Looking for a plotter (large format printer)

Needs to be color

Probably in the $1500 - $3000 price range (I'm guessing)

Only need it to print 24" wide (assuming paper on rolls)

Must be networkable (cat5) or have option to add NIC

Any suggestions?

We have been using a HP DesignJet 650c which has worked pretty well but its just too old and has too many issues.

Thanks.

6/25/2007 2:10:54 PM

hp is really one of the best color plotter brands out there for color, just choose the appropriate model with the options you want

if you want just B&W, go with an Oce' laser

[Edited on June 25, 2007 at 3:32 PM. Reason : .]

6/25/2007 3:32:02 PM

I have a HP DesignJet 500 PS. It meets all your criteria (I believe there is a network print server upgrade).
I got mine used for ~$1000, works great for printing almost anything.

6/25/2007 3:34:14 PM

we have a hp 1055cm

it can handle anything you can throw at it

6/25/2007 3:56:46 PM

Go ahead and spring for a 36" HP plotter with the features you need. Parts will be cheaper down the road and it will handle 24" rolls no problem.

6/25/2007 4:43:16 PM

^that might be a good idea...even just 30" wide

sometimes we'll get 30x42 drawings and plot them 24x36 and make the necessary scale adjustments as needed

I wasnt sure how much the price would jump up from 24" to 30" to 36"

6/25/2007 4:57:39 PM

36" is the standard for wide format, so its not going to be much, if any, more expensive

6/25/2007 5:22:22 PM