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Archiver > TMG > 2002-11 > 1036182471
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Subject: Re: [TMG] Re: {not a subscriber} OT--archival printers
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 15:27:51 EST
We have been using the Epson 2000P for a year for those photos and reports
for which we wanted to have long term permanent copies. We purchased this
printer specifically because of the archival features. The articles that we
read and the manufacturer's literature indicated a life of 140 years for
color prints and 200 years for black and white -- assuming you use their ink
and paper. (I don't know how you will be able to test the warranty unless
you leave notes for your descendants to check your prints in a couple of
hundred years!)
I understand that there is archival ink available for other printers but I'm
not sure that it's available from the original printer manufacturer. Acid
free paper is the other key element that you need for longevity.
As an aside, there is the same issue with the life of CDs and other storage
mediums. There are CDs, such as Memorex Black, that have much longer rated
lives (50 years in this case) than regular CDs, some of which can lose data
within a year or two. The data on any of the ones that we burn on our own
computers will deteriorate over time, sooner if they are left in unfriendly
environments, just as with photos. CDs will likely go the way of the 5.5
inch floppy disks and we will have to keep transferring our data to whatever
the current technology is at the time.
Berny Gaarsoe
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