Anyone use an Epson R1800

[maggiemaylove]

Just looking for some information and opinions on this printer. I am thinking about getting one and would like to hear what ya'll have to say. Thanks so much for giving me your opinions.

[Kay]

Hi- I have this printer, and I'm very happy with it. I bought it so I could print in wide format; I print 12x12 scrapbook layouts, and I print 11x14s for framing. I like the quality and the speed of the printing. I had a hard time choosing between this and the Canon i9900- I don't think you could go wrong with either one. There are several sites that provide reviews on printers- Steve's Digicams (http://www.steves-digicams.com/printers.html#reviews)is one where you can read about this (and other) printers.

Good luck with your decision!

[casey]

Thanks for starting this thread, Maggiemaylove. I'm interested in getting an Epson R1800, too.

Kay--how long have you had your printer? Have you had any problems with it? And a dumb question for you--can you print borderless 12 x 12 prints? I've bought "12 x 12" Epson scrapbook paper that is actually 11.5 x 11.5. What paper do you use?

Thanks!
Casey :)

[maggiemaylove]

Good questions, Casey, and thanks, Kay for the input. I have an Epson R800 and have had several before that one. They always print beautifully and I am very happy with the company. But I would like to print 12 x 12's also and the R1800 uses the same ink as the R800 so I was hoping that would be one that others liked as well. Thanks for your input. I look forward to hearing more.

[Lynn]

I read reviews because I've been camparing both printers. There are certain features that draw me to the Canon but others to the Epson. Usually inks are forumated to go with the papers so if you use other brands of paper you may get mixed results or have to have a different calebration profile for that paper once you figure out what the settings should be. I've even seen books written on getting the most from your Epson printer. Epson offers a WHOLE lot more paper options as well as CD printing their inks are archival. My Mom spent a lot of time doing baby books for all 6 of us and the photos are fading and discoloring etc. I don't want to have the same thing happen to the digital scrapbooks I'm spending so much time making. The lack of archival quality inks for the Canon is a major drawback for me.

Canon based on the reviews I read, does a better job with black and white (which I won't do a lot of) and the colors, especially greens are very vivid and since I take a lot of nature shots, that is a plus. Espon is rated very well on its color too but not quite as good as the Canon. The Canon doesn't waste as much ink and has a better ink system in general (cheaper to buy and cheaper to run).

Epsons scrapping paper is nearly $2/sheet (and you have the ink and the cost of the printer on top of that) and some of these on-line scrapbook printing places print for less than that. Yes it is more convient and flexible to print your own but I'm wondering about these places as an option in the mean time and a more econmical approach?

[maggiemaylove]

Thanks so much, what a wonderful review. It's really nice to hear all the information because it's such an expensive decision to make.

[mommy-girl]

I have this printer and have had it almost a year (last year's Christmas present from my husband) and I love it. My comments about black and white would be if you don't plan to do a lot of B&W then it's not an issue. I haven't printed a true B&W so I can't really give you an insight into that, but I do know that the next printer up (maybe a R2400?) is promoted as the printer to get if you will be doing a majority of B&W but it's $850!

I love the print quality it produces and the skin tones, my kids and myself are fair skinned and my husband has darker skin and the prints look natural. I did play with the settings in the beginning to get PSE and the printer to "talk" to each other in color language but now that it's done, it's done.

So the R1800 does print borderless 12x12 scrapbook paper, I haven't noticed it being 11.5x11.5 because it fits into my 12x12 album right along with my true 12x12 paper. I was at an Epson sponsored digi class 2 weeks ago and they said the price per page at full color is $1.69, if you print on both sides of the paper (which it is designed to do).

As for the greens, I would think you could play with the saturation settings and get what you want. I do know there are alot of different tweaks that can be played with to get the right color for your purpose.

I like that the ink is archival, that is a plus and the prints are waterproof on the glossy paper. I ran my first print under the facet to check it out. I'm not sure about the scrapbook paper because it is matte. I didn't think I would like the matte paper but after I slipped it into my album I saw the advantage to it--it's not shiny underneath a shiny page protector.

The printer is pricey but if you register with Epson online they run specials quite often and you might just find a deal. As for ink, the cartridges are $14 a pop and there are 8 of them. I have replaced only 4 in a year but I've only printed about 6 full-color scrapbook pages, a couple 8x10s & 5x7s and about 100 4x6 photos. Epson also runs specials on ink and the 12x12 paper. Earlier this summer I rec'd free 12x12 paper for every $--- I spent (I can't remember the amount), I rec'd free shipping because I spent over some amount so I bought all the cartridges and received 3 pkg of the paper for free.

[maggiemaylove]

Thank you so much, Mommy-Girl, what a great review and I am glad to hear you are happy with it. The black and white issue shouldn't be a problem for me, I rarely print a black and white photo. I am also glad to hear you were able to tweak the color to get it natural looking. At 1.69 a page (double page), it's really not a bad deal. I did register at Epson and they do have great discounts and sales. I have the R800 that I am very happy with, was just wanting to print 12x12 size since I have moved into the digital scrapbook world and just love it. Thank you again, I really appreciate the information and opinion.

[Lynn]

Thanks Marce for the info. I'll get register at Epson. Hopefully when I get the medical bills paid off and some money saved up, they will run another special. I was really hoping to win the one they had here :-(

[casey]

Thanks very much for the information Kay, Lynn, and Marcy. I think I'll register with Epson, too. Hopefully they also have specials in Canada. I know the stores sure don't. Yes, it sure would have been nice to win the printer. Oh well, Christmas is coming . . .

Casey :)

[maggiemaylove]

Ah yes, Christmas is coming and I have that printer right up on my list for Santa! LOL

[casey]

Me too! However, it won't be until at least Christmas 2007 (this year we're hoping for a computer!).

Casey ;)

[Wnderlnd]

I just got this one for Christmas...DH found a great coupon code and Epson has a $100 rebate right now and free shipping. it is sittin gin the hall waiting for Christmas to be installed.

i currently have an Epson 1280 that I have had for years that prints great, but it doesn't do borderless 12 x 12 without a lot of tweaking which is super imporatant to me and DH. I prefer to print my layouts at home because I can control more aspects than if I send them out. Plus, we also print very large photos for our walls.

When I was seaching beween the Canon and the Epson, Canon seemed ot have color problems aobut a year into the life of the printer. I found a lot of complaints aobut this one issue. i have never had a problem with my Epson, so that lead me to choose the R1800. i also have never had a problem with B & W photos or those prints on Matte paper being bad with the 1280.

[Dot]

I splurged and bought myself this printer a few days ago. Today I finally got enough nerve to print some 12X12 layouts and I am delighted with them. I used the Epson matte scrapbook paper. It printed borderless on both sides. I did have a problem with clipping on smaller papers printing borderless but I think it is an expansion setting I had wrong. I love the matte paper too.

[maggiemaylove]

Great deal, Dot, so glad you like it, lucky girl! And you liked their 12 x 12 scrapbook paper, too. I haven't tried it yet so this is lots of help, thank you so much for the info.

[Dot]

Great deal, Dot, so glad you like it, lucky girl! And you liked their 12 x 12 scrapbook paper, too. I haven't tried it yet so this is lots of help, thank you so much for the info.

Yes, I am lucky. I wasn't sure I would like the matte paper but I like it better than the lustre paper I was getting at Costco and I liked it okay. The first print was kind of scary. I was a little afraid I would print the one on the back upside down or something. The setup is different than my HP so it would be easy to get confused. But it worked like a charm.

[maggiemaylove]

Hi Dot,
I can understand the scary part. I've never printed a 12 x 12 either, but I am sure it is quite beautiful. I sure hope Santa brings me one of those printers! Thanks for all your help. As you go along printing your layouts, I would love to hear how you like it.

[casey]

Hi Dot and Wnderlnd,

I'm gathering that both of you have Epson R1800 printers--lucky you! I'm glad to hear that you both like them.

Wdlerlnd--where did you get the coupon from? I keep checking and they NEVER have one. Maybe it's just not offered in Canada. I keep seeing $100 off the 1280, but I wanted one that would do 12 x 12 borderless. I'll check again for a coupon, or if you can tell me where you got it, that would be great. The printer is $699 here. :(

Dot--here's a REALLY silly question for you. Is your scrapbook paper actually 12 x 12? The Epson scrapbook paper that I bought is 11.5 x 11.5, and I wondered how that would work out if you were printing it as 12 x 12 borderless. Sorry if that sounds really dumb!:o

Casey :)

[Dot]

Hi Casey, I bought mine online from Epson (the paper too). Yes the premier scrapbook paper is actually 12X12. The specials may not apply in Canada, I don't know. I did get the rebate coupon. Why don't you email them and ask? I thought the 1280 printed borderless too.

[casey]

Hi Dot and Wnderlnd,

Where did you get your rebate coupons? I checked last night with both Epson.ca and Epson.com, and neither had the $100 coupon for the R1800 (both did for the 1280).

Dot--According to the literature, the 1280 does borderless on several sizes, but 12 x 12 isn't one of them. Wnderlnd says that you need to do a lot of tweaking to do it. I'd like to go with the easier way, especially if I can find a coupon. I will e-mail, as you suggest--who knows, maybe they'll send one . . .

Thanks!

Casey :)

[Dot]

It was an online thing like the 1280 but it is over now. Maybe they'll do it again. Some of the stores down here carry it too, like Circuit City and Compusa, you might want to check some of those. I don't know what stores you have up there. They might do a sale this month.

[casey]

Thanks, Dot. I can't believe I missed it! The only store where I've seen the R1800 up here is London Drugs. We have Best Buy and Future Shop, but neither carry it. I'll try The Source, which I think is owned by Circuit City. I'll e-mail Epson.ca and see if they're planning another coupon soon. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Many thanks,
Casey :)

[Dot]

Good luck, Hope you find one. I love mine already.

[grammy4him]

Just noticed the great thread on the printers. I print a lot of posters for brunches, ect. for my church and use a lot of card stock. Have any of you had experience running card stock through either of the printers. I also was curious if they have automatic double sided printing...I could go look that up, but thought I would just ask here if you know. I also make family calendars and print both sides on cardstock and have never been happy with the poor lineup of my HP printers. My old 710 has always done a great job with photos..better than the 950, but hard to find the ink for the old 710 and thinking about replacing with a wide format printer. Thanks for sharing on here everyone!!
Sandy

[Dot]

I just printed a bunch of card stock on my R1800,8.5X11. They printed great, no problem. You can print on both sides of the scrapbook paper but you have to feed it by hand, it's not automatic. I didn't try to print on both sides of the cardstock but I think you could. I liked my old HP but it didn't print borderless on anything but 4X6.

[patksco]

Hi - I purchased an R1800 last spring and I love it. Something I haven't figured out yet is what to do about the borderless 12X12 cutting off at the top and one side. I'm not sure if that is something I have to put up with and try to adjust my layout by pulling my images down at the top and in on the left side. If there is a solution, I would like to hear it. I still love my R1800!

Pat

[casey]

Hi Patksco,
I don't suppose you're using the same scrapbook paper that I bought . . . it's called 12 x 12, but it's actually 11.5 x 11.5 (go figure!)? That would explain cutting 1/2 inch off two sides (but not sure it explains why it would cut off the top?). Just wondering . . .

I'm glad to hear you like your R1800 . . . I'd really like to get one, too!

Casey :)

[Dot]

Have you tried changing the expansion? It is one of the adjustments and might correct that.

[Patty D]

PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper for Epson was originally manufactured in a 11.6 x 11.6 size it has a blue winter vacation scrapbook page on the package. For some unknown reason when they decided to make the paper 12 x 12 they kept the same name and the same UPC code and item # SCR1003 which wasn't the smartest thing to do. I recently ordered some paper from ATLEX.com and they shipped the old paper in error and it took quite some time to get it fixed. It sounds like you've got some of the old paper to me.

[indydonna]

I ran into a problem with CompUSA too regarding this paper. The first time I ordered from Epson at $19.99. Then I found the paper on the CompUSA site at $11.99. That's a huge savings. I order 1 package and it was perfect. Then I ordered 2 and they sent the smaller paper. When I contacted them they said they would replace it but I had to pay for 2 more packages and when the returns were received I would receive a credit for the 2 wrong sized packages. Well, sure enough, I received 2 "replacement" correct size packages (for which I was charged) and I'm still awaiting the credit for the smaller paper (since August). I don't think I'll ever see the credit. I contacted Epson about the misleading information on the package and they replaced 1 package of paper to me at no charge. CompUSA's price is such a good price that I ordered 2 packages last weekend (at $11.99 each with free shipping) and they came and are the correct size. No matter what, the price will keep me ordering again and again from CompUSA. Also, I've always received the shipment the next day. I love my printer!!!! It really does a fantastic job on my pages!!!

[Wnderlnd]

HI all, I am so sorry I didn't come back to see the updates....my DH actually seached google and found the coupon codes...let me see if I find them in the history....okay, I see he googled Epson.com coupons and it looks like Monkeybargains.com has some that are still current.

I hope you find one that works!

As for the paper, I also use the Epson 12x12 Matte paper. I really like the look and feel of it and I have the newer bigger paper. I either buy it at CompUSA or Fry's electronics. You can print double sided, but I never do because I like to move my pages around--at least for my DD baby book since I am still working on it and I am notorious for jumping around. KWIM?

[Dot]

Okay, I have another question for those of you that also have an Epson R1800 printer. Where are you buying your ink cartridges? Does anyone have it in stock? or do you order it somewhere?

[jmckiss]

I have an R800, not an R1800, but I think they use the same cartridges. If I just need 1 or 2 (cyan runs out most often, then magenta) I go to Best Buy or CompUSA. If I'm ready to replenish all of them, http://www.bhphotovideo.com sells a full set for about $100. It does get expensive!

Here's a link to the set -- sometimes it's hard to navigate through all the menus :( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=1119&A=details&Q=&sku=320985&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[Priss]

I have an R800, not an R1800, but I think they use the same cartridges. If I just need 1 or 2 (cyan runs out most often, then magenta) I go to Best Buy or CompUSA. If I'm ready to replenish all of them, http://www.bhphotovideo.com sells a full set for about $100. It does get expensive!

Here's a link to the set -- sometimes it's hard to navigate through all the menus :( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=1119&A=details&Q=&sku=320985&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Thank you very much for reminding me about this company. I had let this link slip out of my grasp. I go through an easy $200 a month in ink--and this is a REALLY helpful thing to know about!

[Dot]

I have an R800, not an R1800, but I think they use the same cartridges. If I just need 1 or 2 (cyan runs out most often, then magenta) I go to Best Buy or CompUSA. If I'm ready to replenish all of them, http://www.bhphotovideo.com sells a full set for about $100. It does get expensive!

Here's a link to the set -- sometimes it's hard to navigate through all the menus :( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=1119&A=details&Q=&sku=320985&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Thanks for your answer, I didn't know where to go. Thank you for the link too, it's nice to know there is place to get the full set a little cheaper. I'm going to check them out. Right now I just need the yellow so may try Best Buy for that.

[mom2bandc]

I also have the R1800 and love being able to print my 12x12 pages at home. I had the smaller paper to start & had to create a custom print size to keep it from bleeding off the page, but with custom sizes you cannot print borderless. Now that I have the true 12x12 paper it prints perfect 12x12 borderless pages! I also like being able to print directly on my CD's and DVD's! I did have to tweak the color settings to get them right, but I used letter sized paper and shrunk my photos down when I was working on that. As for ink, I have found that Office Depot has just begun carrying the ink for $13.49 (everywhere else is $14). They have been the cheapest place around Chicago for me, however they still don't carry the 12x12 paper. I have ordered paper from Amazon and purchased it at Best Buy but not all Best Buy stores carry it (or the ink for that matter!) One thing about this printer is that I don't use it for my everyday printing. I have an HP deskjet 5550 that I use for all of my text and everyday printing needs & only use the Epson for my photos. The ink is much too expensive for everyday printing. All in all it is a great printer - I've had mine for a year now without a problem.

[odark30]

BH Photo has the R1800 on sale for $449.95

[maggiemaylove]

Lots of great information here, thanks so much. I am so excited, my sweetie gave me the R1800 Epson printer for Christmas. I can barely wait to begin playing with it. I will let you know any quirks I find out and I am always anxious to hear everyone else's opinions.

[Wendy]

Oh very nice !! ...

Look forward to hearing all about it :)

Wendy

[Dot]

Lots of great information here, thanks so much. I am so excited, my sweetie gave me the R1800 Epson printer for Christmas. I can barely wait to begin playing with it. I will let you know any quirks I find out and I am always anxious to hear everyone else's opinions.
Congratulations! What a nice sweetie you have. I have had this printer for a few weeks and am very happy with it. The ink is pricey but that is true for all printers I think. I particularly like the 12X12 Epson scrapbook paper. I have also used the 13X19 paper that Staples have and it is just as good. Have fun.

[maggiemaylove]

Thank you, Dot, I am so excited. I have some of the 13 x 19 enhanced matte paper that he gave me as well, I have been too afraid to print out such a big picture, but I am giving it a try tonight. I am anxious to order some of the 12x12 scrapbook paper by Epson, everyone seems to be real happy with it. I have the epson R800 now and it prints beautifully, just not 12x12, but the nice thing is, it uses the same ink cartridges as the R1800.

[Dot]

Thank you, Dot, I am so excited. I have some of the 13 x 19 enhanced matte paper that he gave me as well, I have been too afraid to print out such a big picture, but I am giving it a try tonight. I am anxious to order some of the 12x12 scrapbook paper by Epson, everyone seems to be real happy with it. I have the epson R800 now and it prints beautifully, just not 12x12, but the nice thing is, it uses the same ink cartridges as the R1800.

Don't be afraid to try it, you will be thrilled. I have to say I was nervous about it too the first time. I like the 13X19 paper as much as Epsons, in fact it looks the same to me. That is a good thing that your other printer uses the same ink. My other printer is a HP so uses different cartridges altogether.

[June Wright]

I have an HP 8750, it's a wide format printer and I really love it....I get my 13 x 19 paper at Staples and around Christmas time they had by one pack get one free so I wiped out the store. It prints incredible borderless prints, I couldn't be happier. Like the Epson the ink is expensive, sometimes Staples does give a deal...I'm in there all the time for work, so I always swing by the paper and ink isles to see what special they are running. This printer is capable of way more color interpretation than I have the brains to control it for, but just out of the box I found the prints wonderful. I too have a smaller hp photosmart for my everyday printing of PDF manuals and such...use the big boy only for scrapbook pages and printing my custom calendars.

[Crash]

Does anybody know if this printer is capable of printing on cardstock?

I know I would use all of the features of this printer (pictures & printing to DVD) but I would really like to journal directly to cardstock that I purchase from a store in town. I like the tradional scrapbooks. Printing a digital image of a scrapbook page just doesn't interest me. I have considered the 2400 but it doesn't print on CDs and DVDs. This is a must have feature if I am going spend this much money on a printer. I like that the Epsons have archival quality inks so I would like to stick with either the 1800 or 2400. The other printer I considered is the HP 9800 but it really wouldn't allow me to do anything other than just journaling in wide format on the cardstock.

[cathy]

i have the r1800 and love it....i used epson ink for just a little while then i switched to inkjetfly.com. i got the continous feed system and i feel like i can print forever. I cannot tell a difference in the ink at all. i am in love with it.

[maggiemaylove]

Does anybody know if this printer is capable of printing on cardstock?

I know I would use all of the features of this printer (pictures & printing to DVD) but I would really like to journal directly to cardstock that I purchase from a store in town. I like the tradional scrapbooks. Printing a digital image of a scrapbook page just doesn't interest me. I have considered the 2400 but it doesn't print on CDs and DVDs. This is a must have feature if I am going spend this much money on a printer. I like that the Epsons have archival quality inks so I would like to stick with either the 1800 or 2400. The other printer I considered is the HP 9800 but it really wouldn't allow me to do anything other than just journaling in wide format on the cardstock.

Hi Crash, Oh yea you can print on cardstock, not a problem. I have the color adjusted properly now (finally) and the print quality is fantastic. Printing a 12x12 layout page is fabulous. I highly recommend this printer. I am a big fan of Epson Photo Printers anyway, I've always had good luck with them.

[indydonna]

I have had this printer for about six months and absolutely love it. I have been purchasing Epson 12 x 12 Scrapbook paper online from CompUSA for $11.99 per package. Yes, this is the same package that Epson sells for $19.95. Around Christmas time they had free shipping so I stocked up. This bring the cost of the paper wa-a-a-ay down from the price quoted in the other email. I have found that Staples sells the ink cartridges for about $13 each, which is also less than Epson. It would take a terrific new printer to get me to change from what I have. I originally purchased a refurbished one from Epson and when it didn't work correctly, it was replaced with a brand new one! Can't ask for better than that!!!

[Crash]

Hi Crash, Oh yea you can print on cardstock, not a problem. I have the color adjusted properly now (finally) and the print quality is fantastic. Printing a 12x12 layout page is fabulous. I highly recommend this printer. I am a big fan of Epson Photo Printers anyway, I've always had good luck with them.


THANK YOU!!!!! I ordered from Amazon.com and it should be here on Wednesday. Got a great deal and free shipping because I purchased it right from Amazon. This forum was VERY VERY helpful. Thank you all so much!

[maggiemaylove]

I am in love with this printer. Printing out those big 12 x 12 pages is wonderful. The quality is exceptional. I just put them in my album and I very seldom paper scrap anymore. Digital scrapbooking gives so much freedom for creativity. You are going to have so much fun, Crash! Congrats!

[Kaysmail]

Has anybody used non-Epson inks in the wide format printer? I buy from an online source for a lot less than original and it seems like a very good product, for LOTS less. I would be tempted to buy the printer if the inks weren't so costly but I have no idea whether the output of the off brand cartridges would be archival. Finding a cheaper source for the paper in this thread is very encouraging as well. I am a "hands on" kind of person, wanting to do it all myself so this is just a natural progression for me!! But I do tend to be "thrifty"!!

[dkc]

I scrapbook with the most archival products I can find because I want the fruits of my labors to be around a long time :) That is why I love the Epson printer line that uses pigment ink. It prints beautifully and lasts a long time. I have always read that your results are optimized when you match printer model with paper & ink. Therefore, I only use Epson inks to print on my Epson paper in my Epson printer. For me, there are too many unknowns in doing anything else.

[almitra]

I am going through a nightmare trying to get epson paper in 12 x 12 instead of 11.6 x 11.6. I ordered it from Staples and Epson sent the 11.6 x 11.6. Staples called Epson about it, and Epson told them that there is 12 x 12 in that package - WHICH IS INDEED 11.6 X 11.6 when mearsured. Now I have to proove to Staples these aren't the same papers even though they have the same product # SCR 1003.
Epson is driving me crazy!!! How can I get around this and get the paper I want from Epson??

[Dot]

I am going through a nightmare trying to get epson paper in 12 x 12 instead of 11.6 x 11.6. I ordered it from Staples and Epson sent the 11.6 x 11.6. Staples called Epson about it, and Epson told them that there is 12 x 12 in that package - WHICH IS INDEED 11.6 X 11.6 when mearsured. Now I have to proove to Staples these aren't the same papers even though they have the same product # SCR 1003.
Epson is driving me crazy!!! How can I get around this and get the paper I want from Epson??
Have you tried calling Epson yourself? or talking to a manager in Staples?

[mom2bandc]

There are 2 different versions - one is 11.6x11.6 and the pkg is blue and white, the other is true 12x12 and the pkg is red. Unfortunately, they both have the same Epson stock number. I believe the red pkg is newer & replaces the older version but you never know what you will get on-line. I bought 2 pkgs recently from the Epson store & received 12x12, however the price wasn't as cheap as other on-line retailers. I think some places are discounting the older pkgs to get rid of them but they have already changed their inventory info to match the new product.

Good luck Almitra! I too always use the Epson paper and ink but it isn't cheap! I know it would be cheaper to print at Costco but I love to print myself (especially since I have the R1800 that can!)

[michgirl]

Another alternative - I use the 13 x 19 paper, that way you can have the true 12 x 12 & you do not have to print borderless to achieve it. You can throw a few extra pictures on your layout, if you want.

I purchased the Epson Ultra Premium Matte paper in this size, I think I paid around $35 for 50 sheets, so it is quite a bit cheaper than the scrapbook paper. I have also purchased a matte paper from Red River Papers that I like better than the Epson and you can print on both sides. I like it better because it's a little brighter white and seems to have a really smooth finish.

Not sure if this is true or not, but prior to purchasing my wide-format printer, I read that printing borderless wastes ink, as there is a sponge inside the printer for absorbing overflow when printing borderless, which makes sense. To get true borderless, you would need to print over the edge. And so excess ink goes into this sponge. Like I said, I am not sure if that is true; but "just in case", I like the larger size paper so I can get the borderless look without thinking about excess ink. :D

Just my thoughts and what I do... :)

Robin

[almitra]

Have you tried calling Epson yourself? or talking to a manager in Staples?
I tried talking to the manager.I didn't get anywhere. He felt he would just get sent the same size if he ordered again since it comes from a different supplier; not Epson itself. I called Epson and they told me that the 11.6 x 11.6 is the older version and they have replaced it with 12 x 12. That is why they have the same order # and sku#. Unfortunately, the smaller size is still out there in circulation. Epson said if I order straight from them I would get the new version which is 12 x 12. The thing is, Epson Canada wants 29.99 for 10 sheets. I want to find a better deal, but I'm afraid I'll be sent the old version.
Big sigh.....
I took the paper back to Staples and got a refund finally. I'll have to order it soon from somewhere.
Thanx for the interest.

[almitra]

There are 2 different versions - one is 11.6x11.6 and the pkg is blue and white, the other is true 12x12 and the pkg is red. Unfortunately, they both have the same Epson stock number. I believe the red pkg is newer & replaces the older version but you never know what you will get on-line. I bought 2 pkgs recently from the Epson store & received 12x12, however the price wasn't as cheap as other on-line retailers. I think some places are discounting the older pkgs to get rid of them but they have already changed their inventory info to match the new product.

Good luck Almitra! I too always use the Epson paper and ink but it isn't cheap! I know it would be cheaper to print at Costco but I love to print myself (especially since I have the R1800 that can!)
I also have the Epson R1800 and put the big money into buying it because I to love to print them myself too! That is why I bought the wide fortmat printer. You understand me!!
I did call Epson and they told me that the red 12 x 12 package is the newer version to replace the white 11.6 x 11.6 package. Just like you said.The problem is, now they are both out there with the same SKU #! You roll the dice everytime you try to order from a cheaper supplier. Epson Canada wants 29.99 for 10 sheets! They said I would get the new version if I ordered from them. But look at their cost!

[mom2bandc]

Robin,
That is interesting what you said about printing borderless. I guess I never thought about the possibility of wasting ink that way. Do you use the Epson Presentation Paper? That is the only one that I can ever find that is a better price than the scrapbook paper. Does it have the same look to it also? Would love to know if you compared them side by side.

Almitra - I order the scrapbook paper from Epson & it is only $19.99 for 10 sheets, double sided, here in the US. I've ordered from Amazon as well & have received both sizes so they are not as reliable. I found that I just started using the smaller size but the biggest issue for me was that it would not print borderless like the true 12x12 size. Good luck to you! I can feel your pain, really! I can't tell you how many times I've talked to Mgrs at Best Buy, Fry's, Office Depot and Office Max begging them to stock this paper! The problem is most of them don't carry the printers so why carry this special paper! I finally found 2 places that carry the ink for the R1800 - I used to have to buy that from Amazon as well!

[michgirl]

Robin,
That is interesting what you said about printing borderless. I guess I never thought about the possibility of wasting ink that way. Do you use the Epson Presentation Paper? That is the only one that I can ever find that is a better price than the scrapbook paper. Does it have the same look to it also? Would love to know if you compared them side by side.

I purchased the Epson Ultra Premium Presentation paper, and while it is great with wonderful results, it is slightly heavier than the scrapbook paper and the scrapbook paper seems to have a tad bit smoother finish to it.

But as I have mentioned before - redriverspaper.com. It is devoted to high quality photo papers and professional mattes. I love the matte finish for scrapbooking and their papers are equal, if not better, than Epson. You can get recommended types of paper for your printer and the papers all come with which settings you should select for your specific printer. You can also download profiles for your paper and printer type. They sell a sample pack of wide-format paper so you can try different ones to find which you like. And they also have their own 12 x 12 matte paper.

The paper that I purchased from Red River is a Premium Matte that is about the same as the scrapbook paper, as far as weight and the smoothness of the finish. It is more of the bright white, which I like.

And I am using up the 12 x 12 Epson paper that I purchased, I just do not print borderless on it, which leaves the little white border and is fine with me.

But I have to say - I LOVE having a wide-format printer for scrapbooking, it is postively wonderful to print these layouts with such great results!

Robin

[mom2bandc]

Thanks Robin for the info on Redriverpaper. I just placed an order for a sample pack. They really have unbelievable pricing for double sided matte finished 13x19 paper! Now I need to dig out my fiskars rotary trimmer that I had put away when I stopped paper scrapbooking! Thanks again for your help. I'll let you know how it works out!

[michgirl]

Kelly -

Glad you decided to give them a try. You will love their paper and the results (as well as their pricing). They have a silk (luster) finish one that produced astonishing results with my printer. I only had the sample sheets, but will probably end up with a pack of that one.

Do let me know what you think!

Robin

[mom2bandc]

Robin -
All I can say is WOW! I just got my sample pkg in the mail & tested my most recent page. I love the Polar Matte 2-sided paper! The 60# Premium Matte 2-sided isn't any less than the Epson paper but I agree with you that both Red River Papers are much whiter which keeps the pages from being overly dark! Thank you so much for the advise! I am going to order the 50 sheet pk today even though I still have 4 boxes of the Epson 12x12 paper unopened!
Everyone who prints on a wide format Epson printer should check out redriverpaper.com.
Thanks again Robin!:)

[michgirl]

Robin -
All I can say is WOW! I just got my sample pkg in the mail & tested my most recent page. I love the Polar Matte 2-sided paper! The 60# Premium Matte 2-sided isn't any less than the Epson paper but I agree with you that both Red River Papers are much whiter which keeps the pages from being overly dark! Thank you so much for the advise! I am going to order the 50 sheet pk today even though I still have 4 boxes of the Epson 12x12 paper unopened!
Everyone who prints on a wide format Epson printer should check out redriverpaper.com.
Thanks again Robin!:)


You are so welcome and I am so happy that you are so pleased with it. I purchased the CS Premium Matte and love it. I was like you, I ordered my paper before using my sample pack up. And I am thrilled with their prices and quality of paper. I had read in Scott Kelby's photography book about this web site, he highly recommended it and I am glad he did!

Thanks for letting me know how much you lik it! ENJOY!

Robin

[spring_forum]

How long does the Epson R1800 take to print one 12 by 12 scrapbook page? Is the quality like a photo you would pick up at Costco or another play that developes them? Thanks! How many pages can you do with the ink? How much is the ink?

[ks130116]

I use the Epson R1800. I haven't had any trouble printing 12 X 12 bordeless (it hasn't cut off like previous poster wrote). I have scanned items and reprinted it, and it looks identical to the original. Only the texture allows me to know the difference.

[casey]

Hi Robin and Kelly,

Thanks for the info on redriverpaper.com. Can you tell me what sample pack you ordered? When I looked at the site, there were a few different ones to choose from.

Thanks!
Casey :)

[mom2bandc]

Casey,
Here (http://www.redrivercatalog.com/landing/cameraarts/) is a link to the site where you can get the sample paper for $2 which includes shipping. I think you will be impressed!

[michgirl]

This is the one that I got :D

http://www.redrivercatalog.com/samples/photo.htm

ENJOY!

Robin

[Priss]

I saw one of the new ink-jet 1900's demonstrated at the Digitial Scrapbook Place Laptop Crop in Las Vegas in May. It handled any type of paper (even very rough surfaced) paper so well. Awesome machine, and on the top of my "I want" list. There WAS color vibrancy and "saturation" difference I noticed, though on certain papers--it was the paper--not the printer and the way it absorbed the inks, I observed. This printer added ANOTHER couple of cartridge colors (reds-oranges) to improve the color of faces in prints. Can print up to 13"
Competitor, I think is HP's Design Jet 90. Brand new--and reviews are awesome. Haven't seen one--but they cost a GRAND! That'd buy a LOT of Shutterfly, whose color reproduction seems outstandingly TRUE to me!

[casey]

Thanks very much, Kelly and Robin!!

I've ordered my sample pack (the $1.99 one). Wow, such a good deal! And thanks for responding so quickly! I look forward to receiving the samples.

I'll probably try out the other pack next time.

Casey :)

[Lynn]

I also have the Epson 1800 and I'm beginning to dislike it. The inks don't print anywhere close to what they claim. I heard that the initial inks that come with the system are usually not full cartridges so I wasn't surprised that I ran out of ink so fast. I've printed on fabric with it and it came out beautiful. When it works it does a beautiful job, just as nice or nicer than the prints from the photo places.

However it is quirky and unreliable in my opinion or I just got a lemon. Eats ink and doesn't stay in tune. It will print fine, then I get banding and have to realign the heads. Alignment should only be needed when changing cartridges. One page was loaded correctly but it left a strip totally blank. I've printed off 6 12x12 page (equal to 36 4x6 photos), a 6 4x6 photos, 2 8x10's and 3 5x6 or small cards and I'm on my third refill of some colors. Their inks don't last anywhere close to what they claim. It claimed a cartridge was full and then one small print later it was down to 20% but the color didn't come out at all on the prints. Now it won't print until I replace it and Epson's express delivery isn't very quick (this time). I just haven't printed out enough to be on my second fill let alone third cartridge of any color based on their claims, unless the initial ones weren't full to begin with. I'm going to start keeping closer track. When I initially got it, I loved it but the longer I've had it the more cheated I feel because it isn't living up to their claims but is living up to all the ink criticisms and more that I read about it before making my decision.

[troush]

Lynn,

Have you called Epson? I've had 2 Epson all-in-ones die (I always buy an extended warranty on my Printers, as they all seem to die just short of 2 years), yet I keep on buying them for their colors. You may have indeed got a lemon. When the first one died, I was changing an ink cartridge, then it told me the next one was empty, even though it wasn't. The phone person was very helpful and patient with me. After going through the "normal" stuff, she said, "Yep, it's dead Jim" - she offered some trade-ins, but then I found my extended warranty, so I didn't have to take up the offer.

The other thing is, Epson just settled a BIG class action lawsuit over ink cartridges and them not using all the ink. They might be more willing to work with you on it, especially if you have numbers.

-Trish

[Lynn]

I can try contacting them. I was so mad. I've had the printer less than a year and I don't print very much. My goal was to print a page a week but I've haven't because I've had so many problems. I've spent over $100 in inks and have hardly any prints to show for it. It was expensive to begin with but if they make me refill again shortly I'll trash it. I cannot afford to keep pumping ink into it.

I chose it over Canon because of extended paper choices and it is archival quality but if I trash it, I may go for the Canon. Reports are extremely favorable on color and ink usage and at the price difference I can afford to reprint them on Canon if they fade and still come out ahead.

[Fulltimer]

Has anyone tried out the continous flow ink systems? I have an Epson R300, which I have been really happy with the print quality, but since I do a lot of printing, ink does get a little expensive.

I have looked at the continous flow systems on line, but would appreciate some input from anyone who has used this.

My other concern, my Epson is getting old and I would be really upset if I bought the system and my printer died, as I don't think this model is available anymore and Epson seems to use a different ink for each printer they come out with.