Hi Ursula,
I was one of the first on my block to get the HP 9180. :-) I had an HP 7960 but was waiting for HP to go to individual ink cartridges before investing in another Photosmart printer. I have been using the new 9180 for over a month now and LOVE IT! I have primarily been using the Advanced Gloss 13x19 paper, but just last week started printing some of my black & whites on the Hahnemuhle Smooth Fine Art paper - so far, love it, love it, love it! I've been printing out pictures for numerous clients/friends, all with rave reviews on the print quality. I know many DPC'ers would not stray away from Epson, but I think HP really nailed this one. The November 2006 Shutterbug magazine has a test review of the 9180, with rave reviews.
One thing that is a little different, HP recommends you leave the printer on - it goes through a printhead check once every 24hours to make sure the printheads are primed. I made the mistake of turning if off after first use and it went through it's full start-up cycle when I turned it back on (not an issue, other than needing to wait a few minutes for it to cycle through). I read the manual a little closer and noted the comment to leave it turned on - no issues since then.
It's also a pretty big printer, but in line with the Epson 2200 and 2400 (if you have had any experience with those). Finally, after going through a box of glossy 13x19 (25) and about 40+ 8x10's, I have yet to change an ink cartridge. The HP press indicates you'll get about 80 13x19's from a cartridge (note there are 8 ink cartidges, so usage will vary depending on colors printed), however the Shutterbug article also noted the longevity of the ink cartidges.
I have had experience with several HP Photosmart printers (1000, 1812, and 7960) as well as the Epson 2200, and have to say the 9180 is the best I have used (the Photoshop plugin is a nice feature as well).
Here are a few comments from the Shutterbug article, under the "Output Quality" section:
- "To be honest, I've been very satisfied with my Epson printers (the 7800 and R2400)â€Â¦.so I was pleasantly surprised at the initial print outs of the B9180â€Â¦Color prints had a vibrancy that exceeded the Espon printsâ€Â¦Where the B9180 pulled away from the competition was in the level of detail seen in prints. In many cases, I was able to see more fine detail than any previous printer has shownâ€Â¦" (Jon Canfield wrote the article).
Personally, I don't think you will go wrong with the 9180, I'm happy with the purchase.
Message edited by author 2006-11-28 13:33:28. |
