IBM Introduces Four New MFPs

Published: February 21, 2006

by Alex Woodie

IBM introduced four new multi-function printers (MFPs) last week targeted at small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) and large workgroups. The new MFPs provide higher performance compared to earlier models, enhanced security, better serviceability, and improved output quality, according to Doug Oathout, vice president of IBM's printing systems division.

The new Infoprint models--all of which can print, scan, copy, and fax documents--range in speed from 35 pages per minute (PPM) to 55 PPM, and cost from about $3,300 to $14,500. They all come with an 8-inch color touch screen that provides access to the MFP functions, such as the "scan preview" feature can verify that appropriate settings have been selected, such as document orientation, the amount of enlargement, the use of separator sheets and timestamps, and other features. These MFPs all support fax and e-mail integration, and can be managed remotely from a Web browser.

The Infoprint 1540 prints on A3 and ledger-sized stock, performs at speeds up to 35 PPM, and starts at $11,542. A slightly faster version of this model is the Infoprint 1560 designed for medium sized workgroups that prints at up to 45 PPM and starts at $12,858. The Infoprint 1580, which is designed for large groups of workers, extends this speed up to 55 PPM and the price up to $14,462. At the low end is the Infoprint 1570, a compact MFP device for small to medium workgroups that prints at up to 50 PPM and costs $3,259.