DSF

I'm very interested in these alternative printers and thank-you for your comprehensive review, Justin.

To answer the question of -

bms wrote:I'd be interested to know what the driving force is to use a different printer? There are comments on the forum about the S21 and Sawgrass have tested, and ruled out this particular printer. Don't think the P50 has been tested, but again it begs the question of why would you want to use this printer?

I can only point to my B40W which prints with a green/yellow cast when doing photos. Although I've not heard anyone else having this issue with the B40W, it is certainly what prevents me from using it for anything that isn't just limited colours.

It baffles me that this is what the B40W produces and Sawgrass somehow thinks that's "job done" - because it just isn't. I'm having to get new profiles done just to be able to use it, which impacts on the cost saving of buying a cheaper printer.

If the P50 or S21 can be used and can produce prints as good as my 1400, then I'm more than willing to look at them because my B40W sure isn't up to the job and I can't afford to keep buying 1400s.

Which inks and cartridges did you use in these printers, Justin?

I've got to say, I've had nothing but trouble with my B40W. Printing quality is ok but leave it more than a week and you struggle to get the colours out. I've had it just coming up for 1 year and it looks like it's knackered! Before that I had an R265, which was great... no problems until it got to 2 years old and my experience is most computer related hardware only lasts 2 years!

I agree with the opinions that there isn't enough choice when it comes down to the printers, or maybe they just don't update them often enough...

Now I have the choice of paying over £100 for another B40W, which is probably only gonna last another and give me grief the whole time... or I can take a chance on the S21...

As most know on here now I have been using a S21 for quite a few months now with brilliant results & not one single problem at all.

Top Tip if your not using your printer day in day out is to turn it on & off everyday just so it blows air through the nozzles to keep them clear. I'd also do just a quick nozzle check every couple of days too.

Ian M;13793 wrote: Top Tip if your not using your printer day in day out is to turn it on & off everyday just so it blows air through the nozzles to keep them clear. I'd also do just a quick nozzle check every couple of days too.

Thanks for the tip! If only I'd known this before... :-S

y30man5;13797 wrote:Thanks for the tip! If only I'd known this before... :-S

Exactly what I said when someone told me.....we all live & learn eh.

I still have both the S21 and P50 on test. I've been leaving them on/off for extended periods. Couple of very minor blocks that cleared with one nozzle clean otherwise no problems to report. My comparison my 1400 has had a couple more blocks despite a little more use (not much happening right now!) which have been more stubborn to clear.

Biggest problem I find with the S21 is the noise level, I wouldn't want to use it day to day but the P50 I'll quite happily live with, far better quality printer.

Top Tip if your not using your printer day in day out is to turn it on & off everyday just so it blows air through the nozzles to keep them clear. I'd also do just a quick nozzle check every couple of days too.

Where does this air come from Ian? There shouldn't be any air in the cartridges to blow through...

Oh just ignore me everyone & if your lucky I might just go away.

If you have a PC/laptop that is switched on throughout the day, Printer Jockey is a good way to schedule a daily print test to keep the nozzles nice and clear. That said, the printer also needs to be supported and whilst the 1400 is, the P50/S21 are limited.

bms;13803 wrote:Where does this air come from Ian? There shouldn't be any air in the cartridges to blow through...

In fairness to Ian I don't think he mean't to say air but he is right, many users find switching the printers off and on every day does help to keep the nozzles clear.