Print; Print Features Summary; Ease Of Installation - Lexmark X646e MFP Manual

Print

Background
Print passed copy as the primary method of
creating output years ago. To limit costs and
raise integration between functions, more
multifunction products use a single processor
board for copy, print, and scan functions.
Connectivity
The vast majority of devices include Ethernet and USB
connectivity out of the box; some include parallel
connections. In addition, most devices offer a selection of
optional connectivity choices like Wireless 802.11b or g (g
is the faster, preferred standard.), Bluetooth for connection
to cell phones or PDAs, and FireWire for high speed local
connectivity.
PDLs
PCL is the de facto printer description language (PDL) of
choice provided by all suppliers. Some bundle in
PostScript (PS) while others charge for an upgrade. A few
manufacturers also include their own PDL which is based
loosely on the Windows/GDI printing technology of old.
These Windows or GDI drivers often offer significant
productivity advantages over traditional PCL/PS drivers
since the bulk of the processing is handled by the more
powerful desktop PC rather than the less well-equipped
printer processor itself.
Productivity
Judging print productivity is an inexact science at best or
misleading at worst. Factors such as processor power,
memory capabilities, spool and RIPping efficiency, engine
throughput speed, RIP while printing capabilities, and
more all play a major part. Most devices fair better is some
of these factors than others, and different workflows
benefit from one factor more than another.
It is easy to play judge and pronounce what determines
productivity. But, it will have little merit when evaluating
print performance for an end user environment. Device A
may print Document 1 faster than Device B. But Device B
may print Document 2 faster. You cannot determine which
document is the best measure of productivity.
The same is true of network traffic tests where multiple
jobs are submitted at once. By rearranging the order of the
jobs, the productivity of Device A and Device B could
easily be reversed.
BERTL does not restrict its evaluation of print
performance to such tests. It provides information on how
jobs are treated across the various PDLs offered, thus
allowing users to get the best out of the device.
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Print Features Summary

CPU
RAM and Hard Drive
Operating Platforms Supported
Printer Drivers
Network Protocols
Interfaces / Standard
Interfaces / Options
Client Software
Std PCL Fonts Supported
Std PS Fonts Supported
Printer Drivers
Driver design varies enormously from manufacturer to
manufacturer. Most try to keep a common style throughout
their range to reduce learning curves. However, many
have significant design differences between PDLs which
can raise issues. While many features are common
throughout drivers from all manufacturers, there are some
differentiators which—while niche benefits in many
instances—can be valuable in the right hands.

Ease of Installation

The Lexmark X646e arrived at BERTL's test facility via a
courier as a selection of boxes. Two BERTL analysts
assembled the device and output the first test print in less
than an hour. It took an additional 30 minutes to install the
accompanying drivers and software. The instructions were
well illustrated and the set up required no technical
experience or specialized tools. Small to medium sized
companies that may not have a technical/IT department to
install new hardware will appreciate the installation
documentation.
Lexmark X646e
533MHz
Main Memory: 256 MB
Windows ME, 2000, Server
2003, XP, NT 4.0, Macintosh,
Linux, UNIX, Novell, AS/400,
Citrix MetaFrame,
PCL6, PostScript 3, PDF1.5,
PPDS
IPX/SPX , TCP/IP, Ethertalk,
Appletalk, NetBIOS, Over TCP/
IP LPR/LPD, IPP, SMB, SNMP,
Netware, Port 9100, Bluetooth
(HCRP)
10BaseT/100BaseTX Ethernet,
USB 2.0, USB Direct Interface
802.11b/g Wireless LAN,
10/100Basefx (fiber), Internal
Gigabit Ethernet
MarkVision Professional,
MarkVision Messenger
84 scalable, 2 bitmap
Info Not Available
5 June 2006
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