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Hewlett-Packard
DesignJet 3000CP, 3500CP, and 3800CP are the 54 inch wide
format printers from Hewlett-Packard.
2000
is the 36" DesignJet with no RIP;
you add your own RIP (we recommend the PosterJet
RIP from DCS Software).
2500
is the 36" DesignJet with an internal RIP. This is a
good start if you don't want to bother with an external RIP.
2800
is the 36" DesignJet with the EFI
Fiery hardware RIP. This is good if you prefer a RIP faster
than the internal one on the model 2500, but you do not wish
to have to learn how to handle a software RIP.
3000
is the 54" DesignJet with no RIP. Again, we recommend
the PosterJet RIP if you are a single owner-operator or a
small company with just one wide format printer. If you have
an entire shop full of large format printers than you might
wish the Onyx PosterShop. The printer pictured below is the
HP 3000, shown in the HP booth at DRUPA. It happens to have
a ColorGate RIP. Since we don't know much about this RIP we
tend to recommend the one we know best, the PosterJet. PosterJet
is easy to learn and considered the fastest RIP available.
It works directly from your Macintosh or you can have an iMac
as a print server.
3500
is the 54" DesignJet with an internal RIP.
3800
is the 54" DesignJet with the EFI Fiery RIP.
Even
though the HP
5000ps offers 1200 dpi and continuous ink system,
the earlier 2xxx and 3xxx HP DesignJet printers still
offer great value. If you are lucky you can find a 2xxx
or 3xxx demo with original full factory warranty.
If
you need more information on the difference between hardware
RIP and software RIP then please go to the index of all three
FLAAR sites on printers; look in each index under RIP. Every
chapter (on each site) is different. We recommend you read
all three chapters (that is, at least one on each site).
These
images above are most likely from the ColorGate RIP at DRUPA
printer trade show.
For
additional information and for help making your decision,
ask for the "FLAAR report on signs, posters, banners"
(specify whether for indoor signs or outdoor signs in the
rain and sun) or for the FLAAR report on "Piezo vs
Thermal printheads, fact vs fiction, pros and cons of each
kind of inkjet printhead." You can also ask for the
report on "Media and Inks for Photo-Realistic and Fine
Art Giclee," or "Media and Inks for Sign Printing
with Large Format Inkjet."
If
this will be your first printer, then we have a special
report that holds your hand and leads you through all
the basic questions that will assist a first-time buyer
of a large format printer. Purchase the FLAAR report on
"RIP
+ Help." This explains what RIP software is,
why this is useful, and includes tips, warnings, information,
and help for a wide range of matters for a newbie. Here
you will really appreciate that FLAAR is based at a university;
Professor Hellmuth has plenty of experience writing in
a manner that explains what you need, and why.
If
you really want technical details on inkjet media,
inks, and/or inkjet printhead technology, and especially
if you wish to meet the movers and shakers in this
industry, be sure to sign up for the next conference
organized by IMI. Their contact is imi@tdstelme.net.
These seminars are outstanding; the senior review
editor of FLAAR usually attends because he can get
so much fresh information for the readers of the
FLAAR Reports in PDF format and the FLAAR Information
Network of web sites.
If
you are seeking a used HP DesignJet printer. How
do you know if the printer even works? or at least
has a 30 day warranty, consider checking with mike@plottersupplies.com
or brandi@plottersupplies.com.
If
you seek info on Wasatch SoftRIP for an HP or Encad
(thermal printers), contact Jonathan Knecht,
tel toll free 888 BIG-COLR, e-mail colorguru@colordna.com.
ColorDNA
can provide HP printers nationwide. They specialize
in HP DesignJet printers for signage, CAD,
GIS, photos, and general applications. e-mail
colorguru@colordna.com.
We have visited the ColorDNA facilities,
indeed this is where we tested the original HP UV
inks several years ago. We only recommend HP dealers
whom we know, and whom we trust.
If
you are in Canada or outside USA, please contact
your local national dealer. Most USA resellers
do not sell outside the continental USA.
For
further information on PosterJet in the USA, contact
ken@scarabgraphics.com
or check out their web site, ScarabGraphics.com.
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All reports by Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth |
UPDATED: March 11, 2005
Last updated July 05/2001, last revised May 14, 2002
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