According to Gartner Dataquest, Canon currently owns the top slot in the U.S. copier market. Research indicates that Canon is the number one brand in color laser copiers for 2003.
Building on its position as the top-ranked brand in the U.S. color laser market, Canon USA this week unveiled a pair of color-enabled multifunctional products geared toward print-intensive small offices. The new imageRUNNER C3100 Series expands upon Canon’s pioneering color multifunction product line, first introduced with the color imageRUNNER C3200 in April 2003.
The imageRUNNER C3100 Series incorporates high-speed monochrome output performance with color copying capabilities, plus a full suite full of communication functions to complement the needs of document reliant small offices. Boasting a dual 250 MHz processor design, up to 768 megabytes of RAM and a 40 gigabyte hard drive, both models build on the latest version of the Canon’s Color imagePlatform architecture, which offers true multifunctionality. Canon’s imageRUNNER C3100 Series possess the processing power and virtual space to handle multiple printing jobs simultaneously, while eliminating data choking bottlenecks at the copier.
Reflecting the new ways that content is created and distributed in today’s small offices, the imageRUNNER C3100 Series can transform into a powerful communication hub for sharing and managing information. With its optional Color Universal Send capabilities, each model can quickly convert color hardcopy originals into digital files and transmit them via the Internet as e-mail attachments and I-faxes. However, it’s important to note that these transmissions are made at a rate of about 3-second-per-page when faxed over a 33.6 Kbps modem to another V.34 machine. All the same, it’s a handy copier function that can send files to a server or store them in mailboxes within a business network.
The imageRUNNER C3100 Series also offers powerful network printing capabilities that delivers superior output quality of up to 2400 x 600 dots per inch. For general office applications, Canon’s print controllers allows users to choose from PCL5c, PostScript 3 emulation, and Canon’s new proprietary Ultra Fast Rendering (UFR) technology.
UFR technology utilizes a new printing algorithm to minimize processing time and achieve maximum performance. For higher-bandwidth printing requirements, Canon’s imagePASS technology delivers increased productivity when copying color documents, and can handle replicating Adobe PostScript 3 and PCL5c page description languages — no matter which controller option is selected. Canon’s intuitively designed drivers actually guide users through each step of the document creation process.
Like all Canon networked systems, the imageRUNNER C3100 Series comes equipped with a comprehensive set of utilities and features designed to simplify operation, management and security for small businesses. Features that ship standard with both models include:
- Full-Color User Interface Touch Screen for intuitive user operation
- Department ID mode for up to 1,000 departments or users
- Canon’s Web-based Remote User Interface and NetSpot Suite
Optional features include Canon’s imageRUNNER Security Kit, imageWARE Office Software Suite and eCopy’s Suite of document distribution products, which enables the system to distribute and manage electronic copies of color paper documents and connect devices to business e-mail systems, as well as other IT applications.
Ideal for small business environments, the imageRUNNER C3100 Series consists of two models – the imageRUNNER C3100 and imageRUNNER C3100N. The imageRUNNER C3100 offers UFR printing technology to meet the needs of budget-minded environments. For general office needs, customers can add the Canon Color Network Multi-PDL Printer Kit-B1 — standard with the imageRUNNER C3100N — or the optional imagePASS-E1 for more robust printing requirements.
In addition to network printing, the imageRUNNER C3100 Series offers digital copying, mailbox features, Ethernet connectivity, and universal scanning capabilities with Canon’s Color Network ScanGear Utility as part of its standard feature set. Customers may add sending capabilities with the Color Universal Send Kit-B1P and Super G3 Fax capabilities.
The imageRUNNER C3100 Series supports fast scanning at speeds of up to 44 pages per minute at 300 dpi — 28 ppm at 600 dpi — to keep documents flowing and office productivity humming. The C3100 Series offers black-and-white output at 31 ppm and full color output at 7 ppm. An innovative color rotary engine design along with Canon third-generation S-toners ensure high-quality output at all times for both color and black-and-white documents.
The imageRUNNER C3100 Series offers considerable configuration flexibility through various document handling and finishing options to deliver big office productivity to smaller business environments. Add an optional 50-sheet capacity duplexing document feeder and either copier can process up to 4,750 sheets of paper without a reload. Canon’s imageRUNNER C3100 Series supports a wide variety of media including envelopes, standard paper sizes, and paper weights of up to 90-lbs. Internal output options include collation and stapling. For more advanced finishing requirements, Canon offers a choice of two external finishers to support saddle-stitched booklet output and two- or three-hole punching.
The suggested retail price of the imageRUNNER C3100 is $8,900 and $11,500 for the imageRUNNER C3100N. Both copiers will be available through authorized Canon USA dealers and Canon Business Solution locations in second quarter of 2004.
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