for your friend while you hope that you ordered new ink last week.
I can not recommend this R2880 to a friend. I wouldn't even sell my R2880 to an acquaintance, I have a good reputation to keep.
(legalese)
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