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Print solutions and document management specialist Epson introduced the WorkForce WF-100, a small, lightweight mobile color inkjet printer, which features built-in wireless connectivity, WiFi Direct and an integrated rechargeable battery.
The WorkForce WF-100 features wireless connectivity, allowing users to print from a range of devices, including tablets, smartphones and laptops.
The compact design of the printer also includes WiFi Direct for printing without a router, and a built-in battery that charges through a USB or the included AC adapter.
The WorkForce WF-100 will retail for $349.99 and will be available through online retailers starting in early November and will be available through major retail stores in January 2015.
“Since the WorkForce WF-100 is a mobile printer, it is ideal for business professionals that travel or consultants that frequent client businesses or homes,” Rodrigo Catalan, senior product manager for business ink jets with Epson America, told eWEEK. “Rather than paying for prints at a business center or a print shop, those on the road working out of their hotel room or even remote office can easily print documents, invoices or other material at their convenience.”
Catalan explained how consultants who travel to client homes, such as home health care nurses, tax or real estate professionals, can print prescription instructions, tax forms to sign on the spot or even bid documents, saving time and resources.
The printer allows users to print professional-quality business documents and borderless 4-inch by 6-inch photos, with speeds up to 6.7 ISO pages per minute (ppm) in black and white and 3.8 ISO ppm for color documents.
Other features include a 1.4-inch color LCD plus control panel for simple setup and operation and durable, quick-dry inks for fade- and water-resistant prints.
The printer also features an automatic power-off feature to save battery life, and includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
The WF-100 enables mobile printing with Epson Connect, a suite of free mobile printing solutions including Email Print, Epson Creative Print, Epson iPrint, Epson Remote Print and more.
“The WF-100 should not pose any security risks for users,” Catalan said. “The data that is transferred between the computer or mobile device over WiFi or WiFi Direct is no different than any other WiFi connection. If a user is concerned about wireless security, they have the option to use the built-in USB connection print from their mobile computer.”
Other features include support for Android Printing and Kindle Fire Printing, as well as support for Google Cloud Print with Gmail or Google Drive account.
The suite also enables printing from a Chromebook and Google Chrome without installing drivers or connecting cables.
In addition, the Epson Connect Solutions Finder is available to help users determine and compare which mobile solution supports their mobile devices or printer.
“As business professionals continue to move toward mobile devices as a primary computing source, having a WiFi printer aids in this type of working environment, making it easier for professionals to conduct business effectively,” Catalan said. “Epson designed this product to fit into that need while streamlining the mobile printing process.”