[gis_info] summary of responses: Cannon vs. HP plotter

[Rachel Smith]

Here is a summary of the responses I received yesterday and this morning
for my request for information regarding Cannon and HP plotters.  

 

I used the Canon 8400 at the City of Lebanon and I was completely
amazed.  It was faster and easier to use than any HP I had seen and way
better quality than the HP 800 or 1055 that I have used in recent years.
I have not used the HP you are looking though, I'm assuming their
technology and usability has kept up with Canon.

 

I guess I would ask, how often do you really need 60" capacity?   We
have an HP 4500, normally we plot at 36" but it can also accommodate 42"
and has dual-roll capacity.  Has been very solid for us, but we did just
replace the cutter and belt and cooling fan, at total cost of around
$650 (parts and labor).  That's the only maintenance we've needed in at
least 5 or 6 years, so can't really complain about that.  We have
received excellent service from A&E Imaging, I believe they are located
in Beaverton.

 

We use the Canon iPF750 and I love it.  I can't speak to the model you
are referring to but this Canon produces high quality large format
products, is quick, quiet, and user-friendly.  I met a local vendor
(Craig with CAES here in Portland) at a GIS in Action conference and
called him up when we needed a large-format printer.  They deliver for
free and come out that day when you need ink/paper etc, or even to give
your office a tutorial.  If you decide to go with Canon, I would suggest
you talk to them.

 

Canons are now outpacing HP and a lot of the shops in town (PSU, local
municipalities, etc) have made the switch.  

 

We have only purchased Canon plotters since 2008, and had more than a
dozen HP units at that time.

I wouldn't go back to HP, the Canon machines have been great.  You do
need to have spare parts like print heads and ink, but everything is
easy to swap out.

 

Summary:

Cheap

Fast to start printing

Fast to finish printing

Good color

Easy to maintain

Good queuing software

 

 

Thanks to everyone who responded!

Rachel

 

 

Rachel Lyles Smith, GISP

Project Operations Manager

Geologic Survey & Services

 

Oregon Department of Geology & Mineral Industries

800 NE Oregon St. #28, Suite 965

Portland, OR 97232

971-673-0481 direct

971-673-1555 main

971-673-1562 fax

http://www.oregongeology.org/sub/default.htm

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/gis_info/attachments/20121016/55aa85fc/attachment.html>