Questions about Epson high-end photo printers

[Brick]

I'm thinking of getting and Epson, maybe the 3880, but there are a couple of issues.

1. Previously I had a 1280 and never got much use out of it because right after I bought it I upgraded my computer and the printer management software would no longer work. Epson had no upgrade. I even called in a consultant but he couldn't solve it. I was on Windows XP Pro and still am. So I've been using an HP with their Vivera inks.

2. Ink longevity is important because I print in spurts, so the printer can sit for a while (turned on) without being used. How long does the Epson ink stay good?

3. I mostly print small but would like the option of the occasional large print, bigger than 13x19.

4. Long print life is very important. Need at least 100 years.

Comments? Answers?

 

[Alex Hold]

Well since you're printing photos they're inkjet printers and the ink will be fine, but the ink in the print heads will dry up if you don't use it for a long time.. perhaps a month but it does vary model to model.

If you want a larger print size you'll need an Artisan Epson printer or something similar, they can be quite expensive.