I currently have an Epson R1800 printer which has served very well. The only downside to it is it's lack of ability to print B&W accurately. So, I am looking to upgrade to something that would handle B&W real well. I don't do high volume if that matters and I do like the ability to print out some big ones once in a while. I looked at the 2880 and didn't like the comments that followed it. Switching cartridges for B&W and the subsequent nozzle clearing which sucks up ink, plus the complaints about paper recognition didn't help it's chances. Any ideas?

Greg, Since everyone's definition of high volume differs possibly knowing how often or with what regularity you plan on printing B&W would be of more assistance in guessing a printer choice.

For me, instead of outlaying the money on a separate printer or going through the hassle and expense of changing out blacks, I resorted to using a commercial lab specifically for my B&W printing needs. I never have had to wait longer than the day after next to receive my orders and have not been disappointed with the results. I gave up immediacy but gained not having the expense of amortizing another printer in my per print cost.

Not a direct answer to your question, but it is an alternative solution if you are not printing separate Black and Whites every day.

Greg--I don't print all that much B&W but aside from echoing Rick's advice as an option I've found each successive generation of Epson to be better than the previous as far as accuracy. I currently use an Epson 4880 with Imageprint RIP for B&W. I leave the photo black in all the time.

That said if I did a lot of it I might convert my older E4000 to a true B&W inkset instead of leaving it set up for canvas & art paper like I do now. Perhaps that is an option for you? To get a second printer and dedicate one to a full B&W inkset?--David

Thanks for the input. I was pondering an outside lab for the B&W printing. Whom might you suggest?

Greg, Outside the box thinking here but have you looked at or used the QuadToneRIP? There is a version for your present printer.
http://www.quadtonerip.com/html/QTRoverview.html

For labs I am using both Bay Photo and Millers. Both do fine work with excellent customer service. You can't go wrong with either of them.
http://www.bayphoto.com/
http://www.millerslab.com/

Its funny that you mentioned that because I just stumbled upon it last night!

If it works that's quite a bargain compared to the typical fairly expensive RIP products which are mostly aimed at volume professionals. I like using Imageprint for my Infrared (B&W) prints, but it's quite a bit more expensive.--David

I bought the quadtone rip and will give it a try. I ordered a pack of Moab Entrada 300 paper since that is one of the profiles that is offered for the R1800. I'm really green with this program so it will take a while to decipher.

Good move Greg. The yahoo group for the quadtoneRIP is an excellent resource and it has active members.

I don't envy you having to master another piece of new software. New software used to be fun, now it is just another chore in staying current with with our tools.