Printing TOPO! maps

Paul,

I have the Canon ip4300, retails for about $99. Nice thing about it is:

* borderless printing on 8 1/2×11 letter size paper, maybe on legal too, but have not tried that.

* individual ink tanks and two black (one cheapy ink for docs and one photo type for use in maps and photos)

* very light software installation, not so with HP or Epson which install all kinds of junk.

* good reviews

Others have recommended the wide format Epsons, but if you can afford wide format, I would go with a Canon. Wide format is for larger paper sizes like 11×17 and such.

I got mine brand new off ebay for $75.

I have a Canon ip5000. Also love it- great printer. Individual ink tanks save a lot of money in the long run.

I've printed hundreds of TOPO maps on Adventure paper on this machine. It does 8.5×14 easily but isn't for wide format.

Thanks for the replies,
Jhaura, your right about the ip4300. Nice machine for a good price. 2 sided paper flipping without removing the paper. PCWorld seemed to like it.

Doug, I couldn't find the ip5000 at Canon, so I looked at the Canon ip6700D. Does the ip5000 print 2 sided? I'll look on ebay to see if there is one available.

Guys, I wonder if I really need bigger paper beyond 8.5×14. The large format printers are very expensive. The Epson R1800 for example.

Thanks,
Paul

I also use a Canon printer; mine is the iP3000 and it does a great job. One important point is that Canon inks are waterproof, while HP inks are not. I print 2-sided by turning the paper over and printing on the other side (it helps to make a small mark in a corner to make sure you get the orientation right).

I have a Cannon ip4200. It also makes really great photos. I've printed 8x10s that are every bit as good as you get out of a photo lab.

Will and Steve, thanks for your replies. Good point about the HP inks. I was not aware of that. I like the Canon line up. I'm considering the ip4300 and the ip6700. I think 8.5×14, printed both sides, is sufficient for my needs. I was just "fussing" with my TOPO! Wyoming software. I printed a few maps on plain 8.5×11 paper. That size won't do, neither will the printer I'm using. I have to get over the nice USGS sizing and get used to lighter more efficient map sizes.
Aside. Will, nice reviews of the Gatewood Cape. I bought one and I love it.
Thanks
Paul

>while HP inks are not.

My HP inks have always been waterproof. I test them, plain paper as well as Teslin.

Please keep up the discussion. I'm sick of HP drivers and want something better…