Lexmark All-In-One Print Centres emerge as newest technology must-have for the home

Building upon a legacy of leadership in providing consumers with breakthrough technology and performance at unprecedented price points, Lexmark International SA today introduced the Lexmark X73 and X83 All-In-One Print Centres.

These value-packed digital imaging centres combine Lexmark`s award-winning inkjet print technology with scan and copy capabilities, enabling creativity and enhanced functionality for home and small office/home office (SOHO) users.

"Lexmark is the first to deliver consumers industry-leading 2400 x 1200 dots per inch (dpi) print resolution on all paper types, a flexible flatbed scanner, and top-quality copy capabilities for less than R2 000," said Mark Hiller, Managing Director of Lexmark International SA.

"The new All-In-One Print Centres set a precedent for value-packed, compact solutions that not only handle a variety of imaging needs, but bring memories to life in the form of brilliant photo-quality output."

The X73 and X83 All-In-One Print Centres offer a maximum 2400 x 1200dpi print resolution in black and colour on all paper types and deliver a 7-picoliter colour droplet size for smoother colour blending and more vivid output. Boasting competitive print speeds, the X83 generates speeds up to 12 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 6ppm in colour, while the X73 is capable of up to 9ppm in black and up to 5ppm in colour. The All-in-Ones feature USB connectivity and Windows compatibility. The X73 will also support Mac operating systems at launch, with a Mac compatible X83 to follow later in 2001.

Suited to handle photographs, reports and books, the All-in-One Print Centres feature flatbed scanners with removable lids for the utmost flexibility. Both units offer up to 600 x 1200dpi optical resolution and 48-bit colour scan depth. In addition, the X83 boasts up to 19 200dpi enhanced resolution, while the X73 features up to 9 600dpi enhanced resolution.

The X73 and X83 All-In-One Print Centres deliver up to 99 copies from one original and have a zoom range of 25% to 400% for reducing and enlarging images. Users benefit from several job-finishing functions for added usability, such as manual duplex and booklet printing in PC-attached mode. The X83 produces up to 10 copies per minute (cpm) in black and up to 3cpm in colour, and the X73 produces up to 9cpm in black and up to 3cpm in colour.

An added benefit of the X83 All-In-One Print Centre is its functionality as a standalone copier. Copies are as easy as one, two, three - place a photo or document on the scanner, close the lid, and push either the black or colour copy button. With the help of the LCD screen, PC-free poster copying, cloning, and auto fitting capabilities are also fast and simple functions.

The X73 and X83 also ship with easy-to-use software that allows users to edit, store, send, and receive documents via fax and e-mail through their computers. The Scan to PC Fax capability features fully functional black and colour fax applications. To use, simply select "Scan to Fax" which launches the fax software and scans the file, input the fax number, and send.

Other Lexmark signature features that enable ultimate ease of use with the X73 and X83 All-in-One Print Centres include:

* Exclusive Accu-Feed paper handling system that virtually eliminates paper jams and misfeeds, enabling users to choose from a range of print media weighing up to 150 pounds;

* New consumer-friendly graphical user interface that makes it easier than ever to set up and enjoy all of the units` capabilities;

* Convenient ink level indicators; and

* Online product registration that helps ensure customers get the most value throughout the entire ownership experience.

For further information, please contact Mark Hiller or the relevant product manager at tel (011) 329 0999; fax (011) 792 7449; e-mail mhiller@venture.co.za