Lexmark launches lots of lasers, radically revamps SOHO all-in-one

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 10 November 2010 13:31

Business IT - Technology

Lexmark has released a raft of SOHO and corporate printers and multifunction devices, including one that replaces a conventional scanner engine with a camera-style system that trims scanning time to as little as three seconds, and others with a massive 10.2in touchscreen control panel.

Lexmark's new Genesis all-in-one combines the 4.3in capacitive touchscreen and Vizix printing system from other recent models with distinctive vertical styling and the company's new 'Flash Scan' technology that uses a digital camera to deliver 300dpi scans (10 megapixels over an active area of 216x297mm) in as little as three seconds.

 

The device generates a preview scan almost instantly when the cover is closed. A gripper bar along the top edge makes it possible to load multiple originals at once (eg, several 15x10cm photos), and the software is capable of isolating each into a separate output file.

Larger or thicker books can be scanned by positioning the spine over the top edge. If the book is laid flat on the platen, Lexmark's software can compensate for the distortion and darkening around the fold.

Recognising that touch screens inevitably suffer from fingermarks, Lexmark's designers have included a compartment to store a cleaning cloth behind the flap covering the printing mechanism.

802.11n networking is standard in the Genesis, and it can run a variety of Lexmark 'SmartSolutions' to transfer scans to services including Evernote, Photobucket and Flickr, or to display and print material collected from the web, including the locations of nearby shops selling replacement ink cartridges. A total of 60 SmartSolutions are available, and Lexmark has released a SDK allowing developers to create more.

Please read on for more information about the Genesis, and news of Lexmark's latest lasers.