Looking into a printer...need help

Well hello everyone. I have began to look into a nice printer for myself with my photography and my architecture studies. I will try to be as descriptive as I can so please bear with me.

I want to begin to print my own pictures due to the fact of not being around a lab where I live. I also want to begin to have complete control over my photo prints and the paper I use. My photos are mostly monochrome style with maybe a selective color. I am looking for something that can do 13x19 prints. I do not wish to print any larger than that on my own at the moment. I want something that has the ability for the range in these monochrome prints, as well as color of course

My architecture studies is also a big reason to do my own prints. I have found myself receiving crap prints from the lab at the Architecture school. They have such a huge demand with everyone trying to print, and they pump through the printing. The photos end up really smudged and lined when it comes to darker colors. It is a pain, especially when mostly using it for high-quality 11x17 portfolio prints.

I know this has been asked multiple times, but this will be my first quality printer. I do realize that the cost might be more when doing it myself, but having the ability of control and instant prints is well worth the cost.

So the bottom line is the price. I plan to purchase towards the end of April 2010, sooner if possible. I am thinking of a budget of around $500 give or take even towards the end of rebates as well. I will be using this printer for photos only. I have a Epson printer that works great for papers and fast study pictures for notes.

I have been looking at the Canon Pixma Pro9500 Mark II and the Canon Pixma 9000 Mark II. I have also looked at Ebay with them going new and much cheaper, but without a UPC and warranty. Do you think this would be a decent route to take buying from Ebay?

I appreciate the help and please send other suggestions my way. Thank you very much!

-Adam

Saw on the news about some scam with ebay... Don't know what that is but be cautious.
I have the Canon Pro 9000. You won't regret it.

Thank you very much. Yea I am unsure if I want to go through the Ebay route. Have you regretting not getting the 9500 by chance? I just want to make the best purchase once, and that will allow me to print for an extended period throughout college

I print a lot of color... If you do a lot of B&W, I hear the 9500 will be better.

Hello iAMB, I have a brand new-sealed box Canon Pixma 9000 Mark II which I purchased few weeks back, and its without the upc code for rebate purposes. It does have a valid warranty from canon. I don't plan to use it and willing to sell. Let me know if you are interested.

Poloman...Thank you for your responses. I am still looking very much into both of these.

Sam....Pm sent your way

Does anyone else have any info regarding B&W on the 9000 vs 9500?

For B&W you definitely want to go with the 9500 if you are going with Canon. It has photo black, matte black and a gray ink. I recently purchase one and the B&W are outstanding.

$200 rebate until Jan. 31, 2010, I believe.

Scott

Thank you Scott. I hope I can pull funds together before the end of the year, but I do not see it happening. I think I have settled with the 9500 as to what I should shoot for when saving.

Any more advice anyone?