the best thing about this is that it uses the 'same' (hopefully) 8-ink set
as the regular sized printer (R800 was it? or R900?) with the clear-coat.
Following notes for those looking at this printer from the archival end of
things --- since this printer is supposed to make long-lasting prints.
------
That model was tested by Digital Camera magazine in Japan in both indoor
and outdoor conditions. the most recent tests show that this 8-ink Epson
has the lowest color shift of the printers tested (Epson & Canon latest +
Fujifilm Pictrography). This means that hopefully, prints from the R1800
will last a decent number of months in open display, and longer (decades)
in cold storage. (You never know... but hopefully....)
Most other inkjet printers, forget it - search Yahoo on the POV Image
Epson Inkjet Orange Fading mess that also applies to almost all
non-pigmented inkjet prints made today. basically, dye = fades quickly
because UV + enviromental hazards break the chemical bonds quite easily
and quickly.
http://members.cox.net/rmeyer9/epson/
For archival prints, see also the Epson 2200, and other archival print
products from
www.inkjetmall.com.
In the end, don't expect prints to last all that long -- all of the ones
I've printed over the years and stuck up on my work walls have faded in a
few months. Really have to protect them a lot more than most other medium
because these are all water soluble-based inks.
Also, note, in Japan, the same model numbered PX-G5000 notes that it's
30/80/200 years for open display/lighted/album lifespans... but again,
don't expect them to hang around that long!
The optimal display condition lifespans can also be seen at this place
(different set of tests vs Epson)
http://www.wilhelm-research.com/
Keep in mind Wilhelm imaging is also the site that posted a lot of
optimistic numbers for the Epson 870/etc. series before POV Image and
http://members.cox.net/rmeyer9/epson/ appeared and showed that their tests
didn't reflect reality by a dozen or so years (basically, they said it
took years, people saw their prints fading in weeks/months).
Why else would Epson offer a full 100% buyback on the Epson 870s and
others to so many people out there, including myself at that time? They
basically realized that their claims didn't match up with reality, and the
lawyers knew that, too.
On the other hand, it's not to say you can't have prints that'll last --
here, i've got prints goign all the way back to the HP Paintjet days (10+
years ago) stored in a folder in cold storage in my room, and they all
look very good/great! Basically, stop air & light (UV/IR) from attacking
the print surface, and you'll be fine! (ie. treat it like the Mona Lisa
or Constitution stored under whatever they use and you'll be okay)