I was recently at an art show where a fellow photographer strongly urged that I purchase either ImagePrint or Colorburst RIP to ensure better printer output quality especially for color.
I mostly print monochrome images using the Epson 3800 stock drivers and ABW mode, and I’ve been very happy with the results. But lately I’ve been getting requests for color.
Do I go ahead and take the plunge?
And which version - postscript or raster?
My opinion, Don't get a RIP unless your using a page layout program. Invest, however in a monitor cababrator (which i'm sure you already have) and a used X-rite pulse elite or something along those lines. They are dirt cheap right now. Make your own profiles from YOUR printer. You won't regret it.
The other reason for a RIP is to be able to print longer prints than the Epson driver allows - typically around 91 inches. There are no color advantages from either Colorburst or ImagePrint over the Epson driver and all three require custom profiles for the best output. If your primary purpose is using ABW, then, by all means, stick with your current workflow and be happy.
Qimage is a PC program. But even many mac users have an old PC somewhere that can be networked to macs. I like having printing happening from a separate machine anyways.
If B&W is important, don't assume the best solution for color is the best solution for B&W. I'm not sure what the best 19" B&W printer is at the moment. But that printer may be a better and less expensive solution than a RIP.
