Michael Greer wrote in message <344F811B.DF7EEEEB@ford.com>...

>I am trying to wade through the numerous print options from digital
>sources. First, let me state my needs. I am trying to figure out the
>most cost effective solution to delivering quality prints in the 12x18,
>16x24, & 20x30 inch range from my digital compositions. I shoot photos
>and scan the prints/negatives/slides with my 400dpi flatbed scanner or
>2400 dpi HP Photosmart film scanner. I then make original artwork from
>these scanned images in Corel's Photo Paint 7.0 and/or Ulead's
>PhotoImpact 3.01 . I have an Epson Stylus Color 800 that I print proofs
>out on. In my opinion, the actual quality of the Epson print is good
>enough for most of my purposes to use as a final print. However, the
>limited paper size, the lack of ink permanence, and limited number of
>viable paper options doesn't make it acceptable to me for gift giving
>and selling purposes. [rest deleted...]

The Epson inks are, alas, not very permanent, especially if exposed to
light...(!) I have not used this, but the sample output of the newest Alps
printer looks good (undithered, good color) and is claimed to have good
permanence. In addition, it will tile-print very large images and is
inexpensive to buy (though maybe not to run...). It also is available in a
version that permits dye-sub printing for reputedly even better photo
quality...
Hope This Helps
David Ruether - http://www.fcinet.com/ruether