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Hewlett-Packard Co. on Monday released color printers targeted at winning over businesses that traditionally relied on black-and-white systems for the bulk of their printing needs because of performance and manageability concerns.
HP, based in Palo Alto, Calif., contends its latest color systems produce pages as quickly as many businesses existing black-and-white systems, and that new software bundled with the products will make them easier for IT staffs to manage.
While businesses may be drawn to the aesthetic appeal of using color, HP is hoping to tap higher profit margins it can garner from the sales of such systems, in particular color-ink supplies that typically are among the most profitable consumables in the imaging business.
The company announced the LaserJet 5500, its fastest color printer yet that can produce up to 21 pages per minute. Priced at $3,249, the system is scheduled for release in November. Also, HP unveiled a new low-cost color laser printer, the LaserJet 2500, priced at $999, set to begin shipping in October.
In addition, the company also announced:
- A $799 color inkjet printer, the Inkjet 3000, designed for small workgroups. The system produces up to eight color pages per minute, and offers modular supplies management, LaserJet-compatible networking and advanced paper handling. The system is scheduled to ship in December;
- A $299 portable color printer, the Deskjet 450, which produces up to eight pages per minute in color and nine in black-and-white. The 450 features six-ink capability and offers USB and infrared connectivity, as can be equipped for use with Bluetooth wireless devices. Systems are set to begin shipping in October;
- A new large format printer, the Designjet 5500, targeted at graphics professionals. The system can print on a wide-range of materials up to 60 inches wide. Priced at $8,999, it is available immediately;
An updated version of its Web-based peripheral management utility, Web Jetadmin 7.0. The new software enables administrators to add device or application plug-ins for new printers without having to reinstall the application.
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