HP DesignJet 5500 replaces the HP 5000 in the FLAAR printer test lab at Bowling Green State University

As you can see from the shipping crates, an HP 5500ps has arrived for evaluation at the FLAAR lab at Bowling Green State University, Ohio.

We had two HP 5000ps printers, a 60" model at BGSU since April 2001 and a 42" model at Francisco Marroquin University, Guatemala. They work very well and we have had no need to replace them. Yet because so many people have asked for our experience with the newer HP 5500p s we have added a 60" HP 5500ps to our arsenal.

Since it will be awhile before our comparative reviews and ratings are finished on the 5500 please contact us with any questions you might have regarding the 60” HP 5500ps. Since the printheads and print quality of the HP 5000 and HP 5500ps’ are identical the reports on the HP 5000 will provide helpful information until the 5500 updates are finished. Difference s between the two are refinements in the software, web-based access, the fledging heater, and other features that enhance productivity.

HP 5500 arriving at FLAAR facility at BGSU

If you want wide-gamut UV inks as well as bright dye inks for the same machine you should purchase the Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 5500. If you are an individual at home or only do an occasional print, the "ps" version RIP software is easier than an after-market RIP software. However we do not recommend the "ps" version if you are a commercial production shop because it is too slow.

Instead you should purchase the HP 5500, which is ideal for any commercial sign shop, photo lab, or giclee printing studio. You should also add an after-market RIP. If you have any questions about this addition ask for the FLAAR Report Series on RIPs. In it we explain all about what a RIP i s. You can always add an after-market RIP to your ps version later on a s we did. The main advantage of the HP DesignJet printers is their ease of installation combined with their ease of use. We have students come in; get 15 minutes of instruction, and immediately after they print on their own.

If you would like a fast, full-featured RIP for all HP DesignJet printer s you might contact PosterJet RIP. Scarab is a highly regarded HP dealer; Scarab is the source for the HP printer for the Jet Propulsion Labs that printed the images from the Mars Rovers.

One company that is known to many photographers is LexJet. Dr Hellmuth has visited their national headquarters twice. LexJet sells all across the USA and to Latin America as well. Contact sales@lexjet.com to obtain more information.

Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 5500ps printer at ISA 2006.

The Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 5500ps, inks.

Most recently updated June 8, 2005.
First posted March 8, 2004.