OKI Refreshes Color A4 Lineup, Launches Faster Monochrome
Models
By Dmitry Sheynin, Research Editor, May 24, 2010
Building on its April 15th launch of the OKI Printing
Solutions C610 and C711, OKI Data Americas continued its A4 lineup refresh
today with the announcement of two more color printers and a pair of monochrome
models.
At 23 ppm and 27 ppm, respectively, the color C330dn
and C530dn deliver the fastest print speeds in their class, according to OKI’s
competitive analysis of select models from HP, Brother, Lexmark, Dell and
Samsung. Meanwhile, the monochrome B411 and B431 boast higher monthly duty
cycles, at 80,000 pages, and higher toner capacities, at 4,000 and 10,000
sheets, respectively, as well as a more compact design, than the models they replace.
All four models were designed with an eye toward increasing workplace
productivity.
“One of the things we strive to do at OKI is help
increase efficiency in SMBs,” said Carl Taylor, director of marketing for OKI
Data Americas. “We do that in a variety of ways: by offering highest-in-class
print speeds and duty cycles; decreasing the need for user intervention with
higher-capacity toner cartridges; and incorporating a number of power-save
features, cutting energy costs.”
The C530 can be put into sleep mode instantly with a
dedicated button on the control panel and has a deep sleep mode that drops
energy consumption to 1.1W. Both color printers also work with OKI’s Color
Access Policy Manager, which allows administrators to further limit the cost of
color printing by setting permissions and disabling color output for certain
users or job types.
The C330 and C530 utilize a single-drum assembly that
incorporates the drums for all four colors, meaning whenever one color reaches
end of life, all four must be replaced, resulting in waste. Despite this, OKI
claims the devices’ cost-per-page will compare favorably to other units that
utilize separate drums.
In addition to high duty cycles and toner capacities,
the B411 and B431 enable organizations to increase workplace productivity with
standard duplexing and an easy-to-navigate and user-friendly LCD. In addition, the
relatively small footprint makes it easier for organizations with less space to
get the most out of their office real estate.
“OKI Data Americas understands the evolving needs of
our monochrome printer customers. That’s why we strive to bring products to the
market that meet the demands of the ever-changing office environment,” said
Kristen Dileo, marketing manager, monochrome products for OKI Data Americas.
“The B411 Series and B431 Series are compact and versatile monochrome printers
that not only deliver on features and performance, but they save time, cut
costs and add value to any office environment.”
Taylor also noted OKI’s commitment to customization,
which the company takes seriously enough to design specialized parts to meet a
customer’s precise requirements. Taylor recalled an instance where a customer
needed a 19" tray for an A4 device, so the company developed one.
