Melange Of Feature-Rich Printers Fit any Solution

HP LJ2550L and HP Officejet 9130
One remarkably inexpensive color laser printer is HP's LaserJet 2550L. The L model is an entry-level unit that does not include network connectivity but can connect to a single PC using either its USB 2.0 or 1284-B parallel interface. The machine is priced at $499 and includes cables and documentation, an imaging drum, a 5,000-page black toner cartridge and 2,000-page cyan, yellow and magenta cartridges. Networking capability, additional paper trays and full-capacity color cartridges are available on higher-end models.

The LJ2550L prints up to 20 ppm in monochrome and 4 ppm in color. All models in the LJ2550 line have a 125-sheet multipurpose input tray and a 125-sheet output bin. The control panel keeps track of supplies for at-a-glance system monitoring, and depleted cartridges cycle to the top of a carousel for easy swapping. Rated for a duty cycle of 30,000 pages per month, the tiny L model measures just 12.8 x 17.8 x19 inches and weighs only 48 pounds. This is an ideal printer for individual office use.

Inkjet printers aren't normally associated with workgroup use, but HP's new Officejet 9130 is designed to work with groups of up to 15 users. It offers printing, copying, scanning, faxing and digital sending capabilities. Digital sending creates a digitized representation of a document and sends it via e-mail. The file can also be stored in a network folder for archiving. An attached, retractable keyboard allows entry of e-mail subjects and folder names.

The Officejet 9130 uses four high-capacity ink cartridges with separate long-life print heads that are rated for 1,750 pages each. It prints and copies at up to 25 ppm in black and white and 22 ppm in color. Copies can be reduced or enlarged from 25 percent to 400 percent of the original size. The 9130 is rated for a monthly duty cycle of 10,000 pages and has a 10/100 NIC for network connectivity.

The printer's built-in memory card slots support CompactFlash, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, SmartMedia and MultiMedia Card memory modules, so printing images directly from digital cameras is simple. Priced at $999, the Officejet 9130 measures 22.6 x 18.1 x 18.2 inches and weighs about 53 pounds. HP's PartnerOne channel program includes marketing assistance and compensation programs and 8 percent margins. Collateral tools, presentations and other sales and technical resources are available at the HP Partnership Web site.

Xerox WorkCentre M20i
Xerox's new monochrome WorkCentre M20i laser printing device can print in black and white, and copy, fax, scan and e-mail in color. It handles both letter- and legal-size documents, and can print and copy at up to 22 ppm. Duplex printing is standard in copy and print modes, and the ID Card Copy feature copies both sides of a document, such as a driver's license, onto one side of a sheet of paper. The printer is priced at $2,199.

Levels in Xerox's multitier channel program are based on quarterly sales volumes, training, ability to service products and having on-site demo units. With $12,500 in sales requirements, Peak resellers can earn quarterly rebates. Peak Elite resellers also receive prioritized leads and placement on Xerox's Web site for its Office products and supplies.

IBM Infoprint 1410 MFP
IBM's new monochrome Infoprint 1410 can print up to 22 ppm, as well as copy, fax and scan. A single toner cartridge makes replacement simple, and a high-yield cartridge can print up to 12,000 pages. When scanning, the maximum optical resolution is 600 x 600 dpi for monochrome and 600 x 300 dpi for color. The Automatic Document Feeder accepts paper up to 8.5 x 14 inches. This printer has a price tag of about $1,600.

The Infoprint 1410 MFP features standard duplex printing and a small footprint, making it ideal for small businesses and workgroups. It has a standard input capacity of 350 sheets with an optional 500-sheet second drawer. Output capacity is 170 sheets. The Infoprint 1410 is rated for a monthly duty cycle of 50,000 pages and includes a built-in 10/100 NIC and USB 2.0 interfaces. The unit weighs 45 pounds and measures 16.25 x 19.5 x 21.25 inches.

IBM's two-tier Printing Systems channel program offers margins between 5 percent and 20 percent, depending on the particular products sold and services provided. The vendor also provides sales, technical support and marketing assistance.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
HP COLOR LASERJET 2550L

TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

HP OFFICEJET 9130 ALL-IN-ONE
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

XEROX WORKCENTRE M201
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

IBM INFOPRINT 1410 MFP
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.