| Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 2500cp and 3500cp
The
HP 2500 and 3500 are large format printer models that
have an onboard mini-RIP. Their print quality can be improved by adding
an after-market RIP.
The
HP 2000 has no RIP at all; the 2500 has the mini-RIP; the model 2800 comes with an EFI Fiery hardware RIP. All the 2xxx series are 36" wide.
The
HP DesignJet 3000 is 54" wide, has no RIP (you need to select your
own after-market RIP). The 3500 has the mini-RIP on-board. The 3800
has an EFI Fiery RIP.
 Whereas
these models are still available, they are gradually being replaced
by the superior HP 5000ps (a more robust mini-RIP onboard) and the HP
5000 (you add your own RIP). The HP 5000 come in two widths, 42"
and 60". The model 5000 is 1200 dpi with six colors, so faster
and better in all respects.
FLAAR
has a model 2800
and the quality is more than satisfactory. These printers last a long
time and all supplies and parts are readily available worldwide. So
if you wish to get a good deal for an entry-level printer, see if you
can get your hands on a demo 2xxx or 3xxx. They will cost half of what
you would pay for a Roland and are multiple times faster and easier
to use. Besides, Roland inks and especially media can get very expensive.
On top of that, many more kinds of media will work with the HP DesignJet
printers (over 40 kinds of paper, textiles, even metal foil). This suggestion
is primarily if your plan for photo-realistic printing or fine art printing
is a one-person enterprise and on limited budget.
If
you are planning a higher level enterprise, then consider the HP
5000, which is notably better, faster, and more advanced than the
HP 2xxx or 3xxx series.
The
main FLAAR review of the HP 5000ps began in January and included an
evaluation of its forthcoming UV
pigmented inks. Yes, these UV pigmented inks do exist and have been
available for sale since March. Since June 2001 we have been using these
UV inks daily at our new evaluation center at a university in Ohio.
Last
checked Jan. 15, 2003, Updated Aug. 14, 2001 | 
