We were told by Epson tech help that not using the color
heads is what causes them to clog.

We had a succession of Stylus 600s which never quite worked
right.  They would lock up, the heads would move unceasingly
and they took an enormous amount of time to warm up.
Aligning the heads was a real pain.

This all changed when we got the HP 1170. It has never
clogged or jammed. It is ready to print within 4 seconds of
being switched on.  Aligning it is a simple task and only
needs to be done after changing cartridges.  That being
said, this machine is no longer made and was replaced by two
other models, selling for $399 and $499, I think.

The only complaint I have with this machine is that when I
try to set the print quality in software, it locks up the
entire computer.  Setting the printer on "fast" quality with
the on-board buttons works for only a few minutes, then it
defaults to "best" by itself.  I can live with that.

The best Epson printer I ever had was my old FX80 Plus,
which worked for 5 years..

Steven Gaber
Oldsmar, FL

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Rode <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, July 28, 2000 3:23 PM
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Color printer recommendations


>First let me thank those who responded to my new InkJet
Printer  questions.
>
>  I have focused on two models... a Epson 760 or a Lenmark
Z52. Both of
>these retail at discount at 150 to 170.  Reviewers like
both of these and
>while the Z52 is a new model, wins in overall performance,
and has better
>resolution 2400X1200 the Epson still wins the color photo
contest.The Epson
>also has a cheaper price and a good rebate which makes it a
very attractive
>choice for my needs.
>
>I have read comments about Epson InkJets on the list
regarding clogged
>print heads that are permanently attached and problematic.
It is my
>understanding that this was a problem with older models and
Epson has
>resolved a lot of this. Is this in fact the case ? Can some
one with hands
>on knowledge explain this issue to me. Is there a way to
clean the heads if
>they become clogged. Do they dry up easily ? Is this one of
those printers
>that the more you use them the better they work ? Are their
other issues,
>like print alignment with the Epson.
>
>I understand that cartridges are not refillable which is
all right for me
>since I don't use my color InkJet that often. How much ink
do the
>cartridges hold and how long do they last compared to a HP.
Are they around
>the same cost a a HP? I have a Espon Action Laser that has
been very good
>to me but the one bad thing is the cost of the cartridges.
They last 5 to
>6000 pages and I have only had to replace it once but it
costs 160 dollars
>to get a new one. Do the InkJets have expensive cartridges
? How many
>cartridges are there in a Epson ...2? Are there other Epson
issues I need
>to be aware of ?
>
>thanks
>
>Mark Rode
>The NoSpin Group
>
>I am looking for a good color printer that is capable of
printing
> > out photo quality prints on glossy paper ... something
my 820 could not do
> > even though it was advertised as being able to do. This
time I do not want
> > to buy in the high end
> >
> > I really was not happy with my HP and would rather buy
an Epson or a
> > Lenmark in the 150 dollar range unless there is a
compelling reason not
> > too. Speed isn't important and it will just be for
occasional personal use
> > when I want to print in color so heavy duty durability
isn't an issue.
> > However I do want quality output and reliability. I
would prefer something
> > that isn't going to dry up if it isn't used
constantly...
>
> > Am I asking for too much for too little money ? Advise,
comments and
> > recommendations appreciated..
>
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