forum.datacad.com

i am a one person design firm and Im ready to buy a plotter. I really only need to plot black and white line drawings.
I want something that will hold AND cut 24 inch rolls of transluscent or regular ol' paper.
A stand and catcher might be nice, too.
Im willing to pay for a plotter that will perform without maintenance headaches.
HP is a brand i know and trust, but what about others?
I started out looking @ the HP 500 and similars, but I think its more than i need. How about the HP 130nr?
oh yeah, im currently using DCAD 10.

Thanks so much for sharing your valuable input.
Chris Laggis

Hi Chris and welcome!

You could always check eBay for DesignJet 500's! I think roll feed is a must, and therefore you're going to get color, I think.

I was in the same boat about 2 months ago. After weeks of racking my brain I went for the HP Designjet 500 42" instead of the 130NR simply because I managed to get a deal I could not pass up ($1000 plus shipping). I like the 130NR's resolution but its limited in the size it can print and the lack of a stand unless you pony up some more dough and buy it after the fact. I have seen a 500 go for $750 before on ebay so I would keep an eye out and go for that if you can get one for a deal.

Thanks for the information everyone.
Guess I'll try and keep an eye out for a 500.

Chris

We have a HP 750Cplus w/24" roll. It also has color availability.

you can just use the black ink cartridge though.
ive used it for about 5 years and it's a great machine.

I'll have to check with my boss to see if he wants to sell.
Also, where are you located, I think that too will be a major factor.

hey jason, thanks for the reply. I live at 9,000 feet. Crested Butte, Colorado. I appreciate your insights, im hesitant to buy a used plotter though.

thanks again, chris