Epson 7880 Ink
Stylus Pro 7880 Ink Cartridges

Epson 7880 Printer Review

Epson's StylusPro 7880 was designed for photo and graphic art businesses that have needs to print large size prints with speed and quality. In these environments, the bottom line to success is figured on a cost per print basis. Quality of results is also important. This machine optimizes both. Speed is not usually a huge factor in this arena, but this unit will make a large print in minutes not hours.

This is no desktop printer at 131 pounds. It is definitely a two-person job to move. Dimensions come in at 22.4" x 47.12" x 20.04", common for this type of machine. The inkjet head uses nine 110 ml cartridges with 220 ml available. Great resolution at 2880 x 1440 dpi is even available on large prints, but it may tax computers that aren't powerful enough to hold larger files. Epson ink cartridges are pressurized to force all the ink out thus reducing waste. The capacities are large enough to extend replacement intervals. Roll media and cut sheet media work equally well due to a sophisticated feed with a strong vacuum to keep things flat and still. Media of most cut-sheet sizes and thicknesses to 1.5 mm are usable. Roll media is managed with a built-in paper cutter for precision sizing thinner media.

Ethernet interface and USB are available for data transmission. Windows and Mac platforms happily hook up with this printer. Installation software is included to make installation a snap.

Reviews by CNET and other user reviews generally rated this inkjet a thumbs up. Notably, the thing that stands out is the ink delivery system that reduces waste. Most are concerned about the cost to prime up the system. For the market this machine is designed for, this isn't usually a problem.

In the realm of commercial print shops and graphic art design, this printer will fill most of the needs of these types of businesses.