>For six colors you either need to upgrade to the Epson Stylus Pro 5000 (a
gorgeous printer with an optional external Fiery RIP *drool* drool
*drool*), or side-grade (?) to the ColorStylus 1200. The 1200's claim to
fame, other than being a six color device, is that it has the smallest
droplet size in the industry (6 pico Litters). Unfortunately, the 1200
is not quite as wide as the 3000, so you need to pick your battle.<

Hey Jeremy,

That Pro 5000 is a cool 10 grand (with included RIP- the only way it
comes). The output was phenomenal...as in you get what you pay for. I
never
try to consider such options when comparing sub $400 units. The 1200 did
indeed have such a distinction when it first came out. But other units
have
caught up. The HP 970 has reduced droplet size plus the ability to overlay
the droplets- meaning they utilize additive color technology as an
alternative approach to higher "res" and 6 color printing. The result is
that comparing specs is like comparing apples and oranges. I believe the
only true way to compare these printers is to to you own comparison: bring
you own disk w/image and own paper choices. When I did this I was blown
away with the results from the HP unit. But don't take my word for
it.......

Of course either way we win. The desktop output options available to
today's illustrator are awesome any way you choose to cut it.

Frank



Frank Ippolito
Principal Scientific Assistant
Dept Vertebrate Paleontology
American Museum of Natural History
79th Street & CPW
NY    NY    10024
(212) 769-5812
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