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May 31, 2007
[HEWLETT PACKARD Photosmart ProB9180]
HEWLETT PACKARD Photosmart Pro B9180 printer
Price: $1500
Highly Recommended
The low-down: This printer is HP’s large format (A3+) inkjet photo printer. It competes with the top Epson and Canon photo printers and, like the Epson, uses pigment inks to create long life prints. The printer uses eight cartridges of HP Vivera pigment inks ($52 each, which is very expensive and we have not been able to test their capacity to compare with Epson pigment inks) The Wilhelm Research Institute gives the HP print/paper combination a life rating of 102 years completely exposed and more than double that if framed or kept in the dark. The unit is very heavy and needs a lot of desk space because there has to be enough room behind the printer for an A3+ sheet of paper to hang out the back before printing starts. Specialty papers, of which there are several types, pass through the printer flat, hence the need for so much space, front and back. The bulk and mass are indicators of a rugged machine. Setting up the printer is a daunting and lengthy task. Print speed is good.
Like: The prints from the B9180 are simply superb. Resolution and colour fidelity are exemplary and black and white prints have a richness and lustre reminiscent of the very best silver halide papers. Surface appearance is flawless with no dot pattern or banding.
Dislike: It is very heavy!
Verdict: For anyone producing prints for display the HP B1980 must be a top consideration. However, we do have one big complaint – how can a printer that costs $700 (AUD $853) in the US sell here for $1500? Accustomed as we are to paying premiums for living in a big country with a small population we are dismayed by a difference of nearly 100 per cent in price. Canon is no better and Epson profits from a 27 per cent difference. Presumably we must look stupid. Still, setting aside that grumble, this is as good as it gets for inkjet printing. Highly recommended.
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Posted by terry at May 31, 2007 06:55 AM
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Comments
Hi Terry,
Pro B9180 available from www.i-tech.com.au for $1,235
plus $21 delivery [unless you want to pick it up from their Ultimo, Sydney "pick up" address for nothing]
No cheap but cheaper than $1,500!
Regards
John Smith
Posted by: John Smith at May 31, 2007 12:10 PM
John: I always quote the RRP as provided by the manufacturer or distributor. Street prices are usually less. And in the case of the HP printer I took the US and Australian prices from the HP web site in each country, so they are strictly comparable. Even allowing for the 10 per cent GST, which they don't have in US, there is still an unjustifiable difference in price in the two markets. But, as we know, it applies to all photographic stuff, not just printers. Terry
Posted by: Terry at May 31, 2007 12:43 PM
G'Day Terry
The ridiculous price differential between Australia and the US is just the reason why so many professional photographers buy their gear directly from B & H in New York. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
The price they have on this printer is $US579.95 with $US246.80 delivery to Australia, This works out costing $A992.65 delivered, which is a lot better than $1235 or $1500.
Posted by: Robert Ashman at June 13, 2007 08:35 AM