EPSON, the market leader in impact printing, has announced the latest addition to its range of dot matrix printers - the LQ-2180. The new device, available locally for around R5 695 including VAT, offers improvements in reliability, durability and speed, as well as enhanced connectivity options.
According to BMI, EPSON`s local market share for dot matrix printers has grown from 37,8% in 1996 to 44,9% in 1998. "Even though the total market share for printers is declining, EPSON is active in the innovation and production of these printers," says Hans Dummer, EPSON SA`s general manager. "Customers still have a need for ways to print multiple copies for back office functions such as invoicing and statement runs, making the LQ-2180 dot matrix printer a cost effective option at only one cent a copy."
He goes on to say that EPSON`s dot matrix printers are continuing to be a popular option for users of warehousing, accounting and retail applications. "This latest addition to the EPSON range of dot matrix printers rejuvenates the work-horse sector of the printer market." Aimed at those requiring low-cost, high-volume output, the LQ-2180 is capable of printing in superdraft mode at speeds of up to 480cps (characters per second), explains Dummer.
The LQ-2180 can be kept loaded to suit the various needs of a networked environment and has a total of 5 paper paths for printing on continuous paper and single cut sheets.
"This, combined with the ability to handle up to six-part forms with the choice of top, bottom and rear paper paths ensures maximum flexibility," he says.
Dummer explains that the LQ-2180 allows the user to choose from three tractor positions (front push, rear push and pull) and three paper entry slots for continuous paper printing. "The ease of use of the printer is assured with features such as zero tear-off forms and flexible paper loading," he says. "An EPSON Type B interface slot allows easy integration with a wide range of different connectivity options including a full range of network configurations."
Dummer adds that the LQ-2180 is a classic example EPSON`s policy to continually improve the reliability, durability, speed, and copy capability of its dot matrix printers.
EPSON Status Monitor 2 Keeps Users Informed The printer driver of the LQ-2180 includes Status Monitor 2 (Windows 98, NT3.51, NT4.0) which provides comprehensive on-screen printer information and guidance, indicating paper and ink levels and enabling a range of settings to be adjusted via computer.
Paper Handling Options to Suit Any Environment Dummer points out that in addition to the extensive standard capabilities of the LQ-2180, a range of options is available. A high-capacity cut sheet feeder removes the need to reload paper, with a capacity of 150 sheets, 25 plain bond envelopes, 30 airmail envelopes, 30 postcards or single sheet multi-part forms. This may be extended with the optional second bin cut-sheet feeder, capable of holding 50 further sheets for extra capacity.
"The optional pull tractor improves continuous paper handling and is especially useful when used in conjunction with a push tractor for printing on continuous pre-printed forms, multi-part forms and labels or for high quality graphics," he adds.
With the optional roll paper holder, the LQ-2180 is capable of printing on 8.5 inch (21.25cm) roll paper like that used with telex machines.
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EPSON (UK) is part of the Seiko EPSON Corporation which has a turnover of $8 billion. The corporation owns 35 factories world-wide which includes a facility in Telford from where the company makes over 200,000 printers per month for its European and African customers. EPSON`s success has been brought about by a combination of advanced technical innovation, aggressive marketing and a pioneering approach to service and support. A network of distributors and dealers spanning the UK, Republic of Ireland, Scandinavia, Africa and the Middle East is managed from the UK. For further information visit EPSON`s World Wide Web site at www.epson.com or www.epson.co.za
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