Sharp MX-B402 "Spec Review"

Sharp launched a new A4 b/w laser MFP, the MX-B402 featuring:

o Base MSRP of $4795

o 40ppm top speed

o Will replace the MX-B401

o 50 second warmup time and 8 second first copy out time

o Has 25% lower cost per page to the dealer
o 20,000 page yield for black toner (based on 5% coverage per page)
o 7” color touchscreen LCD display with thumbnail preview
o 600x600dpi
o Optional fax board with PC fax
o Handles up to 110lb. index paper weight
o Comes standard with 100 sheet stack bypass and one 500 sheet paper drawer, and can up to 3 more drawers to make unit floor standing
o Auto duplex & 50 sheet document feeder standard with 35opm scan speed
o Card shot standard
o Built-in print controller:
 Actual maker unknown (most likely Zoran)
 IPv6
 10/100/1000BaseT& USB ports in rear
 USB port in front for print from thumb drive
 Optional card readers
 800MHz processor from Freescale
 512MB RAM (separate 1GB RAM for copier features)
 80GB hard drive
• Optional hard drive data security kit
 PCL & PostScript print drivers standard
• Optional XPS print driver which requires purchase of 1GB RAM option
 imageSEND scans documents to 7 destinations
• USB/network/email
• Scans in color
 Internet fax
 OSA technology for optional embedded applications
o Optional internal 30 sheet stapling finisher

-=Greets from Sandy Hook=-

Sharp MX-M623 and MX-M753 "Spec Review"

Gathered from Print4Pay Hotel Members from around the world and a few moles in very good places!

- Sharp gave out more details on its new digital b/w A3 copiers, the MX-M623 and MX-M753:
o Replace the M620 and M700
o Base MSRPs of $19,500 and $23,900
o 62ppm and 75ppm top speeds respectively
o Unlike competitive models in this speed ranges, these models have the “hole-in-the-middle” design, so do not look like true “console” designs that customer prefer in this speed range due to copy volumes
o Code name for this engine is the Sharp “Dragon” engine, which was originally launched in 2004
o Models have the textured light gray plastic design of slower speed Sharp models
o 8.5” full color LCD touch screen control panel
o Uses second generation “microfine” pulverized toner
o Optional retractable keyboard
o Optional common access card (CAC) reader
o OPC drum and developer have yield of 300,000
o Toner yield of 83,000 pages based on 5% per page coverage
o 300K/month maximum duty cycle
o 1200x1200dpi print output, 600x600dpi copier output & 600x600dpi scan resolution
o Comes standard with 3,100 sheet paper supply
 Maximum paper capacity with options of 6,600 sheets
 Letter size LCT for $1425, Tabloid size LCT for $2900
o Document feeder can:
 Hold up to 150 originals with top scan speed of 75opm
 Can scan both sides of original at same time
o Finishing options include:
 $3450 for 50 sheet staple or $6550 for 100 sheet staple
 $5000 for 50 sheet staple and 80 sheet booklet maker
 $715 for punch kit
 $2275 for cover inserter
o Built-in print controller features:
 Actual maker unknown (most likely Zoran)
 Uses 800MHz processor from Freescale (not Intel)
 1GB RAM (can be increased to 2GB)
 80GB hard drive
 $399 for hard drive security kit
 Comes standard only with USB port for “host” based printing, meaning that the customers computer has to do the processing of the print jobs
 Optional onboard processing (included on the “N” models)
 $3400 for PCL print driver
• $745 for PostScript print driver
• $595 for barcode printing
• $625 for XPS print driver (for Microsoft Windows 7)
• All require extra 1GB RAM for $500
 $1095 for network scanning
• color scanning
• scan to email/desktop/FTP/SMB/USB (no scan to WebDAV)
• $1230 for compressed PDFs
 Can scan to or print from a USB thumb drive
 Open Systems Architecture (OSA) allows for optional embedded applications but requires $349 Application Integration Module
o $1295 for analog fax board and $545 for Internet fax
- Canon claims that it new imageRUNNER ADVANCE MFP models are environmentally friendly. That it emits 20% less CO2 when compared to previous models. The machine’s plastic exteriors also are made partly by plant-based materials. (company did not explain why it has not switched to dark plastic instead of off-white plastic which requires bleaching)

-=Greetings from Sandy Hook=-

Sharp MX-2301N "Spec Review"

- Sharp launched a new A3 color MFP overseas that it may also launch in U.S. The new MX-2301N features:
- 23ppm top speed b/w or color
- 4 tandem OPC drum design
- Based on the Pastel platform, same as existing MX-2600N and others
- 8.1” color LCD touch screen display
- Does NOT have retractable keyboard like other models
- Optional OSA embedded software
- Built-in print/scan controller (most likely made by Zoran)
- Does NOT offer XPS print driver
- Does NOT offer hard disk overwrite/erase
- Does NOT offer Internet fax
- Optional fax board
- 100 sheet document feeder, with top speed of 50opm (does NOT scan both sides of original at same time)
- Comes standard with two 500 sheet drawers and 100 sheet stack bypass
- Auto duplex standard
- Can two more 500 sheet drawers
- Optional internal stapling finisher only

-=Cheers from Sandy Hook=-

Sharp now shipping MX-M200D, MX-M260 & MX-M310

- Sharp now shipping new low end b/w laser MFPs, the MX-M200D, MX-M260 & MX-M310 offering:

- MX-M200D offers 20ppm top speed
- Replaces AR-M207e
- Based on Pegasus A3 engine design, first launched in 2003
- Base MSRP of $4090
- Comes standard with 40 sheet document feeder
- Unlike other Sharp models, does not offer the textured plastic exterior
- Small, non-touch screen monochrome LCD panel
- Toner yield of 16K based on 5% coverage per page
- Developer and drum yield of 50K
- Comes standard with USB port and 48MB RAM
- Scans in color and b/w, but only TWAIN scan standard
- Optional network printing and scanning for $750 with PCL print driver
- PostScript print driver for $395
- Fax board for $660
- 10MB fax memory for $195
- Comes standard with two 250 sheet paper drawers and 100 sheet stack bypass
- Auto duplex standard
- Additional 250 sheet drawers are $450 each
- No finishing options
- MX-M260 and MX-M310 offer 26ppm and 31ppm respectively
- Based on Andromeda A3 engine launched in 2003
- Replace the AR-M257 & AR-M317
- Base MSRPs of $5650 and $6995 respectively
- Come standard with USB port and 32MB RAM
- Optional 1GB RAM
- No scanning standard
- Optional print controller for $1195
- PCL print driver
- PostScript print driver for $395
- 300MHz processor
- 64MB RAM (can upgrade to 320MB)
- $395 for data security kit
- No hard drive option for spooling or storage
- Network scanning is additional $1095
- Scan to email/FTP/desktop in b/w only
- Application Integration Module allows end users to enter data at control panel for their scans for $349
- Fax board is $1195
- No second fax line option
- Toner yield of 25K based on 5% coverage per page
- Developer and drum yields of 75K
- Come standard with two 250 sheet paper drawers and 100 sheet stack bypass
- 8.1” monochrome LCD touch screen
- 100 sheet document feeder with top scan speed of 39opm
- Can add two 500 sheet drawers for $795
- Optional internal stapling finisher for $1795

-=Cheers=-

SHARP FO-2080 Targeted for SMB Environments

SHARP INTRODUCES NEW MULTIFUNCTIONAL DOCUMENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

FO-2080 provides full MFP feature set making it a versatile solution for SMB environments.


MAHWAH, N.J., July 23, 2009 – Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, today introduced the FO-2080, a digital document communication system that packs Sharp’s multi-functional capabilities into a compact footprint for the SMB market. The versatile FO-2080 combines high speed Super G3 fax functionality with high-quality digital copying, network printing, and direct-to-PC color scanning in an easy-to-use machine that is easily accessible to anyone in the workgroup.

Providing an enhanced level of user-friendliness, the FO-2080 provides auto switching between dual paper trays as a standard feature, eliminating the need to manually switch between legal and letter sized paper for incoming faxes. With an overall maximum capacity of 550 sheets, the two standard 250-sheet paper trays simultaneously accommodate different paper sizes such as letter or legal, along with a 50-sheet bypass tray that can handle heavy paper, labels, transparencies, and envelopes, to keep workflow moving seamlessly. The FO-2080 also delivers features such as 2-sided printing, copying and scanning, as well as E-Sort and Offset Stacking, making tasks such as collating, separating, and sorting absolutely effortless.

“The FO-2080 is a highly functional office document solution that puts the capabilities of multiple machines in the footprint of an average fax machine,” said Andre Pimentel, Associate Product Manager, A4 Multifunction Printers, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “This is a product that can help enable office administrators to greatly resolve and streamline workflow issues and reduce cost of operation in a number of ways.”

The FO-2080 provides 20 PPM standard copying and printing, as well as network and USB printing. End-users who need a scanning solution can use the FO-2080 for direct-to-PC color scanning. Taking the scanning features to the next level, the FO-2080 provides Sharpdesk, Sharp’s innovative document management software, which integrates business documents into one place for easy organizing, editing, sharing, and archiving. Also provided is Button Manager, Sharp’s built-in utility which offers a simple one-touch solution that enables the user to send scanned files to multiple destinations, including Scan to Email, Scan to File, and even Scan to OCR (Optical Character Recognition).

The Sharp FO-2080 is now available exclusively to the Sharp BTA Dealer Network and Sharp Certified Channel Reseller distributors. For more information about the complete line of Sharp document solution products, contact Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07495-1163, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp’s Web site at sharpusa.com or sharpusa.com/documents.

-=Good Selling=-

Sharp MX-M363, MX-M453, MX-M503 Spec Review

Sharp now shipping several new b/w laser MFPs, the MX-363, MX-M453 and MX-M503:

- 36, 45 & 50ppm
- All are A3 models, offering up to 11”x17”
- Will replace the MX-M350 and M450 models
- Code-named “Jupiter III” design
- Base MSRPs range from $7990 to $9990 for M363
- Base MSRPs range from $9390 to $11,390 for M453
- Base MSRPs range from $11,990 to $13,990 for M503
- Black toner yield of 40,000 pages based on 5% coverage per page
- Drum and developer yield of 200,000 pages
- Outside of MFP has textured plastic and chrome accents
- 8.5” color touch screen LCD on “N” version models
- Optional retractable QWERTY keyboard
- “U” versions have b/w touch screen and no keyboard
- “U” models have 100 sheet document feeder that operates at 50opm
- “N” models have 150 sheet document feeder that scans both side of original at same time, up to 70opm
- Comes standard with two 500 sheet paper drawers and 100 sheet stack bypass
- Auto duplex standard
- $845 to add another 500 sheet drawer
- $1075 to add two 500 sheet drawers
- $196 for copy desk
- $1495 for side-mount 3,500 sheet paper deck
- $1295 for fax board
- Built-in print controller on “N” versions:
- 800MHz processor
- 320MB RAM standard (can upgrade to 1GB for $500)
- 80GB hard drive
- 10/100/1000BaseT & USB ports
- PCL print driver standard
- $745 for PostScript print driver
- $625 for Windows Vista XPS print driver (requires 1GB RAM)
- $399 data security kit
- Scans in b/w and color
- Comes standard with one license of Sharpdesk OCR
- additional licenses are $233 each
- $1795 for internal stapling finisher
- $2895 for bookletmaker, for up to 15 sheet booklets
- $2895 for 4,000 sheet stapling finisher
- Any finisher requires $425 relay unit
- $698 hole punch kit

Sharp MX-M363N, MX-M453N & MX-M503N Review

Sharp launched three new b/w laser MFPs, the MX-M363N, MX-M453N & MX-M503N featuring:

- Has same cosmetic look as the Sharp “Frontier Series”
- A3 designs, up to 11”x17”
- 36, 45 & 50ppm top speeds
- Optional fax board
- Uses pulverized micro-fine toner
- Auto duplex standard
- 8.5” full color touchscreen LCD control panel
- retractable keyboards
- 35ppm scan speed
- 600x600dpi copy
- 600x600dpi scan
- 1200x1200dpi print
- Maximum paper supply of 5600 sheets with options
- 100 sheet document feeder that scans both sides of original at same time
- While unit only outputs in b/w, it can also scan in color
- Optional internal stapling finisher
- Built-in print/scan controller standard
- 800MHz processor
- 10/100/1000BaseT & USB ports
- 512MB RAM
- 80GB hard drive
- PCL & PostScript print drivers
- OSA technology which allows embedded applications

I really like the retractable keyboard in this unit, plus the ability to scan up to 70 pages a minute in black or color! Nice unit, seems Sharp is going to hang around and give everyone a run for their money.

-=Good Selling=-

Sharp MX-B401 Review

Sharp launched the MX-B401 b/w laser MFP featuring:

- Part of the “Frontier Series”
- Letter/legal only as it is an A4 design
- 40ppm top speed
- Optional fax board
- 8.5” full color touchscreen LCD control panel
- Base MSRP of $4995
- 35ppm scan speed
- 600x600dpi copy
- 600x600dpi scan
- 1200x1200dpi print
- 600 sheet standard paper supply
- Maximum paper supply of 2100 sheets with options
- 50 sheet document feeder
- Optional internal stapling finisher
- Built-in print/scan controller standard
- 800MHz processor
- 10/100/1000BaseT & USB ports
- 512MB RAM
- 80GB hard drive
- PCL & PostScript print drivers

-=Good Selling=-

Sharp C-Frontier Series MFPs Honored With BERTL "Five-Star, Exceptional" Rating

I've raved about these units from Sharp in previous blogs, A4 (non 11x17) machines are the wave of the future. Consider the price point, the cost per page alomng with reliabilty and these units will always lead the pack.

MAHWAH, NJ -- 04/02/09 -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) today announced that BERTL (Business Equipment Research and Test Laboratories®), a premier source for objective, independent product-evaluation reports on digital imaging devices and software, has awarded the Sharp MX-C311, MX-C401, DX-C311 and DX-C401 multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) with its highest distinction: a 'Five-Star, Exceptional' rating.


"The response to all of the Frontier models has been very positive from our dealer community and end users," said Gary Bailer, associate director of Product Management, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. "In accepting this recognition, we are honored, but will continue to push the limits of innovation to ensure our dealers have the most powerful products available."

In the accompanying report, BERTL concludes that "Sharp has delivered a home run with their introduction of the MX-C311" and goes on to say they believe the Sharp MX-C311 "will revolutionize the MFP market."

BERTL publishes product evaluation reviews on several hundred copiers, printers, fax, multifunctional, color and production devices every year. Out of these hundreds of devices, only a small number are recognized with the prestigious 5-Star, Exceptional rating. This rating is reserved exclusively for devices that deliver an outstanding range of business-critical features/functions, are innovative, easy-to-use, well-designed and represent exceptional value for the money for their target user base.

Introduced in late 2008, the MX-C311/MX-C401 and DX-C311/DX-C401 are the first models in the Frontier Series, a family of A4 Multifunction Peripheral (MFP) and printer products that are designed to meet the needs of small and medium workgroups and bring the superior performance of Sharp technology closer to the end-user. Each model provides digital color copier, network printer, network scanner, and fax capabilities in a single MFP, with standard award-winning features such as an 8.5 inch (diagonal) WVGA color touchpanel display, the Sharp OSA(TM) platform, remote access capability, and a sleek, stylish exterior design.

The MX-C311, MX-C401, and all Frontier models with the MX designation, will be available exclusively via authorized Sharp dealers, certified channel resellers, and direct sales. For more information about the complete line of Sharp document solution products, contact Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07495-1163, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at sharpusa.com or sharpusa.com/documents.

About BERTL

BERTL® Inc. is a leading source for objective, independent product evaluation reports and comparative analyses on digital imaging devices and workflow solutions. BERTL's evaluation reports, customer satisfaction research, awards and product ratings are undertaken entirely at BERTL's expense for the benefit of its international subscriber base.

At all times, BERTL's primary focus is the end user. Covering all major digital imaging manufacturers, BERTL publishes the world's most extensive Web site of evaluation reports, comparisons data, vertical market research, news and more on copiers, printers, MFPs, production and workgroup scanners, fax machines, color and production equipment and wide format devices. BERTL reports, research and other industry informative services are available in a range of specialized subscription services. To learn more about BERTL, visit http://www.BERTL.com or telephone 1.973.882.0200.

About Sharp

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS® Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision® projection products, Insight® Microwave Drawer® appliances, Plasmacluster® air purifiers, and Notevision® multimedia projectors. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at http://www.sharpusa.com

Sharp, Sharp OSA and related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT:
Karl Pawlewicz
Stanton Crenshaw Communications
Phone: 646-502-3523
Email: kpawlewicz@stantoncrenshaw.com

Chris Loncto
Sharp Electronics Corporation
Phone: 201-529-8680
Email: lonctoc@sharpsec.com

Sharp debuted new A3 color laser MFPs

Sharp debuted new A3 color laser MFPs to replace the MX-3500N, MX-3501N & MX-4501N.
new models are the MX-4100N, MX-4101N & MX-5001N offer OSA, or the ability to use optional embedded software applications (must buy two $349 modules to get this to work)

Here's some specs for ya:


- 41ppm, 41ppm and 50ppm top speeds respectively
- Base MSRPs of $15,995, $16,495 & $19,095
- Use Sharp micro-fine pulverized toner
- Black toner yield of 36,000 pages
- Color toner yields of only 15,000 pages
- Black developer yield of 150,000 pages
- Color developers yield of 100,000 pages
- Black drum yield of 150,000 pages
- Color drums yield 100,000 pages
- 150K/month maximum duty cycle
- 120 second warmup time
- Have textured plastic outside body with chrome accents (like the Sharp Frontier series)
- 8.5” color LCD display
- Retractable keyboard for data entry
- Optional 4,000 sheet multi-position stapling finisher for $2895 (requires $425 bridge unit)
- Optional booklet making finisher for $2895
- Optional internal stapling finisher for $1795
- $698 for hole punch unit
- Must buy a $120 exit tray to print on 12”x18”
- Handles up to 110lb. index
- Comes standard with two 500 sheet paper drawers and 100 sheet bypass
- Auto duplex standard
- $845 for another 500 sheet drawer and storage
- $1075 for two more 500 sheet drawers
- $1495 for side mount paper deck that holds up to 3500 sheet of letter size paper
- On the MX-4101N & MX-5001N, come standard with document feeder holds up to 150 originals that scans both sides of the original at the same time. Top scan speed of 70opm in single sided mode
- On the MX-4001N, document feeder holds up to 100 sheets, with top speed of 50opm scan speed
- Built-in print controller features 800MHz, 80GB hard drive and 1GB RAM
- USB port on front for printing and scanning from USB thumb drive
- PCL print driver standard.
- $745 for PostScript print driver
- $1125 for XPS print driver
- $549 for data security kit
- $1230 for compressed PDF scanning
- $1295 for optional fax board

Sharp Partner Marketing Program Validates Print Audit 5 Embedded

I for one would love to the chance to add widgets with the Sharp OSA technology. The technology is awesome and others will have to follow Sharp's lead with OSA technology. I had heard at the Sharp Dealer Show that they had these systems set up as Kiosks, where people would check in and then their Dealer Badges were automatically printed!!!!

Calgary, Alberta - September 18, 2008 - Print Audit and Sharp Electronics Corporation have joined forces through the Sharp Partner Program, ensuring that Print Audit 5 Embedded is fully compatible with Sharp OSA-enabled devices. This new alliance will pair the unique features of Print Audit's print management software solution, Print Audit 5 Embedded, with Sharp OSA-enabled multifunction peripherals (MFPs), creating a seamlessly incorporated workflow.

Tightly integrated with Print Audit 5, Print Audit 5 Embedded is a comprehensive print management solution that allows organizations to analyze, reduce and recover costs related to walk-up copying, printing, scanning, and faxing. Sharp OSA technology extends MFP applications to numerous vertical business categories and helps businesses to improve productivity, reduce operational costs and target specific business needs.


"This is a key and mutually beneficial alliance that not only showcases the best features of both companies' products and services, but also illustrates our continued commitment to meeting the needs of our customers," said John MacInnes, President and CEO of Print Audit. "Sharp shares our dedication to excellence, quality, and innovation, and we look forward to working together to provide our customers with the best print management solutions available."

"Print Audit is leveraging the open, flexible development capabilities of Sharp OSA technology to create innovative document management solutions for users of Sharp OSA-compatible MFPs," said Tom Davis, Vice President Marketing Applications Development, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. "Print Audit 5 Embedded gives an organization the ability to save money and time by providing a seamless solution for managing walk up MFP use."

In addition to ensuring that Print Audit 5 Embedded is fully compatible with Sharp OSA-enabled MFPs, the alliance will also allow Sharp dealers to take advantage of other Print Audit products that are designed to help dealers sell more hardware and increase their post sales revenue. For example, dealers have the ability to perform comprehensive print assessments using Print Audit Assessor while Print Audit 5's rules-based features provide the ability to restrict printer usage and redirect high-cost jobs to more efficient devices.

The added value of these distinctive Print Audit 5 features has helped Print Audit's partnered office equipment dealers bring in $450 million in additional hardware sales.
For more information on Print Audit 5 or to download a free trial, visit

http://www.printaudit.com/

For more information on the Sharp Partner Program, visit http://www.sharp-partners.com/

About Sharp Electronics Corporation

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit digital audio products, SharpVision projection products, Insight Microwave Drawer appliances, Plasmacluster air purifiers, and Notevision multimedia projectors. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at http://www.sharpusa.com/

About Print Audit Established in 1999 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Print Audit is the fastest growing print management company in the world. By providing businesses with innovative and practical print management software solutions, the company has helped customers recapture over $79 million in printing and photocopying expenses while saving an estimated 90,000 trees a year. Print Audit has offices located in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada and the United States.

For more information about Print Audit, please contact:

Angela Onstine
Public Relations Representative
Print Audit - North America
877.41.AUDIT (28348)
aonstine@printaudit.com
http://www.printaudit.com/

For locations outside North America, please contact:

Print Audit - Europe
+44(0)1483 726206
http://www.printauditeurope.com/
inquiry@printauditeurope.com

Print Audit - South Africa
+086 110 5777
http://www.printauditsa.com/
info@printauditsa.com

Print Audit - ANZ
+612 940 48500
http://www.printauditanz.com/

Print Audit - America Latina
+55(21)2220 0939
http://www.printaudit.com.br/
Informacoes em Portugues:
suporte@printaudit.com.br
Informaciones en Espanol:
espanol@printaudit.com.br

MFP Wars "Rise of the A4's"

Not since Minolta incorporated the first zoom lens in a copier will there be a more sweeping change in the MFP landscape! I've been on this kick for over two years, when HP launched the first A4 MFP!

Whats Hot!!! A4 MFP devices, what is an A4 MFP? A4 actually represents the paper size that can be reproduced on the system. A4 devices will print, copy, fax and scan letter & legal size. A3 devices will print, copy, fax and scan letter, legal and ledger size.

Gartner predicts that A4 print centric devices will emerge as the preferred device for distributed print needs in a report dated December of 2007. Heck, I could have told then that back in 2006. Make no bones about it A4's are here to stay and A3's will be a niche market for some manufacturers, what I really can't figure out is why companies like Ricoh, Xerox, Canon, KonicaMinolta and a few others have ignored this tremendous opportunity to garner clicks?

So, who has A4 devices (35ppm and above) on the market now? As of right now there are only a handful. HP and Samsung have thier own devices, while Muratec, Xerox and Nashua have relabeled the Samsungs. Samsung recently introduced a 55ppm and a 40ppm color A4 MFP. Word on the street is that Muratec will be picking up both of these boxes.

In May of 2007, Sharp announced that they will bring to market an entire line of A4 devices code named Frontier. Kudos, they will be the first manufacturer to have a complete line. In talking to a friend at SBS, I was told that these devices are ready to go and just waiting for the initial launch.

So, whats not to like about A4, well its certainly not the price. An A4 45 ppm system that will copy, print, scan and fax can be purchased for under $5,000. Compare that to a traditional A4 device will run you twice that!

Some have asked where the sweet spot is for A4 vs A3 devices. As of right now, A3 devices have a much lower cost per page. The sweet spot depends on where your monthly volume falls, as of right now 10,000 or less a month will save you money over the traditional A3 (even with the lower cost per page).

Speaking about lower per page costs, I've said it before and will say it again. The first manufacturer that comes to market with and A4 with the cost per page of an A3 device will dominate the market. Savvy reps will instantly sell the TCO advantages, with that the HP and Samsung devices will be short lived. Typically, an A4 device will have a mono cost per page around .015 compared to current A3 devices that average .009. It's not uncommon to see A3's at even lower cost depending on the monthly volume. The higher the volume the lower the cost per page.

Here's an except from a brochure for a popular A4. "When compared to the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of a general A3 multifunctional TCO, at an average of 10,000 pages per month, can result in one of the lowest running costs in its class.

Infotrends reports, “We believe that the role of workgroup A4 MFPs will grow strongly, pulling A4/letter size pages away from A3 copiers and MFPs, thereby weakening the demand for these larger devices,” commented Bob Leahey, an Associate Director at InfoTrends. “A3 devices will remain vital in the U.S., but the push by major suppliers of workgroup A4 alternatives is having an effect on decision-making regarding office equipment purchases at U.S. companies. Because of this impact and other factors, A3-format technology will represent a declining share of the installed base of U.S. office equipment over the next several years.”

All hail the rise of the A4!