A printer includes: a first fixed printhead; a second fixed printhead positioned downstream of the first printhead relative to a media feed direction; a platen for supporting print media; an input media transport mechanism positioned upstream of the first printhead, the input media transport mechanism exerting a gripping force N1 on print media; an output media transport mechanism positioned downstream of the second printhead, the output media transport mechanism exerting a gripping force N2 on print media; and an intermediary media transport mechanism positioned between the first and second printheads, the intermediary media transport mechanism exerting a gripping force N3 on print media. The gripping forces satisfy the relationship N1>N2>N3 for optimal printing results.