HP unveils replacement for the world`s best-selling network LaserJet printer in 15th anniversary month of original LaserJet

Hewlett-Packard Company has introduced the HP LaserJet 4050 printer series, an innovative office standard that builds on the success of HP`s award-winning LaserJet 4000 printer. The new printer offers increased performance, enhanced versatility, more customer-focused solutions and continues the 4000`s tradition of industry-leading total cost of ownership - all at the same price as its highly successful predecessor.

"HP is committed to providing innovative and high-quality printing solutions to our customers," said Wim Heuninck, HP marketing manager, printers & peripherals. "With its broad range of additional benefits and features, the HP LaserJet 4050 demonstrates this strong commitment. HP is especially excited about this new printer because its introduction coincides with the 15th anniversary of the original HP LaserJet printer."

The LaserJet 4050 printer prints at speeds of up to 16 pages-per-minute (ppm) and produces high resolution, 1,200 dots per inch (dpi) print quality. Networked with a 10/100 BaseTX HP JetDirect 600N EIO print server, the printer integrates seamlessly into all Ethernet environments.

In addition to serving as an industry standard for small and medium-sized workgroups in Fortune 100 companies, the LaserJet 4050 printer is designed to meet all office printing requirements and provide extended solutions. Advanced solutions include kiosk printing, which is often used by banking and financial institutions and walkup wireless printing for mobile professionals.

Three key areas of improvement include:

Increased Printing and Networking Performance

• Up to 40 Percent Faster Performance Than the HP LaserJet 4000 Printer

• 133 MHz MIPS microprocessor allows increased processing performance;

• Increased memory out-of-the-box with 8MB offered in the base model and 16MB in the network model;

• ProRes 1200 at 16 ppm without sacrificing performance.

Increased Versatility and Customer-Focused Business Printing Solutions

• Enhanced Input/Output Paper-Handling Option - includes high capacity (1500 sheet) input tray, multi-drawer (three and seven) input tray and variable fusing for different media;

• Wireless/Walk-up Printing for Large Businesses - Fast Infrared Port (FIR) receiver bundled with "network" models for wireless walkup printing for handheld PCs, notebooks and digital cameras. Allows mobile users to fulfill printing requirements without the need for any cables or special setup;

• HP JetSend - a device-to-device communications protocol that enables information appliances to exchange information directly and intelligently across an intranet or using IR;

• Proof and hold - the printer produces a single copy to proof and the user has the option to change the number of copies or delete the job at the printer`s control panel;

• Private printing - a personal identification number (PIN) can be entered into the control panel for secure retrieval of printed material;

• Quick copies - allows users to make up to 999 copies of a print job that has already been printed directly from the printer without returning to a PC.

To further provide customers with business printing solutions, the HP LaserJet 4050 printer includes the next generation of the HP Accessible Architecture (AA) initiative. Through the recently launched LaserJet Extended Solutions Program (ESP), qualified third-party solution providers use HP`s LaserJet AA to create better integrated business printing solutions for LaserJet 4050 customers.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

• HP TonerGauge and PaperGauge - a new consumables management tool that takes the guesswork out of ordering supplies by providing administrators with approximate levels of remaining toner and paper;

• Extended/Enhanced Support and Service - flexible warranties offer a wider choice of warranty packages that range from one to five years;

• Product Commonality - common installer, software user interface and control panels across HP LaserJet product lines reduce training costs;

• HP WebJet Admin 5.5 - web-based management software that lowers TCO by proactively managing network printer problems before they impact end-user productivity; Network administrators can configure, monitor and manage printers remotely.