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are you sure the 7xx line is lower quality than the 8xx/12xx line? >>
Yes it is a lower quality line and it's usually apparent just from visual inspection in the store. The 7xx printers are slower and noiser. The print quality of the 780 may be as good as the 890 or 1290, but the printer itself is not as good as the 875. It's hard to think of good reason for anyone to buy a 780 with the 875 deal still available. The only real advantage the 780 has is that it will do edge to edge printing on 8½" x 11" paper. Most people who really
need that though will want a better printer overall. For the non-graphic specialist, the edge to edge 4" x 6" capability of the 870/875 will be sufficient.
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i did notice that the 880 is cheaper now at compusa. how would you guys compare the three? >>
The current 880 deal is very good too. The question you have to ask yourself is how much actual photo printing do you expect to do. The 880 is faster, has very nice graphics and its supplies are cheaper. The estimated yield for the 880 black cartridge is 900 pages versus 540 pages for the 870 black cartridge and there are far more third party choices for the 880. If your printing is primariy text and graphics with only occasional photos, the CompUSA deal on the 880 is probably for you.
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Outpost.com raised their prices on both cartridges >>
is right! In that case, Epson is probably the best source for those who want to order just one or two cartridges since their prices include free shipping.
Imageton is offering fairly decent prices ($19.15 for black and $16 for color) but you have to buy $75 worth to get free shipping there.