Samsung unveils new state-of-the-art printers

SINGAPORE — Samsung Electronics introduced recently 13 new printers and printing solutions at the picturesque Marriott Hotel along the bustling Orchard Road in this city-state.

The new products were designed to refine the printing experience with improvements that enhance productivity. The devices were also designed for convenient printing of Web pages, thanks to Samsung’s unique one-touch Print Screen button and AnyWeb Print software.

These features, combined with the devices’ wireless connectivity and user-friendly design, make the printers ideal for personal use in home and small offices.

Having grown steadily to become a top three brand in the regional laser printer market, Samsung aims to further expand its market share in the consumer and enterprise segments by demonstrating value in maximizing users’ ROI.

With the growing popularity of Web-based applications and increasing use of the Internet, it is no surprise that printing online content now represents the second major source of printed documents.

In recognition of this trend, Samsung has introduced the one-touch Print Screen button. This provides users with a quick and easy way to print what they see on their PC screen, including multiple Web browsers or the windows of different applications.

With this feature, users can print exactly what they need, reducing the amount of wasted printed pages traditionally associated with printing from Web sites, including empty frames, the URL or disclaimers.

The button is located on the control panel of the printers, so users do not have to be at their PCs to print the information they require.

Providing similar economical benefits, the printers are also compatible with Samsung’s AnyWeb Print software. This allows users to select, drag and drop specific content from Web pages into a new blank page on their PC screen, which they can then save or print.

The AnyWeb Print software allows users to print just the information they really need, rather than printing several whole Web pages when they only want a small section of each. This means users are not wasting time or resources such as paper and toner.

“Samsung has succeeded in the competitive market by constantly assessing and re-examining end-users’ printing habits and needs. We seek to provide products and services that match and exceed consumers’ and businesses’ needs and this has enabled us to create best-in-class printing innovations in design and technology through the years,” said Hye-sung Ha, vice president, Strategic Marketing Team of the Digital Printing Division.

“Our new line-up is another step in this direction and we are confident it will drive further success for the company,” she added.

Globally, the printing business has been earmarked as one of Samsung’s key growth engines. Despite the recession, Samsung has bucked the industry trend and is showing strong growth while established competitors are seeing sharp declines.

The company reported a year-on-year increase in market share of 5.4 percent for the Asian region in 2Q 2009. In Southeast Asia and Oceania, it leads the color multifunction printer segment (MFP) and is also the overall market leader in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.  

The new devices feature a streamlined design and a glossy, patterned top that prevents fingerprints and protects against scratch damage.

An enclosed paper tray ensures that paper is kept dust free and clean, helping to guarantee reliable, high quality prints. A cover on the output tray contributes to the streamlined look and helps to keep the noise level down, avoiding unnecessary distraction.

With print speeds of up to 24 pages-per-minute (ppm), the ML-2525 and ML-2580N provide a robust, efficient printing solution.

The ML-2580N’s network capability and 64MB system memory mean this device is ideal for those that need to print higher volumes. A wireless version of the ML-2525 will also be available later in the year, offering even greater flexibility.

The ML-1910, ML-1915, ML-2525 and ML-2580N offer high-performance, flexible printing options for personal use in home and small offices.

The ML-1910 and ML-1915 have print speeds of 18 ppm and a first page out time of less than nine seconds to increase productivity by minimizing wait times.

As for the four new MFPs, they incorporate a variety of features making them easy to use, such as Samsung’s Blue Compass Navigation, which provides an intuitive user experience.

The user can navigate the printing options quickly and easily, reducing the amount of time it takes them to gain familiarity with the device. On all the MFPs, the control panel has also been designed to be uncluttered and simple for users to navigate.

“These new MFPs are designed to support the priorities of users in home and small office environments, which increasingly means enabling convenient printing from the Internet,” said Ha.

The MFPs also feature a streamlined design, an enclosed paper tray, and a cover on the output tray. They have the power button on the control panel, making it easier for the user to turn the devices on and off, as they do not have to reach to the back of the device.

The SCX-4600, SCX-4623F and SCX-4623FN offer print speeds of up to 22 pages per minute (ppm), as well as a fast first-page-out time of less than 9 seconds.

The fax functionality of the SCX-4623F and SCX-4623FN provides a convenient solution for users who require fax capabilities. These devices feature fax-to-PC, which means that received fax data is sent straight to the user’s PC.

Similarly, a PC application converts document files to images and enables users to send these using the fax connection. This means users do not have to print documents in order to fax, thereby reducing paper, toner and energy consumption.

For additional ease-of-use and convenience, all seven printers share the same toner cartridges, which are available in either 1,500-page yields or 2,500-page high-yield options.

High-yield toner cartridges, which are ideal for heavy users, last longer and provide a lower cost-per-page.

Other state-of-the-art printers launched during the event were the SF-650P, CLP-620ND, CLP-670ND, CLP-770ND, SDCX-6545N, and the SCX-6555N.