Archived from groups: comp.periphs.printers (
More info?)
Arthur Entlich wrote:
> I've heard a rumor that the R1800 has been discontinued now that the
> 2400 has been released with the new K3 Ultrachrome inks which are
> supposed to work well with glossy papers without the need for a gloss
> optimizer.
>
> I do not have confirmation yet... so this sits as rumor only... anyone
> hear anything more?
>
There was a rumour that started from an error on Amazon a month or so
ago stating that the R1800 had been discontinued.
I wouldn't expect that the R1800 will be discontinued unless/until a
consumer level A4 printer using the K3 inkset is released. I don't
expect that to happen in the immediate future - as a consumer level
printer that needs an ink cartridge change between matte and photo black
isn't ideal. Epson/Noritsu are also now producing and promoting dry
minilabs that use the same ultrachrome inks as the R800/1800 - a 7 ink
system including GOP, less the matte black ink/. The K3 inks are much
much better than an R2200 on gloss/semi-gloss, but some bronzing and
gloss differential remains. The 2400 would be better if it had GOP.
My guess is that the next generation might be a 10 ink system - using K3
inks but also GOP. Hopefully, Epson will design it like the HP 8250.
Apart from the ink savings by recirculating ink used for
priming/cleaning, it might make a 10 ink head system a bit more
practical and compact than a 10 cartridge head assembly.