thank you all!
Thomas -- i appreciate the additional settings. all this is lovely to have in hand if that's the way we decide to go.
Diane -- 2400's seem scarce around here, but we're keeping an eye out for them.
Bill -- so you think the R1800 does good b/w? you mention glossy using a lot of ink, are you happy with the matte?
Jono -- no window boxes here, other than the small one in the kitchen that regularly gets a dumping of water from our elderly upstairs neighbor. Epson doesn't weather-seal their printers, do they?
zonevt -- thank you. ink solutions are very welcome as i see that is a huge cost to consider...
Roger -- good to know it's passed your smell test. and, yes, that's precisely why i would like to make some prints... i ran into Frank Jackson at dealer show in L.A. when i asked to see some of his work (after everybody and their dog was fawning over him), he pulled out a small but elegant homemade book that had maybe 15 4X6 prints. it was absolutely perfect to show the majesty of his work! i am not saying i am anywhere near his league, but i loved the presentation. it allowed me to go in a quiet corner and look at my leisure. i got more from that viewing than i would have from larger images on the screen. photographs are tactile and should be shown as such.
Doc. Bob -- can i borrow one of your floors? this is Paris (think NYC in miniature). and our closets, LOL, stuffed to the gills! i am a girl and have already encroached too much on my fellow's bachelor pad. he had a perfectly lovely apartment -- and then i moved in
we run all macs and are wireless -savvy so that is a non-issue. Imageprint, as lovely as it is, would be a last resort as it seems to cost as much as the printer -- or more! if i get very into it all this, i may spring for it later, but would prefer to try it without first.
my monitor is profiled every week (or more), even if it only a 17" powerbook. again, space is an issue. and, yes, i do want to see and touch my photos -- i always work them in a way that i can see the print. i honestly care more for what it will look like in the printed medium rather than screen -- which is why i finally want to get a printer of my own, dinky as it may be compared to most of your standards.
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my homework will continue for the next week as i am determined to have a printer by the end of that fair.... please keep suggestions coming and i love your input on ink and paper as i still don't really know what my preference is -- glossy, lustre, or whatnot.
which printer/ink is better for what? and which paper do you find yourself drawn to for b/w printing and why? all emotional and subjective, i know, but i would love your input.
all this stuff to consider makes choosing a camera to buy seem like a breeze!
sigh.