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Review: Ricoh Aficio SP 4310N laser printer

Lebo Mashiloane
By Lebo Mashiloane
Johannesburg, 09 Dec 2013
The Ricoh Aficio SP 4310N laser printer prints 36 pages per minute and comes with data protection features.
The Ricoh Aficio SP 4310N laser printer prints 36 pages per minute and comes with data protection features.

The Ricoh Aficio SP 4310N network monochrome laser printer boasts speed and output capabilities that are suitable for the small office or workgroup.

Not much sets the printer apart from the pack, but it prints 36 pages per minute (although I experienced quite a few paper jams), at resolutions as high as 1200x600 dots per inch (dpi).

What counts in its favour is that it also accommodates a wide range of media, from plain paper, labels, transparencies and pictures, to letterheads, envelopes and pre-printed paper. There's a bypass tray as well so users don't have to take plain paper out of the tray before switching to a different media type.

The standout feature by far is the 256-bit SSL data encryption user code, which is designed to limit device access and helps maintain compliance with client privacy regulations. It also has a locked print feature which, combined with a user code, ensures that, whether users connect to the printer via USB, Ethernet or WiFi, the data in the documents cannot be stolen, intercepted or falsified.

The printer comes with an 80GB hard drive and data storage card that enable document storage and print-on-demand capabilities, which are a hit with small printing businesses, where day-to-day data management can prove daunting.

Users can also add automatic duplexing for two-sided printing, or install one or two 500-sheet paper feed units to minimise reloading - helpful, but not unique. Additionally, there's a 60-piece envelope feeder to speed mailing applications. Every tray is adjustable and supports media from A4 to A6 sizes.

The menu options are a bit complicated to navigate, which could prove to be a deterrent, although the four-line liquid-crystal display (LCD) allows users to view job statuses as well as select stored documents for reprinting.

In summary

Pros: Handles high-volume print jobs quickly, comes with security features that protect data
Cons: Menus could be a bit easier to navigate
Speed: 36 pages per minute
Dimensions: 388 x 450 x 345mm
Price: R5 000
Rating: 7/10

The standard software package includes the printer utility for Mac, SmartDeviceMonitor for administration, and the Web image monitor tool that helps manage print job queues, network settings, and view supply statues from the user's desktop. Network administrators can use Ricoh's new @Remote fleet tool, which uses Internet connections for the remote administration of devices and printers in the office. This facilitates enterprise-wide printer monitoring and optimisation across multiple units and locations.

With businesses adapting to the any time, anywhere models of working, many office technologies are starting to come with features that embody this. The Ricoh Aficio SP 4310N laser printer tries to fit into this category. The data protection features, the ability to print from mobile devices from remote locations, and the fact that high-volume jobs are handled at rapid speed, are definitely value-adds for any enterprise.

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