Epson is still selling the 1280 as a new model in the U.S.
The outer plastic case has changed, but that's about it. If Epson were Canon
they would call it a "brand new" model because the outer plastic case has
changed.
Epson has no other ink-based printer announced so far of this quality that
can handle papers larger than 8.5 x12 inches.
For reasons I cannot explain I have both a 1280 and an 1800. While
theoretically the pigment based 1800 prints will last longer and have a
wider color gamut the latter claim, particularly with glossy papers, is a
matter of taste. In the limited side by side comparisons I have done there
is no clear "better" printer.
The only real improvement for the 1280 would be creating a carriage that
used individual color cartridges, but this might not actually be more
economical.
