Lexmark goes mainstream with wireless printing

Lexmark International (NYSE: LXK) takes productivity and mobility to your doorstep with the introduction of its new affordable and easy-to-use wireless inkjet printer range.

Wireless printing enables users to print with the same freedom and mobility they enjoy when working on a wireless-enabled laptop.

The printer can be positioned any place in the home covered by the wireless network. Multiple computer users can also enjoy the added convenience of sharing the same wireless printer and eliminate the need for multiple devices.

South Africa has also embraced the wireless era, which is mainly as a result of finding solutions to complicated infrastructure problems like Internet connectivity in remote areas through wireless connectivity. This is also a more cost-effective and faster route than going the copper cable route.

Coffee shops, restaurants, guest lodges and airports offer WiFi hotspots as a means of drawing business. For example, the city of Knysna converted to WiFi in 2005.

"Consumers are embracing wireless networking. However, they have been slow to adopt wireless printing because of the price and complexity of the devices. We have addressed this with our new wireless printers from Lexmark that are affordable, easy to install and easy to use," said Branislav Zivkovic, Director of Lexmark International South Africa.

Eight out of Lexmark's 12 new inkjet printers being introduced in 2007 will have wireless capabilities spanning four-in-one, three-in-one and single-function printer categories.

For busy consumers who require the robust functionality of an AIO to maximise their productivity at home, the new Lexmark X4550 is the most affordable three-in-one printer in the inkjet market with built-in wireless capability.

The X4550 allows users to work seamlessly from any location in their home or office, delivering professional quality text and photos. It prints at speeds up to 26ppm black and 18ppm colour.

In addition to fast print speeds and affordability, the Lexmark X4550 offers a broad range of functions for productivity-minded professionals, including photo functionality, copying and scanning.

This printer also:

* Prints frame-worthy borderless photos with or without a computer from digital memory card slots, USB flash drives or PictBridge compatible digital cameras.
* Features a compact design for convenient placement in a small office or home office.
* Offers a standalone one-touch colour copier that delivers copies at speeds up to 17ppm black and 11ppm colour.
* Features a 48-bit flatbed colour scanner to easily scan documents or photos.
* Includes Lexmark's exclusive Web Toolbar that makes it quick and easy for users to print what they need from the Web.
* Is compatible with a PC or Mac.

The Lexmark Z1420 single function is the most affordable wireless printer in the inkjet market. It delivers print speeds up to 24ppm black and 18ppm colour.

Users can print brilliant borderless photos up to 8.5-by-11 inches, using new photo editing software. Its stylish design and high-gloss finish makes the Lexmark Z1420 an attractive addition to any room in the house.

Simple step-by-step instructions make the Lexmark Z1420 easy to install and connect to an existing wireless network.

This printer also:

* Features a contemporary design with a small footprint for elegant display and easy placement.
* Prints borderless photos that resist fading for up to 65 years when colour cartridge and optional photo cartridge are used together on Lexmark Premium Photo Paper.
* Offers optional six-colour printing.
* Is compatible with a PC or Mac.

For AIO consumers who aren't ready to catch the wireless wave but want the ability to easily upgrade to more advanced technology, Lexmark introduced the X3550 Colour All-in-One with optional wireless capability.

The Lexmark X3550 features fast print speeds, delivering up to 24ppm black and 17ppm colour. The X3550 helps users get more done, with features such as one-touch copy and scan and professional photo printing options.

This printer also:

* Features scan-back photo proof sheets for quick and easy photo prints.
* Features a 48-bit flatbed colour scanner to easily scan documents or photos.
* Prints frame-worthy borderless photos with or without a computer from digital memory card slots, USB flash drives or PictBridge compatible digital cameras.
* Includes Lexmark's exclusive Imaging Studio Software, which allows user to crop, rotate and resize photos; apply photo effects like antiquing and sepia tones; one-touch colour fix and red eye reduction.
* Includes Lexmark's exclusive Web Toolbar.
* Is compatible with a PC or Mac.

In addition to the new wireless and wireless optional devices, Lexmark has introduced two new entry-level printers, the Lexmark X2550 Colour All-in-One and the Lexmark Z1320 Single-Function Inkjet Printer. Both offer advanced printhead technology and Lexmark's vibrant Evercolor inks for exceptional quality and value.

An ideal choice for students and other budget-conscious consumers, the Lexmark X2550 AIO is among the fastest AIOs in its class, with speeds up to 22ppm black and 16ppm colour. With outstanding colour and photo print speed, it delivers high-quality 4-by-6 inch edge-to-edge prints. For added convenience and ease of use, it features a seven-button operator panel and a special indicator light that tells consumers when their cartridges are running low on ink. In addition to its affordability, consumers will also appreciate the professional quality text and graphics.

Lexmark's new Z1320 series Single Function Inkjet Printer helps to keep home users productive all day long, with fast printing speeds of up to 22ppm black and 16ppm colour and easy-to-use photo printing features. Students and home users will appreciate the Z1320's affordability and high-quality text and graphics, including lab-quality 4-by-6 inch and 5-by-7 inch borderless photos.

The Lexmark X4550, X3550, X2550, Z1420 and Z1320 offer inkjet consumers the opportunity to participate in the Lexmark Return Programme, which gives a variety of ink supplies choices to help reduce printing costs, while also benefiting the environment. Users who purchase Lexmark Return Programme cartridges will receive an up-front discount compared to alternative equivalent cartridges in exchange for agreeing to return the used cartridges only to Lexmark for remanufacturing or recycling.