Best Desktop Printer for Pantone matching

[Fullthrottledesigns]

I was just informed by my boss we have some surplus budget we need to spend. So anyway the printer we have in our office is pathetic when I try to show a proof with the colors not even close to hat they should be. Now my question is are there any good accurate desktop printers within the $500.00 range? I need something that will print my proofs a least somewhat close to the correct pantone colors. Any ideas?:confused:

-Thanks!!

PS I am also using some of the extra $$ on a Apple Time Capsule so if you have any advice on those I would appreciate it.

[Taskiss]

I'm thinking that if you get Pantone color matching ink you'll be good with whatever you buy.

http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20286&ca=10

There's a list of Epson printer profiles that support the ink. Looks to be that Epson is the only printer supported by the drivers...
http://www.pantone.com/pages/colorvantage/profileprinters.aspx

[Fullthrottledesigns]

Thanks for the links but from what I can tell all of those printers are discontinued.

Do you think the updated models will use the same profiles?

[Taskiss]

The R2400 seems to be supported and looks to still be available from Epson on their site:
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-8165

[709]

Some (nay, most ) Pantone colors are impossible to reproduce on a CMYK printer no matter what inks you use. If you're looking to get the closest possible Pantone match off an inkjet I'd suggest picking up a set of Color Bridge (http://www.amazon.com/Pantone-GPS207-Color-Bridge-Set/dp/B000FLXU9W/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b) guides. They really are invaluable.