HP SA adds new MFP, wireless solutions to printing product range

Hewlett-Packard South Africa (HP SA) has introduced a host of new multi-function products (MFPs) and wireless printing solutions that are aimed at helping businesses to manage their print environment using a single integrated device.

Says Ashely Flinders, Imaging and Printers Product manager at HP SA: "Any Web-enabled appliance, from desktop PCs to mobile phones, represents a potential source and destination for business-critical information. To reap the advantages of these devices, companies need seamless integration of their digital and paper-based information.

"With our new MFPs, solutions and services, customers now have a diversified and scaleable portfolio of personal and shared HP MFPs."

HP has introduced two new LaserJet MFPs: LaserJet 4100mfp and LaserJet 9000mfp. These fully networkable products are designed to reduce costs and increase productivity of workgroups within small, medium and large organisations by allowing consolidation of underused, standalone printers, copiers and faxes.

The new HP LaserJet MFPs enable users to print, copy, fax and send documents to Internet addresses around the world. HP has also introduced the wireless 802.11x standard to its printers to match the technology needs of customers who are starting to implement wireless LAN networks.

The HP Jetdirect 680n 802.11b is an internal wireless print server targeted at medium and large businesses, while the HP Jetdirect 380x 802.11b is an external wireless print server targeted at small and medium businesses.

HP also announced the Mobile Printing Software, a free application that provides connectivity to any nearby network printer without installing specific printer drivers. In addition, HP introduced its first large-format (42-inch width) HP Designjet copier cc800ps for print service providers and other professional with the need of colour copying, scanning and printing on-demand large size documents.

Based on the reliable LaserJet 4100 platform, this Internet-enabled MFP offers fast printing, copying and digital sending for business workgroups with shared printing needs. Small, medium and large organisations can use the 24 pages per minute (ppm) print and copy engine, embedded send-to-email capabilities and optional digital sender software to maximize document management and distribution capabilities. The MFP fax accessory enables the LaserJet 4100mfp to act as standalone analogue fax.

The HP LaserJet 9000mfp is an Internet-enabled MFP that provides high speed, high volume mono printing, copying and digital sending. The product is designed for large workgroups and departments that need fast network printing, copying, embedded send-to-email, robust paper handling and finishing capabilities. With print and copy speeds of 50ppm, and a wide range of document finishing options, the HP LaserJet 9000mfp can turn digital documents into ready-to-use booklets or reports on demand. The HP MFP digital sending software expands document management and distribution capabilities. The MFP analogue fax accessory is also optional.

The HP Designjet Copier cc800ps provides the convenience of on-demand colour copying, printing and scanning of large-size documents for less than the cost of monochrome alternatives. The unit can be operated through an integrated touch-screen, so no external PC is required.

The HP Jetdirect 680n allows wireless network sharing of HP EIO printers and peripherals, while the HP Jetdirect 380x offers wireless network sharing of HP printers with USB port. They offer support for 40/64-bit and 128-bit Web encryption, and are also easy to install, configure and manage and offer a password-protected configuration.

The new HP LaserJet MFPs are supported by a set of solutions offered through partners under HP`s JetCAPS offering. Services on offer include document management, e-forms and corporate design, SAP and ERP printing, host and volume printing, print and copy job accounting, secure printing and access control, barcode and cheque printing, paper-handling, finishing as well as printing e-services such as J@tmail, autoprint and secure document express.