Upgrade To Multi-Function Printers Without Premium

Three new entry-level and mid market multi-function printing devices are now being offered by Konica Minolta Business Solutions with its Bizhub C203, C253 and C353 models.

Each new Bizhub model is said to provide a choice of 20, 25 or 35 page per minute (ppm) output in colour, or mono.

Konica Minolta said that it is marketing the new Bizhub colur multi-functional models so that customers can upgrade to the Bizhub C203, C253 and C353 without paying a premium on mono output, whilst getting the versatility of a true colour multi-function system.

The Bizhub C203, C253 and C353 have network printer, copier and network scanner functions as standard with a Super G3 fax module option.

In common with all Bizhub systems the new machines use Konica Minolta's open platform (OP) architecture and feature an embedded Emperon image controller.

That controller is said to provide a unified driver for the print and scan functions, as well as network integration.

The image controller supports PCL6c and PostScript Level 3 printing as standard.

Konica Minolta said that for easy operation by all users, the Bizhub design includes a full-colour 8.5-inch display, with a touch screen that can be rotated and tilted to suit a desired position.

The screen also features thumbnails of each job in the user box for document identification and re-routing.

An 'info line' runs the length and width of the three multi-functional Bizhubs with LEDs, showing operating status including paper levels, engine status and data processing.

To meet the demand from customers for duplex (double-sided) printing for economy and environmental conservation, the company added that the three new Bizhubs have an auto duplex setting and will print double-sided A4 pages in colour at full speed.

To ensure economic use of paper, auto duplexing can be set as a default setting, which can only be overridden by authorised users.

The new Bizhubs have a range of access control features that are said to to prevent unauthorised users accessing functions such as colour, scanning and single sided printing.

They include standard user authentication by user name and PIN, as well as the option of a biometric finger vein authentication scanner, which is claimed to be 10 times more accurate than finger print recognition technology, or a contact-less user card swipe facility compatible with cards from Mifare (Type A) and Legic.

Paper up to 256gsm can be fed from all the trays, including auto duplex copy or print.

Standard paper supply is 500 sheets up to A3 plus, 500 sheets up to A3 and FB, with a 150-sheet by-pass facility, giving a total capacity of 1,150 sheets, said Konica Minolta.

The by-pass can feed paper up to 271gsm.

Capacity can be optionally upgraded to a maximum 3,650 A4 sheets with a large capacity cabinet.

Konica Minolta said that the new Bizhubs offer flexibility of output with banner and poster print facilities.

Banners for promotional use up to 1,200mm (approximately four feet) in length and 297mm wide can be printed in colour.

Posters can also be generated by splitting the image over several printed pages, with a twice A0 poster able to be made up from 16 A3 sheets, for example.

The new Bizhubs feature slit scan technology that can scan originals at the rate of up to 70 colour or mono sheets per minute at 300 dots per inch (dpi) resolution, it is claimed.

For customers using archiving software that is said to allow high speed and accurate scanning of documents.

Document scans can also be sent externally via email, to an FTP server, or to a user's personal folder on their desktop.

The new Bizhubs use Konica Minolta's patented Simitri HD Polymerised Toner, which is said to have smaller, smoother, more uniform toner particles for more even distribution, better fine line definition and better solid fills.

The Bizhub C203, C253 and C353 are available with a range of finishing options, including sorting, stapling and saddle stitching, as well as four hole punching capabilities.

John Howard, head of UK marketing at Konica Minolta Business Solutions, commented: "With the introduction of the Bizhub C203, C253 and C353 we complete the next generation Bizhub range of colour multi-functionals.

Based on sales of the higher speed Bizhubs already launched, the C203, C253 and C353 will sell in volume and cement our position as the number one supplier of true colour multi-functionals.

Our pricing strategy means the new generation of colour Bizhubs will be straight replacements for mono copier-printers.".

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