Lexmark Debuts Web-Connected Printer

Printer maker Lexmark International announced its full 2009 inkjet all-in-one (AIO) product line to be officially released on September 1, 2009, which includes eight AIO inkjets aimed at small to medium-size businesses (SMBs). The new line includes three Web-connected touch screen AIOs with Lexmark's myTouch capacitive 4.3-inch touch screen technology. The touch screen AIOs will be available at price points ranging from $199 to $399.

Lexmark's myTouch with SmartSolutions technology is a use-friendly approach to interfaces and includes easy-to-read graphical icons for basic AIO functions and "as needed" navigation for a simplified experience. SmartSolutions technology enables one-touch ‘customizations’ – unique workflows that Lexmark said eliminates repetitive tasks and pain points for each user. SmartSolutions technology has also been built to leverage third-party developers that can create tailored applications.

Examples of these widget-like solutions include shortcuts and workflows ike customizable productivity features such as group faxing, scan to email templates and others, ID card copy, which allows businesses to scan an ID card and print both sides of the ID on a single sheet of paper, and RSS feeds, be it business, weather, sports news, a company intranet or whatever else the user needs to access via RSS is available directly on the touch screen and can also be e-mailed directly from the AIO.

"This new line of AIOs enables SMBs to be more efficient and save money in today's economic environment," said Paul Rooke, Lexmark executive vice president and president of the company’s Imaging Solutions Division. "We've created our printers' robust new design, innovative features and break-through technologies with their needs in mind."

Lexmark is also drawing attention to the line’s new features, including Vizix print technology, which includes separate ink tanks and provides top speed and quality across the line of new inkjets, and wireless capability across the entire line of new inkjet AIO products. Additionally, Lexmark is introducing Wireless-N (IEEE 802.11n) for businesses in need of longer range and more reliable signals for faster file transfer rates.

Another notable feature is a business card scan capability, which automatically uploads contact information to commonly used address book applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Windows CE or Palm OSTM. Lexmark is also touting the line’s green features as well, like the new Eco Mode, designed to help businesses save paper and energy. Eco Mode automates two-sided printing, faxing and copying, which the company said could save businesses up to 50 percent of their paper usage and help lower overall costs.

However, midmarket companies have another option for Web-connected printers as well—Hewlett-Packard (HP) recently announced a printer featuring TouchSmart technology and a 4.33-inch touch-screen to enable users to access digital content on the Web. The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web also features a Web-based printing platform with HP applications. Users will be able to create and share their own apps to customize their printers through the HP Apps Studio starting in late 2009, the company said.