Epson pro 4000 series printers

[migrider56]

I have been using an epson 4000 pro printer for a couple of years and have been having problems with the matt black and yellow ink cartridges after nozzle adjustment, I would get messages of set ink cart or invalid ink cartridge alway on matt balck or yellow. I called epson and was told it was bad chip on cartridges and was sent new ones to replace the ones that were bad. But this has gotten worse and now after replacement of the yellow cartridge today the new one lasted about four pages of nozzle check / cleaning and cleaned the head and them gave same message of set ink cartridge. This time epson says it is the printer not the cartridge and needs to be sent in for repair out of warranty. Has anyone else had any problems with the espon 4000 series printers, with message of set ink cartridge or invalid ink cart after a head / nozzle check. I am not sure if I want to repair or buy new printer and if so do I want another epson 4000 series such as 4880. The Epson repairman in Dallas said to repair it, as 4880 was only slightly better on color prints and better on b/w prints but not worth the cost $1500 verse the cost of repair which is $225 flat fee plus parts and tax. Most costly part is head ($600) and its not the head. When the printer works and prints I am totally happy with the results.
What would you do?

[johnastovall]

With the 500 dollar rebate on the 4880 and B&H's price of 1819.95 pre-rebate, I would go with the new technology and the 4880.

[ChuckW]

I would agree with the above advise and go with a new 4880. You will get the new technology at a discount. Plus, with the new printer, you will get a whole set of new ink cartridges - considering the cost of those it makes the cost of the printer itself look pretty inexpensive.

One possible other thing to think about is - will Epson soon be coming out with a 4900 model? Rumors have swirled about that for a year. If they did however there certainly would not be any rebates offered.

[johnastovall]

If you are looking seriously at a 4880 get a quote from Inkjet Art on one.

[migrider56]

Anyone with the 4880 have any problems with ink cartridges or any thing? How about ink useage.

[venchka]

Murph (TPF member) has one-about 4-6 months I think. The machines are fairly new so long term performance isn't really available.

About 6-8 weeks ago the 4880 was selling for under $1,000. You may want to wait a bit and see if Epson runs a similar deal. Unless you need a printer now.

[iCe]

Good luck finding a 4880. Everyone I checked has BACKORDER on theirs...

I printed on a 3800 when I was at a print workshop a few weeks ago. That thing was killer... and the two guys putting on the workshop (John Paul Caponigro and Mac Holbert) spoke highly of the 4880.

Why not just get a little 9900 and expand your horizons (over a grand for an ink charge)

[venchka]

Epson probably sold all of the 4880s when the price was under $1k and folks haven't been restocked. Strange too-right before the Christmas rush.

[iCe]

Maybe they have another new ink or print head upgrade coming.

I really like (but don't need) the 7900 and 9900

[venchka]

Need? Does not compute.

From what I've seen, those things need their own room. Then there is the paper problem. You would have to pick just one. Rolls of paper expensive.

I resent having to buy a HUGE printer just to get all the bells and whistles.

[iCe]

I think that the 9900 will also do sheets.