Tek-Tips is the largest IT community on the Internet today!

Members share and learn making Tek-Tips Forums the best source of peer-reviewed technical information on the Internet!

  • Congratulations IamaSherpa on being selected by the Tek-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!

Advice on Designjet 500???

Status
Not open for further replies.

attrofy

IS-IT--Management
Jan 10, 2002
694
US
We are looking for a new wide format printer. We currently have an epson Stylus 1520 - in my opinion it sucks. IT is very slow, very expensive and limited. THe resolution is very good, but the time is unbelievable. I am looking to replace this printer ASAP, we're in the middle of huge job. I am thinking of the HP Designjet 500. I was originally looking at the 430, but was told that for the difference in money, the 500 is a better deal. Anyone that can support or deny that. We are looking to do full color, and occasionally photos. We need a large format printer. THe larger the better, but don't know if I can justify the price of the 36" width printer. Any thoughts, warnings or suggestions.

Thanks
Russell
 
We have one at our work which is used for AutoCAD drawings. We had a few problems with it to start off with, but thinking about it, they were probably more to do with AutoCAD.
We've had very few complaints about it...lots of printing is done, and if you use original cartridges rather than recycled, they'll last ages.
As for quality, it does our network diagrams excellently, and all these plans that are done on it seem to come out good.

I'd recommend it anyway. Hope this helps...
 
Thanks for the reply. Do you do much with the higher end graphics (i.e. photo quality) After looking at the HP site I am getting confused about the PostScript option. Since we use windows based PC's I didn't think it was much of an issue. After looking over the litterature aside form the memory upgrades, it looks like they are implying that the PS option adds to the picture side of printing. AmI missing something, I thought this was a "yesterday" issue. I thought if something was PostScript compatible, it didn't have to necassarily use the Hardware drivers to take advantage the PS options. Am I correct in my thinking??? HAve you done any photo quality images?
 
Someone printed off a photograph of a family member or someone (good use of work equipment LOL ). It was only printed out in A3 I think, and it came out quite good.
I don't know if this sort of printer is designed for this (does a good mind), I think its more for diagrams and plans etc. Then again, I could be wrong.

Like I say, it did a good job on a photograph of someone. I don't know if it makes any difference, but it was a person on a motorbike going round a corner, and you know how you get that blurred effect for the backgound when the camera is concentrated on the person? Anyway it brought that out good.
 
You mean that work equipment isn't an extension of everyone's home equipment? I better set the company straight...lol

We went ahead and ordered one.l Should be here tomorrow. One last question.
Have you had any problems with the ink smudging, especially when wet?

Thanks for the advice.

Russ
 
Nah, we haven't had any problems with that. Just make sure you use original cartridges rather than recycled. Might be worth leaving the print out a minute or two just incase the ink is wet. Only on print outs with loads of colour (and only with normal paper).

Anyway, need any more just post it here...
 
I appreciate your help....

Have you done anything with the specialty papers?? We are really interested in using this printer for temporary retail banners and signage (both indoor and out). We are looking at the Tyvek banner roll paper. Any experience with this or others? Also, I guess I should clarify a little more, what happens if the paper gets wet? as in rain on a banner. I know this isn't probably what kind of elements you all subject yours too, but have you noticed having to be carefull with moisture on you fingures, or the occasional spill/moisture etc. I understand we aren't dealing with all weather material, but we are a Marine dealer, and we often have events outside. Inevitably, it usually rains at least once durring our events. Also, we occasionally hold events on the beach or on the water, and are subject to spray and moisture.

Thanks again.

Russell
 
The ink from Inkjet cartridges (DeskJet printers, OfficeJet Printers, DesignJet Printers etc) are alway going to run if they get wet. Maybe try laminating?

Anyway, saying that, I think that HP do their own brand of special papers which are much more resistant to water/spillages etc but keep the ink 'good'. As for protecting it from the rain, laminating it is always going to be the best option.

Maybe HP do a lamination unit?...hmmmm...maybe not.
 
Just to update you. We got the printer in - this thing ROCKS....this is a really good printer. As for waterproblems, it passed the "spit & Smudge" test with no problems. We are using the HP coated paper (the low end stuff). We have some Tyvek Banner material on backorder. I have lots of ideas with the clear vinyl self adhesive material. As for pictures, when set on "best" quality and "optimized for images" this prints better than our Epson Stylus at 1440 dpi. We printed an photo of a boat on the water that had some sunlight glistening off the water, and it came out like a photograph. It almost hurt your eyes looking at the sunlight.
This printer is awsome. It far exceeded our expectations. There are so many features on this thing that add to the overall use-ability. Even the menu options and vacuum features....I could go on.
THanks for your advice and suggestions. You pushed us over the top, and I am very greatful for it.
Just a side note, we too had some initial problems with a spanish driver thing going on....it caused 5 of us to sit around and try to recall our spanish classes from H.S. lol. Went to the HP web site and downloaded the latest XP drivers, got everything back to english and all checked out ok.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Part and Inventory Search

Sponsor

Back
Top