I run a HP latex now and like that I can print and laminate right off the printer. Also, I'm able to replace the printheads on my own. What's the cost to have an Epson tech come in and replace the printheads? Is there any other maintenance that needs to be performed by a Epson tech that can't be performed by the user?
I agree that the print quality looks better off the Epsons than the HP latex.
People seem to get confused comparing HP's replacable printheads to solvent heads. yes the HP print heads are easy to change and cheap to buy, because they are a consumable item, meaning you will be replacing them on a regular basis. A standard solvent head does not need replacement under normal conditions, in fact I've never had to replace a print head on any solvent machine I've owned in 15 years out of the warrantee period (damn Roland Tru-Vis).
So yes the HP heads are cheap and easy to replace, but over the span of 4 years, the cost of all those "cheap" printheads adds up to quite a lot vs. solvent heads that should last 4+ years without replacement as long as you maintain your machine.
8 heads @ $150 each, replaced every 6 months is $9600 over a 4 year span, I know some will say they don't replace their heads that frequently, but a few shops I've spoken to do, or else they run into quality issues.