The source for independent evaluations of printers, copiers, MFPs, and business-imaging solutions...

March 09

New Epson Color Ink-Jet Printer With Extra High-Yield 8,000-/7,000-Page Cartridges

Epson America is introducing two new color ink-jet printers, the B-310N and B-510DN, for high-volume printing in small and mid-size businesses.  Both of the new printers may be equipped with the highest-yield ink cartridges in the SMB ink-jet printer/All-in-One segment.  The B-510DN can be equipped with the highest-yield cartridges--a black extra high-yield cartridge ($69.99 ) rated to yield 8,000 pages, and cyan, yellow, magenta cartridges ($59.99 each) that are each rated to yield 7,000 pages, for a cost per page of approximately 0.8 and 2.5 cents for black and color respectively.  In contrast, the typical business model for color ink-jet cartridges is to sell low-priced (as low $10) ink cartridges, but with much lower page yields (as low as 500 pages), with proponents stating that end-users are buying based primarily on low cartridge acquisition price, not on cost per page.  Read more here.

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HP Cracks Down On Alleged Ink-Cartridge Counterfeits, Sues Four Asian Companies

Business Week is reporting  that Hewlett-Packard has sued a Taiwanese maker of printer ink cartridges, MicroJet Technology Co., and three other companies, alleging patent infringement and sale of products stolen from HP.  The case is Hewlett Packard v MicroJet Technology, 10-00965, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco), and was filed March 5, 2010.

According to the Wall Street Journal, in its 28-page federal lawsuit, HP says MicroJet Technology manufactured and sold ink cartridges that infringe on HP imaging technology.  The lawsuit also states that MicroJet sold some components to Mipo Group (Holding) Co. of Hong Kong, and PTC Holdings Ltd. of Hong Kong, which resold them.  Read more here.

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March 04

New Konica Minolta Mid-Range Color MFPs Start At $26,695

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is launching its newest color MFPs for mid-size to large workgroups, and light production, the bizhub C652DS and C552DS, which start at $26,695, and add a 156-opm (duplex) dual scanner for automatically scanning both sides of a two-sided original in a single pass.   An optional EFI Fiery controller is available for both systems, and Konica Minolta is also making available a new Scan Accelerator Kit for optimum performance when integrated with third-party document management solutions.

The systems incorporate network color print, color copy, and color scan (optional fax), and use Konica Minolta's proprietary Simitri HD Color Polymerized Toner.  The firm rates the bizhub C652DS at 65 (black)/50 (color) ppm and the C552DS at 55 (black)/45 (color) ppm.  List pricing is $32,950 and $26,695 respectively.  Read more here.

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Canon Obtains 71% Stake In Océ; Had Aimed For 85%

Canon Inc. of Japan has reported that it's obtained 71% of Océ N.V. shares, but that it had hoped to obtain a larger 85% stake.  Currently, some Océ shareholders have been refusing to accept Canon's offered share price, stating that it is too low.  In November 2009, Canon had offered to purchase Océ for some 987 million (730 million euros). 

Canon will give these Océ shareholders another opportunity to accept its bid (8.6 euros per share) from March 5- 19, 2010.  Canon will also shortly decide whether to accept this 71% stake in Océ, or walk away from the deal.

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March 03

Nuance Introduces Free Alternative PDF Reader; Converts PDFs Into MS Office Files

Nuance Communications, the Burlington, MA, software company that made news in October 2009 with its purchase of eCopy, has introduced an alternative to Adobe Inc.'s PDF Reader, the Nuance PDF Reader.  The Nuance PDF Reader provides the first-ever ability to convert PDF files being viewed in the reader into fully formatted Microsoft Word, Excel and Office XML documents through a cloud-based service hosted on NuancePDF.com.  (With cloud-based computing, software, applications and resources are shared via the Internet, and do not have to be stored on a computer workstation.)  The Nuance PDF Reader also provides a built-in SharePoint Connector that allows users to open and save PDF files directly into Microsoft SharePoint repositories.  Read more here.

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March 01

New Xerox WorkCentre 7700 Color MFP Series Starts At $24,100

Xerox has introduced its WorkCentre 7700 color MFP series for mid- to large workgroups with print speeds ranging from 40-50 ppm (color) and 55-75 ppm (black).  These laser-based systems support media sizes up to 13"x19", the company's Extensible Interface Platform open-development platform  (EIP) for creating custom applications accessible at the touch screen, and document finishing.  For graphic arts and more demanding printing, Xerox is also making an optional Electronics for Imaging (EFI) Fiery print server available.  The systems feature a new vertically oriented touch screen/control panel.  Network print and copy are standard; scan, scan to-e-mail, fax and LAN fax are optional.  Read more here.

 

 

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February 26

Pay Attention--New Panasonic A4 Strategy Adeptly Positions Company For Recovering SMB Market

While most office-imaging vendors are stilling clinging to their A3 (11"x17") office-imaging strategy, Wirth Consulting believes Panasonic's decision to focus on A4 (8.5"x14") systems well positions the company for penetrating the recovering SMB (small and mid-size business) market. 

Vendors who continue to cling to A3 are being short-sighted; the need for A3 is small as it is, and will continue to shrink.  While some may argue that in-house production of large-format documents such as brochures, collaterals, etc., is critical, it's more likely that these documents will increasingly be distributed electronically  (via e-mail, Internet and intranet, etc.).  Moreover, current research indicates that only 10 percent to less than 2.5 percent of office workers print on A3-size paper.  For nearly any organization, that means that it would be better off investing in a dedicated low-volume A3 printer/copier--with the rest of the workforce using less expensive, less energy-intensive, and more compact A4 imaging equipment.  And, with companies large and small poised to begin spending again on technology equipment, but still keeping an ever-wary eye on spending, the fact that A4 systems cost at least one-third less than A3 systems makes them a no-brainer.  Read more here.

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February 24

Xerox Sues Google, Yahoo Over Patent Infringements

Bloomberg News is reporting the Xerox is suing Google and Yahoo over patent infringement, alleging that the companies infringed on Xerox patents for search queries. 

According to Xerox, one patent automatically generates a query based on keyword searches, while another Xerox patent involves updating pages based on user reviews.  Bloomberg News says that Xerox filed suit on February 19th in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware.  Xerox wants both compensation and to prevent Google and Yahoo from using the technology.

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February 23

Lexmark Adds Evernote Digital-Filing Cabinet App To Ink-Jet SMBs

Lexmark International has introduced an interesting SmartSolution application, Evernote, that's available for three of its Web-connected color ink-jet All-in-Ones, the Interact, Prestige and Platinum, the last of which was tested by Wirth Consulting (see here).  Read more here.

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February 22

Strong Growth In Printer, MFP Sales In India

According to market-research firm Gartner Inc., sales of combined printers, copiers and MFPs in India grew a whopping 34.7 in the fourth quarter of 2009 versus fourth-quarter 2008.  Combined shipments totaled nearly 0.7 million units in fourth-quarter 2009, up 18% percent versus 2009's third quarter. 

Noted Vishal Tripathi, principal research analyst at Gartner, "This strong growth is the result of improving buyer confidence in the market.  Smaller towns and cities outside of the major metropolitan cities, and small and medium businesses, were the growth drivers."  Read more here.

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February 19

Staples Launches Printer-Fleet Management, IT Services

Staples, Inc. the office-supplies superstore company, is seeking to enter the IT Services and printer fleet-management business with a new division, Staples Technology Solutions.  The firm says the new division will provide everything from data-center solutions and printer fleet-management services, to network services and desktop technology products, and will target customers ranging from SMB businesses up to Fortune 1000 corporations.  Read more here.

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February 18

The Case For Ink-Jet Imaging

For many years, ink-jet imaging has tended to take a back seat to laser imaging.  Just start with the fact that "laser" tends to sound so much more impressive than mundane ink—something that's been with us for a long, long time (scientists trace it back to 12th century BC, when the Chinese first began manufacturing and using ink). 

However, right now may be the perfect opportunity for ink-jet imaging thanks to current economic conditions.  While larger companies continue to hold back on IT purchasing, we’re seeing small business and consumers begin to take the first baby steps in purchasing.  For instance, according to Karen Mills, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses may actually be among the first to lead the recovery, “We do know that the growth in the economy is going to come from small business." 

Wirth Consulting believes ink-jet vendors and products are perfectly positioned to appeal to these small business.  Here are some of their advantages:

• Because ink-jet vendors' customers traditionally include both small-/home-office (SOHO) users, and consumers, most have taken great pains to ensure that even the most technically unenlightened among us can install these systems without a hitch.  Wirth Consulting has extensively tested these ink-jet systems, and found that setting up hardware, connecting to the network and installing software is easier than ever.
• The same thing applies to ease of use.  Ink-jet vendors have had go out of their way to make sure that their client software is easy to use because their users can't typically rely on internal IT help, and many end-users are novices.  Second, we're now seeing color ink-jet AiOs under $500 with touch screens.  And as evaluated by Wirth Consulting, these ink-jet touch screens more than hold their own against more expensive laser systems' touch screens, and make configuring job settings, including entering e-mail addresses for scan-to-e-mail, easier than ever. 
• Ink-jets really shine when printing color photographs, and and for producing archival prints, which laser systems can't match. 
• When it comes to power consumption, ink-jets also win hands down; they consume as little as one-tenth the power consumption of their laser counterparts.  
• Ink-jets also boast a much smaller footprint than their laser counterparts.  As I write this, I sit next to a color laser printer and a color ink-jet All-in-One.  Even with an automatic document feeder, the All-in-One is half as tall as the laser printer, and frankly, I've never noticed a real appreciable difference in print speed.  Maybe you don't consider footprint that big of a deal, but consider that the cost of real estate is a significant expense when running a business.  Read more here.

 

 

 

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HP Posts Profit For 1st Quarter; Imaging and Printing Group Revenue Up 4%

Hewlett-Packard has released financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010, reporting net revenue of $31.2 billion, up 8% from a year earlier and up 5% when adjusted for the effects of currency.  First-quarter GAAP operating profit was up 20% to $3.0 billion, with GAAP diluted earnings per share at $0.96, up 28% from $0.75 a year earlier.   The company also raised its outlook for the full 2010 fiscal year, estimating that full-year fiscal 2010 revenue will be approximately $121.5 to $122.5 billion, up from its previous estimate of $118.0 to $119.0 billion.

HP's Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) reported that revenue increased 4% to $6.2 billion in the first quarter.  Supplies revenue was up 1%, while Commercial hardware revenue and consumer hardware revenue increased 4% and 21% respectively.  Printer unit shipments increased 16%, with commercial printer hardware units up 11% and consumer printer hardware units up 18%.  Operating profit was $1.1 billion, or 17.0% of revenue, versus $1.1 billion, or 18.5% of revenue versus 2009's 1st quarter.   Read more here.

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February 15

New A3 SMB MFPs, Document Library Software From Toshiba

Looking to expand its presence in the small- and mid-size (SMB) segment, Toshiba America Business Solutions is launching the e-STUDIO181/182/242 series, a new monochrome A3 monochrome MFP family that lists from $2,195 to $3,995. 

Standard capability includes local print and copy, with optional network print, scan and fax, and the systems are being distributed through authorized Toshiba dealers.  Of note is a 77,000/90,000 preventative maintenance interval. 

• The e-STUDIO181 is rated at up to 18 ppm, and features Microsoft Windows GDI local printing, copy, and TWAIN scan; network print and scan is optional.  Base list price is $2,195.
• The e-STUDIO182 is also rated at up to 18 ppm, and is virtually the same as the e-STUDIO181, but optional fax is available.  Base list price for the e-STUDIO182 is $2,695.
• The e-STUDIO242 is the same as the e-STUDIO182, but rated print speed is faster at 24 ppm.  Base list price is $3,395.  Read more here.

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February 12

HP Rolls Out Latest Officejet At Macworld

Hewlett Packard unveiled the newest member of its color ink-jet Officejet family, the Officejet 4500 All-in-One series, at the 2010 Macworld Conference & Exposition being held this week in San Francisco.  The Officejet 4500 All-in-One series features print, copy, scan and fax, wired and wireless connectivity, and starts at $99.  Wirth Consulting will shortly begin hands-on testing of the system, which begins shipping in March. 

Hatem Mostafa, vice president of the HP Imaging and Printing Group's Inkjet Business Solutions, said the Officejet 4500's affordability and value-add features are designed in particular to help small businesses, "HP believes in the entrepreneurial spirit and strives to create products that help customers turn their ideas into reality.  By delivering an affordable, low-cost-per-page business printer and worldwide access to free marketing templates, we can help small businesses around the world affordably maximize productivity and successfully promote their brands.”  Read more here.

 

 

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February 09

Xerox Previewing New Ink-Jet Production System At London IPEX Show

Xerox is previewing a new production-printing system that uses ink-jet imaging technology at the IPEX Media Summit now being held in the United Kingdom. 

According to Eric Armour, president of Xerox's Global Business Group, one of the advantages of ink-jet imaging is that such systems use considerably less energy than toner-based systems:  "The strategy behind adding inkjet to the Xerox portfolio is comparable to how automobile manufacturers offer cars powered by gas, diesel or electricity - each meets a different performance standard.  We delivered breakthrough toner-based color continuous-feed solutions allowing new levels of cost, image quality and speed for transpromotional applications. Our new offering will meet similar requirements for those looking for an ink-jet option."

Also at IPEX, Xerox is showing enhancements to its Xerox 650/1300™ Continuous Feed Printing Systems toner-based monochrome systems. The new enhancements include heavy-weight media compatibility, with the ability to run duplex applications up to 200 gsm and the FreeFlow™ Print Server 7 and ImageSmooth Technology, which Xerox says provides best image quality without slowing down print speed.

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February 08

HP Rolls Out Zero-Percent Financing Program

On January 29, Hewlett-Packard announced a new zero-percent financing program aimed especially at helping small and mid-size businesses. 

The program is being offered through HP Financial Services, which is HP's asset-management services and leasing subsidiary.  The new financing program offers  businesses the choice of either leasing or owning HP products.  Under the new program, customers can choose from a:

• 12-month lease with a $1 purchase option; or
• 36-month lease with fair-market value purchase option.

Businesses in the United States and Canada can take advantage of both offers through April 30, 2010.  In the U.S.,  businesses can finance between $1,500 and $150,000 worth of products from HP’s product portfolio.  Canadian businesses can finance products ranging from CDN$5,000 to CDN$150,000.  Complete details for both offers are available at www.hp.com/go/totalfinancing.

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Xerox, ACS Shareholders Approve ACS Acquisition

Shareholders of Xerox Corporation and of Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.  today approved Xerox's acquisition of ACS, a global IT services firm. The transaction will be completed shortly.  More than 96 percent of the Xerox common shares that voted at the Xerox meeting voted "FOR" the acquisition.

More than 86 percent of the voting power of the outstanding shares of ACS Class A and Class B stock voted "FOR" the acquisition.  In addition, the "majority of the minority" vote requirement was met.   Read more here.

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February 04

Panasonic Exiting A3 MFP Market

Panasonic System Networks Company of America today announced that it will "substantially increase" its footprint in the A4 (8.5"x14") MFP segment.  The firm says the A4 MFP market has "undergone rapid growth and is emerging as the de facto standard in the marketplace."  Consequently, it states that the A3 (11"x17") MFP market is "fading," and will no longer be Panasonic's focus.  Based on internal company research, it states that the A4 market will be dominant by 2012 and will account for the majority of imaging devices sold.  Read more here.

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February 02

Lexmark 4th-Quarter Revenue Up 12% Versus 3rd Quarter

Lexmark International has announced fourth-quarter revenue of $1.07 billion, a 12% increase versus third-quarter 2009, and a decline of 1% versus fourth-quarter 2008. 

However, net earnings for fourth-quarter 2009 were $60 million (76 cents per share), up 230 percent versus fourth-quarter 2008.  Lexmark cites cost-cutting and stronger customer demand, with Lexmark Chairman and CEO Paul J. Curlander noting, "Lexmark’s fourth quarter results were significantly better than anticipated, reflecting strong sequential improvements in customer demand, which were enhanced by the strength of the new products we introduced over the past year.  During the quarter, we continued to strengthen our business model through the implementation of our restructuring and expense reductions, which delivered over $200 million of expense savings in 2009.  These actions, along with the increased customer demand, helped us to deliver strong sequential and year-over-year improvements in operating income and cash flow. Our ongoing financial position remains strong with over $1.1 billion in cash and current marketable securities."   Read more here.

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