I have tested and reported on both printers in Shutterbug and if you missed reading either they can be read from the archives in our web site.

I would not recommend either printer for printing B&W. Otherwise the biggest difference between these two printer is the Canon i9900 is a dye ink printer and the Epson R1800 is a pigment ink printer. On that basis depending on the paper the images are printed on the Epson R1800 prints will probably have a longer life. If you prefer printing on resin-coated papers the Canon i9900 might be the better choice, and if you prefer coated fiber-base matte papers you should favor the Epson R1800.

That answer helps me as well, David. I have been back and forth, serveral times a day, every day, for a week, reading reviews and trying to decide between the Canon i990 and the Epson 2400 or 1800.

If I may suggest, forget which is better, they all are capable of making really fine photographic prints. Other factors are really more important to match a printer to a photographer. If a photographer only likes glossy/luster RC based papers, and doesn't care about B&W, then the Canon i9900 is a good choice. If a photographer cares about print longevity and appreciates prints made on quality fiber-based matte papers, and being able to select from a broad range of printing media, either of the Epson's is the better choice. If you are a photographer who has a substantial need and interest in B&W printing, then it is worth affording the Epson R2400. If you are a photographer only interested in printing color then Epson R1800 is a better choice in terms of value than the R2400.

That helps too, although my head is about to explode. I have to get out of this HP 2 ink cartridge rut.