This invited paper will address several emerging technologies that have an impact on scientists moving into digital imaging technology and raise a few concerns about this digital technology that may not have reached our group.

The quality of inkjet printers has moved forward at a staggering rate. The latest printers from Epson (the 900 series) have achieved a milestone in image quality that is very significant and yet is difficult to find in the specification sheet. The “dots” which the company claims can be as small as 3 picoliters are sufficiently small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. with an improved algorithm, the image quality in 1440 × 720 mode is as good as any dye-sublimation printer. The current 980 when printing in 1440 mode prints at twice the speed as the older 900. At only $250, it actually becomes cost effective to replace 900's with 980's solely based on the amount of time that is saved (even at a University).