Estudio451c Bertls 2006_report

8/6/2019 Estudio451c Bertls 2006_report

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Toshiba e-STUDIO451c

45 ppm Monochrome, 11ppm Color

Print Copy Scan Fax Internet Fax

www.BERTL.com

Copyrigh t 2006 MCA Internet, LLC dba BERTL. 30 June 200All Rights Reserved. The license under which this document is made available and applicable law prohibit any reproduction or further transmission of any portion of this document.

document may only be viewed electronically through the www.BERTL.com Web site and may not be stored in electronic or hard copy format. Any reproduction of trademarks is strprohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.


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Whats Inside

Click on an entry to go to the page listed.

Introduction ......................................................................................................... 4Device Features Summary .......................................................... 4

Paper Handling: Paper Input .............................................................................. 5Paper Handling: Input Features Summary .................................. 5Reloading Paper Supplies........................................................... 6What We Liked ............................................................................ 6What We Would Like to See........................................................ 6

Paper Handling: Paper Output/Finishing .......................................................... 7Paper Handling: Output/Finishing Features Summary................ 7Finishing Options......................................................................... 7

Finisher Productivity .................................................................... 7What We Liked ............................................................................ 8What We Would Like to See........................................................ 8

Routine Maintenance .......................................................................................... 9Maintenance Features Summary ................................................9What We Liked ............................................................................ 9What We Would Like to See........................................................ 9Paper Jam Removal.................................................................. 10Toner Replacement Process..................................................... 11

Device Management ......................................................................................... 12What We Liked .......................................................................... 12

What We Would Like to See...................................................... 12Status Monitoring....................................................................... 13Job Queue Reporting ................................................................ 13Security Settings........................................................................ 13Address Book Management ...................................................... 14Cost Control Reporting ..............................................................14Scan Templates......................................................................... 14Email Notification Alerts............................................................. 15Job Log Management................................................................ 15

Security .............................................................................................................. 16Security Features Summary...................................................... 16What We Liked .......................................................................... 17What We Would Like to See...................................................... 17

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Copyrigh t 2006 MCA Internet, LLC dba BERTL. 30 June 2006All Rights Reserved. The license under which this document is made available and applicable law prohibit any reproduction or further transmission of any portion of t his document. Thisdocument may only be viewed electronically through the www.BERTL.com Web site and may not be stored in electronic or hard copy format. Any reproduction of trademarks is strictly

prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.


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Whats Inside

Click on an entry to go to the page listed.

Accessibility ..................................................................................................... 18User Accessibility for Device Controls....................................... 18User Accessibility for Paper Refilling......................................... 18User Accessibility for Paper Jam Removal................................ 18What We Liked .......................................................................... 18What We Would Like to See...................................................... 18

Copy .................................................................................................................. 19Copy Features Summary........................................................... 19Image Quality ............................................................................ 21What We Liked .......................................................................... 22What We Would Like to See...................................................... 22

Print on Demand................................................................................................ 23e-Filing....................................................................................... 23Storing a Job Into an e-Filing Box ............................................. 24Accessing e-Filing Documents From Desktop........................... 25What We Liked .......................................................................... 26What We Would Like to See...................................................... 26

Print .................................................................................................................... 27Print Features Summary............................................................ 27Ease of Installation .................................................................... 27Print Productivity........................................................................ 28Print Driver Functionality ........................................................... 29

Image Quality ............................................................................ 31What We Liked .......................................................................... 32What We Would Like to See...................................................... 32

Scan .................................................................................................................... 33Scan Features Summary........................................................... 33Scan to Email ............................................................................ 34Scan Data Capture Accuracy .................................................... 35Scan Data Capture Accuracy Results ....................................... 36Scan Data Capture Productivity ................................................ 37Scan Data Capture Productivity ................................................ 37What We Liked .......................................................................... 38What We Would Like to See...................................................... 38

Summing Up ..................................................................................................... 39

About BERTL .................................................................................................... 40


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The Toshiba e-STUDIO451c sits at the top of companysworkgroup occasional color MFP range, delivering diversemonochrome and color document handling capabilitieswithin the compact footprint that is so important to a small

business location.

Important items for the front office include paper handling,print quality, scanned image quality, security, andadministration tools which mayin a small businessbehandled by the person with the highest IT literacy, sinceoften there is no dedicated IT technical support staff.

One item that is often overlooked is an easy-to-use touchscreen control panel, providing the operator a single-stepapproach for anything from a simple copy job to a multi-page booklet print job.

For those focused on printed output, the 45 ppmmonochrome, 11 ppm color-capable copy and print enginedelivers high quality output with a diverse choice offinishing options. The e-STUDIO451c delivers space-saving job separation capabilities at one end andsophisticated finishing capabilities such as saddle-stitchbooklet making at the other.

For those looking to communicate more efficiently, Toshibaincludes extensive fax and scan capabilities through itsown technology and third-party integration with eCopy andothers.

The Toshiba e-STUDIO451c is part of a series ofoccasional color MFPs that includes 28 ppm and 35 ppmmonochrome versions, all with 11 ppm color speed. Thethree models incorporate Toshibas e-BRIDGE openarchitecture that is the foundation of its networkcapabilities. This new hardware design allows for excellentprocess efficiencies such as Internet-ready, mobile/wireless-ready, and solution-ready technology, providingsolid integration into some existing document workflowsand infrastructures.

e-Filing is one of the innovative document handlingcapabilities on the e-STUDIO451c. This tool gives users aseamless approach to input and store documents from the

desktop, and permits editing, reprinting on demand,forwarding to new locations, and more. Users can inputand store documents into private mailboxes throughscanning, printing, or faxing.

The Toshiba e-STUDIO451c incorporates the companysservice philosophy with four service modules (DeveloperUnit, Cleaning, Charger Unit, and Fuser Unit) which targetthe most frequently-serviced components. This, plus simple

steps for changing toner and removing paper jams shouldhelp keep downtime to a minimum. Unlike other businesscolor devices, the Toshiba eSTUDIO451c uses a singledrum unit which makes one revolution for a monochromepage and four revolutions to create a full color image. Thisdesign concept is advantageous in high monochromeenvironments allowing for longer life consumable items to

be installed, which Toshiba claims can reduce overallrunning costs due to reduced service call requirements.

Monochrome Engine Speed 45 ppm

Color Engine Speed 11 ppm

First Copy Out Mono 6.8 seconds

First Copy Out Color 16.2 seconds

Warm Up Time 40 seconds

Maximum Monthly Volume 150,000 stated volume

Copy Standard

Print Standard

PSTN Fax Optional

Internet/Network Fax Optional

TWAIN Scan Standard

Network Scan Standard

Device Features Summary

Introduction

BERTL analyst testing the Toshiba e-STUDIO451c.


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BackgroundPaper handling is a core requirement of everydevice. If a device cannot create documents auser wants on the paper they need, it does

not matter how fast the print engine is, or howmany pages it can produce in a month.

Paper handling comes down to three key attributes:weight, capacity, and size.

WeightThe majority of paper used in the general office is gradedbetween 20 lb. bond/80gsm and 28 lb. bond/105gsm. If adevice cannot handle these weights through the mainpaper sources, users are forced to use the low capacitybypass tray, resulting in a higher user intervention rate.

The straight paper path of the bypass tray lets it handleheavier paper stocks to create business cards, covers forreports, product brochures, menus, tickets, programs andother special documents. Paper weights for this type of jobusually start at 90 lb. index/163gsm with business cardstocks often higher at 110 lb. index/200gsm.

CapacityWorkgroup desktop printers commonly start with either a500 or 1,000 sheet capacity plus a bypass tray.Workgroup MFPs usually start with capacities over 1,000sheets.

Paper comes in reams of 500 sheets. A growing trend ispaper trays with capacities greater than 500 sheets whichlet users refill trays that are almost empty with an entireream of paper at a convenient time without waste or risk ofoverfilling.

A devices maximum capacity (without increasing thedevice footprint) depends upon the paper sourceconfiguration. Standard paper trays typically are universalor adjustable trays that can accommodate a wide range ofpaper supplies. Paper upgrade options on some devicesinclude additional universal trays or a high-capacitytandem drawer.

A tandem drawer maximizes letter/A4 capacity byaccommodating dual stacks of paper side by side.However, larger-sized paper supplies cannot be loaded.To raise capacity even further, some units can beequipped with a side-mounted large capacity unit Thesetrays are also limited to letter/A4 size paper supplies only.

SizeLetter/A4 size paper is used in the majority of day to daybusiness operations. Legal and financial documents oftenare printed on the longer legal (8.5 x 14) stock size. As aresult, many desktop printers, and some entry-level MFPsreduce production costs by restricting the maximum paperdimensions to legal size.

However, some environments also rely heavily on thelarger ledger/A3 sizes for printing spreadsheets,schematics, design layouts, plans, and for copying booksor magazines.

Standard Paper Capacity

Standard: 2 x 550-sheetcassettes

Optional: 1 x 550-sheet PFP1 x 550 cassette1 x 2,500 sheet LCF

Maximum Paper Capacity 3,700 sheets

Bypass Tray Capacity 100 sheets

Maximum Paper Size (bypass) 12 x 18

Maximum Paper Size(main trays)

11 x 17/A3

Maximum Paper Weight(bypass)

17 to 110 lbs

Maximum Paper Weight(main trays)

17 to 28 lbs.

Standard Legal Capacity 1,200 sheets

Maximum Legal Capacity 2,300 sheets

Standard Ledger Capacity 1,200 sheets

Maximum Ledger Capacity 2,300 sheets

Standard Paper Sources 3

Maximum Paper Sources 5

Post Process Insertion (PPI) N/A

PPI Capacity N/A

Paper Handling: Input Features Summary

Paper Handling: Paper Input


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Reloading Paper Suppl ies

Loading paper in the Toshiba e-STUDIO451c was straight-forward and user-friendly. The home page of the touch

screen control panel page displays an image illustrating thecurrent paper status of each tray.

Loading the universal trays is simple. A lock at the back ofeach drawer prevents accidental change of the media set-tings. When unlocked, the paper guides are easily adjustedfrom the front or back. An L-shaped piece on the left sidecan be moved to make size adjustments.

The drawers hold 550 sheets, allowing full-ream refills priorto complete paper depletion. The bottom drawer, a largecapacity cassette, is very sturdy and easy to load. A metaldivider separating the two paper stacks must be set cor-

rectly to avoid paper jams or size misreads. Paper refilling process for the Toshiba e-STUDIO451c

WHAT WE LIKED:

The adjustable paper drawers have a paper capacity of550 sheets. Users can refill the drawers with a 500-sheet ream of paper as the supply gets low instead ofwaiting for a job to fail due to a lack of paper.

An icon on the touch screens main copy page notifiesusers of the paper supply status. When a user selectsthe image of any paper drawer, a graphical display

shows how much paper remains.

The large capacity tray is both sturdy and strong. It canhandle misuse by operators.

The lock function located on the back of the paperdrawer ensures size adjustments stay as intended.

WHAT WE WOULD LIK E TO SEE:

We would like to see the removable L-shaped paperholder attached to the tray and retractable. With such asystem, operators will have less difficulty adjusting thepaper and will not lose the lever. Currently, the levermust be detached when 11 x 17 paper is used andcan be misplaced.

Automatic paper detection would be a nice addition to

the Toshiba e-STUDIO451c. Currently, users must setin the control panel the size of the paper that wasadded. We would like to see sensors pick up the newsize as paper is loaded.

Currently the touch screen indicates only the paper sizeand an R if it is in a rotated position in the tray. Wewould like to see a visual illustration showing the waythe paper is positioned. The letter-R or A4-R designa-tions may be confusing. Even novice users can under-stand a picture. During testing, BERTL had paper jamsbecause the paper was feeding in the R or rotatedposition rather than the expected direction, with no

prompt to indicate a problem. A tray handle that can be grasped from both the top and

bottom would make paper loading easier. Currently,users must reach from below to grasp and pull out thedrawer, which can be a difficult maneuver for some us-ers. Handles on the top and bottom will improve acces-sibility for users with disabilities.

Paper Handling: Paper Input


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BackgroundThe paper output handling options onworkgroup products can range from duplexoutput to saddle-stitch booklet making

capabilities. Many devices offer a choice offinishers providing a low cost, minimum

footprint solution, or a high-capacity, fully-featuredsolution.

StaplingLower cost stapler units often have a 15- to 30-sheetmaximum capacity and are often limited to cornerstapling. Floor-standing, higher cost finishers should offer50-sheet capability and can handle corner and doublestapling. Saddle-stitch heads up the finishing capabilities,allowing users to create folded, center-stapled booklets.Some workgroup device saddle-stitch finishers only

handle 10 sheets (40-page booklets) with others handlingup to 15 sheets (60-page booklets).

Mail Bin Units and Offset OutputMany workgroup devices offer offset stacking (whereeach set is offset from the next) to make it easier toseparate jobs. Some offer physical mail bin units allowingeach user to send jobs to their own output area. Mostmail bin units limit delivery to unfinished jobs. A multi-trayfinisher can also offer some form of job separation,typically used to route different types of job (fax, print,copy) for easier identification.

Maximum Output Capacity2,000 sheets (2 trays w/MJ1024 finisher

Duplex Capability Standard

Maximum Paper WeightThrough Duplex Unit

28 lbs./105gsm

Maximum Stapling Capacity 50 sheets

Maximum Booklet/Saddle-stitchCapacity

15 sheets (60-page booklet)

Hole Punch Options 2 and 3 hole

Physical Mail Bin OptionLimit of two output areas viafinisher or job separator option

Folding Options In booklet making only

Paper Handling: Output/Finishing Features Summary

Fin ish ing Opt ions

The Toshiba e-STUDIO451c has two external finisheroptions.

The MJ1023 floor-standing finisher includes two 1,000-sheet capacity output trays, multi-position stapling for upto 50 sheets, and optional hole punch. The MJ1024 multiposition stapling finisher with saddle stitch can do every-

thing that the MJ023 can, plus provide

saddle-stitch capabilities.

Fin isher Product iv i ty

To compare finishing results, BERTLanalysts ran the same job (10 sets of 12originals) with various finishing options.We noticed little to no reduction in speedwhen hole punching was added. Theaddition of one staple and then two sta-ples showed a small identical jump inboth cases. As expected, booklet finish-ing added a significant jump due to the

initial imposition phase which resulted ina longer first-time-out time.

Paper Handling: Paper Output/Finishing

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

Time to Completion in Seconds

Saddle-Stitch Booklet

Double Staple

Single Staple

Hole Punch

No Finishing

Document Finishing Impact on Productivity


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Toshiba e-STUDIO451cPaper Handling: Paper Output/Finishing

WHAT WE LIK ED:

Setting finishing features is intuitive from both the con-sole and desktop and are easy for the first-time user,minimizing errors and costly reprints.

If the Toshiba e-STUDIO451c runs out of paper in themiddle of a job, a red light near the control panel lightsup notifying users so prompt action can be taken.

Replacing staples, located on the front side of thefinisher, is easy. An operator opens the door and pullsthe staple case from its set position. After staples havebeen replenished the case is returned to its place and isautomatically reset.


An internal finishing capability would give offices withspace limitations the ability to staple documents. Someother manufacturers also include hole-punch capabilityas well.


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BackgroundWorkgroup devices sold through retail andtraditional IT distribution outlets usually aremaintained by office workers changing the

all-in-one cartridge units that encase theentire imaging system. Units sold through

the reseller/dealer community are usually maintained byoffice workers and trained service engineers. Separatelong-life parts are more complex to install but offer lowerrunning costs than the low yield, all-in-one alternatives.

Toner ReplacementChanging the toner or imaging cartridge is a necessarytask that traditionally is avoided by some for fear of thedust leaking on clothes or hands. However, most unitstoday offer clean replacement of toner supplies. Imagingunits on color MFPs come in two distinct design

configurations, tandem single pass with four separateimaging stations or four pass with one central imagingdrum. The tandem design usually provides for easier enduser drum replacement with a simple side in slide outdesign compared to the longer life central drum designswhich require an engineer visit, albeit much lessfrequently.

Clearing Paper JamsThe main device issue that office users attempt toremedy themselves is the occasional paper jam. As ageneral rule, the faster the device engine, and the morepaper handling options, the more complex the process ofremoving paper jams. Common jam sources are theduplex unit and poor loading of paper supplies. Theposition of the duplex unit can be a major factor in theease of paper jam removal.

Toner YieldMono 27,000/Color 10,000 Per Color

Drum Life 200,000 pages

Fuser Life 150,000 pages

Developer Life 150,000 pages

Toner Refill During Printing No

End-user replaceable drum unit No

End-user replaceable fuser unit No

Maintenance Features Summary

Routine Maintenance

WHAT WE LIK ED:

Changing the toner was mess-free (if done correctly)and user-friendly.

Color coding guides users and prevents injury or acci-

dents. Any part of the device that can be touched by auser is green. Adding toner and removing jams is mucheasier since the user knows what can and cannot betouched. This also keeps the user away from areas ofthe machine that are hot.

When jams occur, the control panel displays a guide tohelp users find the jammed paper. The step-by-step in-structions ensure all paper is found the proper way, help-ing the user as well as the machine itself.


We would like the process of changing the color tonersas simple as the black. Currently, users must use thetouch control panel to line up the toner they want to re-move. The black toner is easily removed by opening the

green cap and pulling it out.

When removing paper jams from the duplex area, thedrum is exposed and subject to being scratched. BERTLwould like to see less of the drum unit exposed whenremoving paper jams.

BERTL analyst performs routine maintenance on the e-STUDIO451c.


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Paper Jam Removal

While we did not encounter any jams during the testing ofthe Toshiba e-STUDIO451c, we did force some jams to

see how the unit would react. When a jam occurs, the ma-chine beeps, and a red light appears, making the surround-ing users aware that an error has occurred.

The control panelprovides step-by-step illustrations toguide users throughclearing paper jams.

The illustrationshows which part ofthe unit to open first.

Other illustrations

indicate which indi-vidually numberedareas must beopened.

Users are lead di-rectly to the jam andremoval is simple.

Routine Maintenance


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Toner Replacement Process

To remove the black toner, the green door must beopened. Once opened, the long black toner cartridge canbe pulled out.

After pushing the hard User Settings key and selectingthe General touch button, this screen appears. Usersthen select the toner cartridge they would like to change.

After being selected, the Magenta toner moves to awindow where it can be removed. Users open the areaand remove the toner.

Routine Maintenance


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WHAT WE LIK ED:

Toshibas TopAccess Web monitor is universal acrossthe e-STUDIO product line. This eliminates the learningcurve when an e-STUDIO 451c is installed into an envronment with other Toshiba devices.

Through Toshibas TopAccess Web monitor, both copyjobs and print jobs can be viewed from the desktop.Since users can view the job queue, they know the jobstatus in relation to available print time.

The icon-driven scan template administration systemmakes the process easy for general office users.

The simple, yet sophisticated automated fax forwardingfeature allows incoming faxes to be routed to one ormore destinations: an e-Filing box on the device, emaior network folder locations (with or without security). Italso sends an email notice of fax arrival.


The job status view on the desktop appears in the ordethat the print jobs will be released (job one, job two, jobthree). The view on the control panel is reversed, showing job three first, then job two, and then job one.

The ability to promote or pause jobs in the queue woul

allow urgent jobs to get handled faster.

Editing administrative features was a little confusing attimes with no obvious prompts on how to get into menuto make changes. The administrator was left to guessthat a second click on the menu heading was required go into edit mode.

Editing/creating scan templates involved three separatactions rather than a single menu walk-through.

BackgroundAn efficient device management backbone isneeded to take maximum advantage of thefeature set within a device, be it a printer,

fax, scanner or multi-functional product.

Device management is commonly-supported through aWeb server on the device controller. This Web server isaccessed using any desktop Internet browser; the usersimply enters the IP address of the device into the URLaddress line.

Administrators and office users have differentmanagement and monitoring needs.

General Office UsersEnd users want to know if a device is capable of handling

a job. Supply levels and a list of jobs already committedto print are important.

For MFPs with document storage and communicationscapabilities, end users also need desktop management ofprint on demand, stored document viewing (to check printon demand files or incoming faxes) and, for the moreadvanced, the creation of scan-to-email or scan-to-filedestination templates.

AdministratorsAn office or network manager looks for greater controlover the device functionality and setup without leavingtheir desk. They may be looking to manage networksetup, establish security for IP filter ranges, apply costcontrol measures, check supply levels, and set upautomated email alerts to different staff members whenproblems occur. Cost control flexibility is especiallyimportant with color-enabled devices due to theopportunity for misuse and the high running costsassociated with such activity. Cost control measuresshould allow administrators to set up controls formonochrome and color independently to ensure that dayto day monochrome workflow is not slowed whilemaintaining strict control over color use.

Due to the nature of the Web server, this capability is

usually limited to an individual device. Manymanufacturers also include a network devicemanagement fleet tool which allows for the monitoringand management of multiple devices around the networkconcurrently. Many also provide plug-ins to the mostpopular IT device management utilities to ensure that themaximum amount of information can be relayed fromtheir device to the third-party application.

Device Management

Users and administrators can view device settings and manage jobsthrough Toshibas Web-based TopAccess management system.


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Sta tus Mon i to r ing

The Device Tab provides a quick view ofcurrent operations including paper tray con-

ditions and availability.

Job Queue Repor t ing

Job Queue Reporting provides a status ofwhere jobs are positioned and the print/copy order. A job that has not been pro-duced can be deleted if desired.

Both the date and time are always displayedand the user name is shown when available.While users can delete jobs in the queue,there is no promote or pause facility asfound on some other units.

Secur i t y Se t t ings

From TopAccess, administrators can set upauthorized user lists and IP filters to limitaccess to the device to specific PC addressranges. They also can establish automaticrouting of incoming faxes to lockable mail-boxes or folder destinations.

Device Management


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Address Book Management

Users and administrators can set up email,Internet fax, and fax addresses for local stor-

age on the device. Addresses can be gath-ered into groups for simple one-touch distri-bution purposes.

Cost Cont ro l Repor t ing

The Toshiba e-STUDIO451c does not comewith job accounting capabilities as standard.It can be added through third-party costrecovery suppliers and through the eCopyscan option.

Scan Templa tes

With TopAccess, users can easily set upscan templates from the desktop. Thesetemplates will translate to a one-touch scanbutton on the units control panel. Instruc-tions walk users through the process. Evenmulti-step functions were relatively simple tofollow without a manual or online help.

Templates can be stored in a public or pri-vate folder. Each user can have a privatefolder locked with a PIN so they can storescan to email, fax, or folder templates intheir own folder for fast retrieval rather thanfiltering through the shared address book.

Device Management


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Emai l No t i f i ca t ion A le r t s

A user can set up to three email addressesto route specific notifications. Some other

advanced systems offer unlimited email ad-dresses, but the TopAccess option is proba-bly more than adequate for most environ-ments.

The administrator can set up a local officecontact for easy fixes such as paper andtoner refill. More complex technical issuescan be routed to tech support. Emails auto-matically can be sent to the dealer for taskslike imaging drum replacement.

Job Log Management

Users can view each job that has been pro-duced on the Toshiba e-STUDIO451cwhether it is a print, scan, or simple copy

job. The log can be exported to the desktopfor further interrogation by Excel or costaccounting applications.

Device Management


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BackgroundHigh-tech security is never out of the news,with reports of information theft and hackingmaking headlines. By the very nature of their

development, network printers and MFPs aresecurity risks if not managed correctly.

Advanced network connectivity options open ports tohackers. Industry-standard Java and Web browser designelements are vulnerable to virus attack. Large hard drivesstore a latent copy of every document flowing through thedevice data for years. Devices link directly to core networkcomponents such as the LDAP address list or the centralfile server. Plus, fast communication options let insiderssend information to the outside with no method of beingtraced.

Security and data compliance buzzwords and regulationssuch as Common Criteria certification, HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley, Gramm Leach Bliley, FERPA, SEC, FSMA, and thePatriot Act look to safeguard information and force compa-nies to conform to best practices in document and datasecurity management.

Safeguarding DataMost MFPs now offer a standard or optional hard drive.Any company dealing in critical, sensitive informationshould determine if they need a data overwrite capabilitythat has passed Common Criteria (CC) certification. Dataoverwrite deletes information on the hard drive by writing aseries of random ones and zeros over the sectors storingdata, usually multiple times. The CC test relates to howdata is deleted from a devices hard drive after beingused. CC certification carried out by a government-approved test facility. Many manufacturers get CC certifi-cation to satisfy government security requirements and itis a requisite for many government agencies and contrac-tors. Most MFP devices pass evaluation assurance level(EAL) 2, with some aiming higher at EAL 3. The higher thelevel, the more extensive the testing, and the more securethe hard drive is deemed

Controlling AccessOne of the keys to security is limiting the initial access to

the device both remotely and at the device itself. TCP/IPand MAC filtering allow the administrator to limit remoteaccess the device. MAC filtering is more secure; the TCP/IP address can be copied but the MAC address is a fixedspecification that can not be changed.

IPv6 is now becoming commonplace on network devices.IPv6 makes it harder to crack or hack into a PC addressrange by making the address more complex.

Network authentication is now available on nearly everyMFP and printer, forcing users to enter a user name andpassword before access to the device is granted. Mostdevices can verify a user by linking to Windows Exchangeuser lists, Novell network user lists, and LDAP server lists.

There should also be password encryption at the point ofthe login process through SSL or other encryption or othersecurity technology (such as Kerberos) preventing hack-ers from watching and capturing user names and IDs asthey travel over the network.

Secure TransmissionsThe hard drive (if not equipped with a data overwrite capa-bility) provides the ability to create secure repositories forincoming print and fax jobs. Instead of being printed upondelivery, print jobs and faxes can be stored on the deviceand printed only after a PIN has been entered by the au-thorized user. IPv6 makes it harder to crack or hack into aPC address range by making the address more complex.

Hard Drive Overwrite Optional

Removable Hard Drive No

Private Print Standard

Encrypted Print No

Secure Fax Yes

Encrypted PDF Send No

Network Authentication Yes

LDAP Authentication Yes

Kerberos Authentication No

SNMP v3.0 Yes

IPv6 Yes

SSL Yes

IP Filtering Yes

MAC Filtering No

Security Features Summary

Security


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Toshiba e-STUDIO451cSecurity

WHAT WE LIK ED:

The ability to use LDAP Authentication with the e-STUDIO451c is encouraging. This secure feature puts

many businesses at ease.

The ability to lock/secure print jobs is easy to locate anduse on both drivers.

Incoming faxes can be routed to secure destinations suchas PIN-protected internal e-Filing folders, limited-accessnetwork folders, or email addresses, ensuring that sensi-tive information does not sit in the output tray of the de-vice.


The ability to override the hard drive the option is astandard function on some competitors. While the

Toshiba e-STUDIO451c allows users to do so, it is aoption.

MAC filtering would provide a greater level of desktoprange lockdown capability than the user-changeable IPidentifier.

Secure PDF encryption at the time of scan to email orscan to file, using the measures built into Adobe Acrobawould provide additional document security. Users scanthe confidential document, assign a PIN code, and tell threcipient the PIN code so the file can be opened. Severarival devices now offer this feature.


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WHAT WE LIKED:

The control panel moves up and down easily through abroad range, giving visibility to disabled users.

The touchable parts are within reach and are color-coded green. Black toner is very easy and clean to re-move.

Replacing staples is easy and is done at eye level ofsomeone in a wheelchair. After opening the finisher,the staple cassette can be pulled out and refilled.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE:

The ability to change color toner without using the

touch screen. While wheelchair bound users can seethe screen its an added awkward step.

The paper drawers would be easier to open if theycould be pulled from both the top and the bottom. Cur-rently the drawers must be grasped from below makinit more difficult for disabled users. A handle on the topwill let disabled users reach more drawers.

Although the two top drawers were accessible, the bottom drawer was far from ideal. Changing paper alsorequired reaching far inside the drawer to release thelocking lever.

The port entry, located at the back of the device, couldbe better positioned so that it is not cumbersome forany operator to use. If located on the front of the de-vice, it would be more accessible. In the current con-figuration, a wheelchair user would not be able to con-nect a computer notebook to the device.

The detachable L-shaped paper holder is difficult toreach and can get lost easily. A movable/retractablelever that cannot be detached is a better option.

In the U.S., Section 508 legislation prohibitsgovernment agencies from purchasing de-vices that are not accessible to those withphysical impairments. For this reasonand

the corporate worlds increased focus ondelivering a better work environment foralluser-friendly features for physically-impaired users are considered more andmore.

Common design features include tilting con-trol panels which give wheelchair-boundusers a better view of the screen and largerdisplay options for those with impaired vi-sion. Voice navigation and Braille also arebecoming increasingly popular. Easy access to the paperpath for jam removal or front access to toner supplies

make a device more user-friendly to all.

User Acc ess ib i li t y t o Dev ice Cont ro ls

The e-STUDIO451c control panel consists of a tiltingtouch screen as well as hard key buttons. The controlsare accessible from a wheelchair when adjusted to thelowest point. The document feeder, the standard heightof most machines in the industry, can be grasped,opened, and closed from a wheelchair. When fully raised,the document feeder may be difficult for wheelchair usersto reach.

User Acc ess ib i l i t y for Paper Ref i l l ing

The top drawer of the e-STUDIO-451c can be refilledeasily from a wheelchair; the second drawer and thosebelow may be somewhat more difficult. Disabled usersmay struggle to reach below the desired drawer to grabthe handle. Once open, they must then reach deep insidethe drawer to get to the lock lever to change supply sizes(if required). The L-bracket paper guide that adjusts thepaper from the left is difficult to grasp.

User Access ib i l i t y fo r Paper Jam Remova l

Disabled users can view the tilted control panel screen toview the location of a paper jam. Due to a tortuous paperpath, the duplex unit can be a source of paper jams. Theduplex unit on the Toshiba e-STUDIO451c was easilyaccessible from a wheelchair without the need to movethe finisher away as found on some rival devices. Thefinisher opens at the front of the machine which providesclean access.

Accessibility

Toshiba e-STUDIO451c control panel in standard configuration (left) and tilted position (right).


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BackgroundCopying is the standard feature on everyMFP on the market and is increasingly beingoffered either as an option or a separate

model within network printer product ranges.Before being wowed by headline speeds and

advanced features, consider that the most common copyjob is a single set of a simplex document that is five pagesor less with no finishing and no changes to image qualitydefault settings.

Small, Simple JobsDespite the wealth of features that MFPs offer today, mostusers will not be prepared to wade through countlessscreen menus to get to the point where they can press theStart button. Think in terms of human productivity, notdevice productivity. Reporting the productivity of the

device from the moment the green start button is presseduntil the final page comes out does not consider the mostcostly element in the copying process: the users time.

Large, Complex JobsEven for big jobswhere you may think engine speedplays a larger rolethe simple start-key-to-finish-lineproductivity measurement approach again disregards theuser. The user is less likely to wait at the copier for largerand more complex jobs. They will look for features suchas a quick and easy job setup menu, fast scanning (sothey can return to their desk with the originals faster),email notification when the job has finished (eliminatingthe guesswork of when to return to the device to collectthe job), or the ability to build a job using a mix of pagesscanned from the document feeder and platen.

Features or Benefits?Many copy features that are overlooked by the massesare critical time savers in niche workflow environments.For example, medical offices or car dealerships need tocopy insurance and license cards. A card copy featureallows the user to scan the first side of the card, turn thecard over, scan the second page, and produce a single-sided copy with both sides of the card on the single sheet.This saves 50 percent on paper and the print click costcharged by the dealer.

Copier ConcurrencyConcurrency, the ability to handle multiple tasks at thesame time, varies greatly in workgroup devices. Somedevices can not accept a copy job while a print or copy jobis in progress. If a connected MFP is carrying out either

job, a walk-up user must wait for the job to finish beforethey can scan in their copy job.

My CopierMFP design is moving away from proprietary, closed

systems and embracing open architecture and ITstandards like .NET and Java. This opens the door togreater flexibility in the way the walk-up experience can betailored to each user. Coupled to this ability is the growingneed to account for all device usage for security,compliance or cost considerations. These two trends canresult in a My Copier-type experience where each user isgreetedwith theirfavoritesettingswhenlogging in.

Maximum Copy SpeedMonochrome 45 ppmColor 11 ppm

First Copy Out Time Monochrome 6.8 secondsColor 16.2 seconds

Document Feeder TypeOptional reverse automaticdocument feeder (RADF)

Document Feeder Capacity 100 pages

Job Build Yes

Job Build Combining Platen andDocument Feeder Scans

Yes

Scan Ahead Copy Memories Unlimited

No. of Copy Job Programs Information not available

Customizable One-touchButtons on Home Screen

No

Max/Min Zoom Ratio 25% to 400%

Cover Insertion Yes

Sheet Insertion Yes

Page Stamp Options Yes

Copy Features Summary

Copy


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Reproductions in Text/Photo settings.

Reproductions in Photo settings.

Image Qua l i t y

Users can select color from Full Color, and Auto Colormodes, or Monochrome for only black toner.

When using the Monochrome mode, the Toshiba e-

STUDIO451c uses only black toner, not the cyan, yellowor magenta toner.

The device comes with Text, Text/Photo, and Photomodes to allow the user to capture and reproducedifferent image types. BERTLs testing included all threemodes with a wide range of copy originals to look forstrengths and weaknesses of the device.

The monochrome image quality scored well across theboard, keeping consistent with rival units.

The top figure shows the Text setting. Reproduction for

both six and eight point faired very well as did the lines.This mode is recommended for this type of job.

As with most devices, the Text/Photo mode was thedefault setting for the device and the mode which offeredthe best overall image quality across the spectrum ofcopy jobs. While Text/Photo does not perform as stronglyas the Text mode on lines and text, it is still a viableoption for this type of job.

Photo mode uses a halftone rendering algorithm thatproduces high quality reproduction of photographs. It isnot a good option for text, but produces nice photo

reproductions.

Overall the e-STUDIO451c faired as expected andconsistent with rival units

Copy

Reproductions in Text setting.


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Image Qua l i t y (cont inued)

Copy

The default setting: Full Color

For color, the default setting is Full Color, as shownbelow. This setting is best for general use; many differ-ent types of jobs will reproduce well.

The Warm setting pumps more red into the colorgamut. The extra red will show up on skin tones, mak-ing it more vibrant and lively. This will look good onphotographs containing people.

The Cool setting adds blue to its images. This does notwork as well with skin tones as it tends to look washedout or dull. It is better suited for landscape shots.

The Vivid setting saturates the paper with color. Thisworks especially well for presentations. The colors willjump off the paper for a more powerful impact.

Vivid setting

Warm setting

Cool setting


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WHAT WE LIK ED:

The ability to choose Full Color, Black, and Auto Coloris right in the middle of the touch screen.

The user-friendly interface provides both experiencedand novice users with a quick and easy method ofbuilding copy jobs.

Users are able to set up their favorite copy functions asone-touch templates within their own user profilefolders.

With a 100-sheet capacity document feeder (more thansome competing units), large jobs can be createdwithout the need for job build steps. reducing userintervention times.

The job build function allows for the merging of scansfrom the document feeder and platen, a valuablefeature for many environments such as law firms, andone that some competing units do not offer.

Most common copy functions are within one or twoselections of the home screen, limiting menu-miningand keeping user time to a minimum.

The tilting control panel was especially well-received.The panel can be adjusted for wheelchair users and tominimize glare from overhead lighting.

The touch screen control panel shows users the

functions that they have selected on the home copyscreen. When the user has more complex projectswhich require various tabs to be selected, thesefunctions are shown as a reminder, reducing operatorrisk and time. Multi-featured tasks such as bookletmaking with enlargement have specific tab selectionsthat are shown throughout the process.


We would like the ability to select monochrome andcolor from more visible and distinguishable hard keys.Currently those selections are made on the touchscreen. While this system works, the hard keys would

be more noticeable to less experienced users who mayneed to change the selection prior to copying.

The reversing document feeder design can result inlonger waiting times when handling double-sidedoriginals.

Corner Staple Two steps

Hole Punch Two steps

Enlarge to 200% Two steps

2:2 Two steps

Photo Mode Two steps

Mixed Original Two steps

Cover mode (printed front coveron bypass supply)

Four steps

Touch Screen Selections Required fo rCommonly-used Copy Functions

Copy

0 5 10 15 20 25

Double-sided original

scanning

Single-sided originalscanning

Color Originals Scanned into Device Memoryper Minute in Simplex and Duplex Modes

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Double-sided original

scanning

Single-sided originalscanning

Monochrome Originals Scanned into Device Memoryper Minute in Simplex and Duplex Modes


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BackgroundEver since MFPs started including harddrives, manufacturers have looked for ways tooffer more and more on-demand document

facilities.

The most basic is the ability to store a document on thedevice for instant reprinting from the walk-up interface. Vir-tually all manufacturers offer this level of print-on-demandcapability. Most allow users to store, copy, and print. Somealso include scan and fax documents into the mix.

Are All Documents the Same?The way different document function types are stored andthe way in which they can be reused at a later date createsome issues due to the file format in which the functionoperates. Copy is usually done in a compressed proprie-

tary format, fax in TIFF, and scan in TIFF/PDF or JPEG asselected by the user.

When users look to reuse the files, they are often limited tothe same function as it was created in.

Do All Devices Offer the Same Capabilities?There is much differentiation between products and manu-facturers in this area. Those interested in print on demandshould look carefully at the functionality offered by eachmanufacturer.

Areas of differentiation include the range of finishing or out-put control the user can place upon a reprint-on-demand

job; whether more than one stored job can be combinedand treated as a single print file; the ability to view, manageand share stored documents using desktop applications;the complexity of the filing system in place; and the ease atwhich users can search for documents.

The FutureIncreasing security concerns may result in more compa-nies using data overwrite kits. This would put an end to theprint on demand capability of such devices. For those stilllooking for a fast reprint capability, the answer may be ex-ternal media ports such as USB memory sticks, digitalcamera SD cards, or volatile memory storage.

e-Fi l ing

Users are able to store copy, print, fax, and scandocuments to the hard drive, and reprint or retrieve them

from either the touch screen display of the copier, or fromTopAccess. Documents are stored within the e-Filingsystem through a series of boxes. There is one public e-Filing box accessed by all members of the office. It is setup by the system administrator.

Up to 200 private e-Filing boxes also can be set up byindividuals. These boxes can be password-protected,adding a level of security for sensitive information. Eachbox can be further divided into a maximum of 100 folderswith storage for up to 400 documents per folder, and amaximum of 1,000 pages per document.

Print to Box: From the printer driver, users select the boxwhere they want to store the document. Documents arestored with the name of the application and document inthe proprietary RIPped file from.

e-Filing at the Desktop: With the e-Filing Web utility,users view, edit, reprint, and copy documents stored inpublic and private folders.

Copy to Box: Copy jobs are stored in an electronic boxwith or without creating a copy (its the users choice).Jobs are stored in the proprietary RIP file format used bythe Toshiba print engine. The document name can be

entered using a QWERTY keypad on the copier touchscreen LCD. Some document copy settings featurescannot be added to a copy job stored in a box. Theseinclude more than 200 percent enlargement, non-sortmode, magazine sort, magazine sort and saddle-stitch,image shift, Nin1, cover sheet/sheet insertion, datestamp, page numbering, and non-standard size setting.Copy to Box is the only scanning function that can beaccessed without purchasing the optional print/scan orscan upgrade kits. Users can access documents storedin a box using the standard TWAIN driver or filedownloader software.

Scan to Box: This operates the same way as copy to box

except 2-bit monochrome files are stored as TIFF or PDFfiles, and 8-bit greyscale files are stored as TIFF, JPEG,or PDF files.

Print to Box: From the printer driver, users select the boxwhere they want to store the document. Documents arestored with the name of the application and document inthe proprietary ripped file format.

Print On Demand


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Stor ing a J ob Into an e -Fi l ing Box

First, the user selects the e-Filing file tab at the top of themenu screen.

Users then choose if they want to copy the document and

save a copy for reuse, or simply store the document withno output.

Users then choose the box/folder destination, the box

name, and folder name. They also can allocate apersonalized name to the file. If the file name is notcreated, a unique identifier will be allocated to preventoverwrite of existing files.

If the user does not know their box or folder details, they

can select the box/folder icon and browse to the folder theyrequire.

Print On Demand


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Acc essing e-Fi l ing Docum ents From Deskt op

From the desktop, users select e-Filing fromthe TopAccess main menu. Then, they can

browse to a specific folder and view allstored documents. In the example on theright, BERTL analysts created a privatefolder called BERTL Print on Demand wherewe stored two documents, cover and maindocument. The files can be displayed asthumbnails (as illustrated) or as a standardlist.

Users can choose to print or email thedocuments, move them to new folders orpull them back to the desktop for furtherrevisions. Each file must be selected asshown. Multi-page documents can bedisplayed in their entirety with a thumbnailfor each page. Users also can delete pagesand replace them with new pages.

When a single document is selected forprint, the user has a wide range of finishingand document production options availableto them. However, if multiple documents are

selected, then virtually all functionality isremoved from the mix. Furthermore, thedocuments are still treated as individual print

jobs and can not be combined into a singlefinished job, a feature found on some rivaldevices.

Print On Demand


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Toshiba e-STUDIO451cPrint On Demand

WHAT WE LIK ED:

Users familiar with Toshiba and its products will requireno adjustment or learning curve with the e-Filing on thee-STUDIO451c.

The public and private folders give users additional op-tions. Multiple users can access and print the same filethrough the public folder. Private folders, which arepassword-protected, allow only specific users accessand provide faster access to documents than the one-space-for-all alternative offered by some competitors.

With e-Filing, users can view thumbnail images ofstored documents, delete dated pages and insert newpages in their place, and combine multiple documentscreated either electronically or from hard copy scan intoa single file.

The ability to cut and paste pages is useful, especiallyin print-on-demand environments. For example, a hu-man resources department can store training guides sothey are ready for printing whenever required, ratherthan stockpile copies that may become obsolete. Whencontact lists need replacing, the human resources usercan simply delete the old page, and send the new pageto the same folder via the printer driver or device scan-ner, inserting the new page into the main document.This saves the user from having to re-RIP the entiredocument, a process which could take considerabletime.

Print on demand functions reduce network traffic thatotherwise would have been created if the users had tore-send the complete document data to the printingdevicea strong argument for network administrators.

Extensive document production and finishing optionsare available when submitting the document to print.Some alternatives only allow a simple instruction on thenumber of sets.


Users would benefit from the ability to select two jobsstored as individual files in a folder and print them as asingle print job with all the print functionality offeredwhen printing a single document.

An image editing function, that lets users insert textboxes, watermarks, block out/redact areas, and high-light other areas would add more flexibility to the appli-cation.


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BackgroundPrint passed copy as the primary method ofcreating output years ago. To limit costs andraise integration between functions, more

multifunction products use a single processorboard for copy, print, and scan functions.

ConnectivityThe vast majority of devices include Ethernet and USBconnectivity out of the box; some include parallelconnections. In addition, most devices offer a selection ofoptional connectivity choices like Wireless 802.11b or g (gis the faster, preferred standard.), Bluetooth for connectionto cell phones or PDAs, and FireWire for high speed localconnectivity.

PDLs

PCL is the de facto printer description language (PDL) ofchoice provided by all suppliers. Some bundle inPostScript (PS) while others charge for an upgrade. A fewmanufacturers also include their own PDL which is basedloosely on the Windows/GDI printing technology of old.These Windows or GDI drivers often offer significantproductivity advantages over traditional PCL/PS driverssince the bulk of the processing is handled by the morepowerful desktop PC rather than the less well-equippedprinter processor itself.

ProductivityJudging print productivity is an inexact science at best ormisleading at worst. Factors such as processor power,memory capabilities, spool and RIPping efficiency, enginethroughput speed, RIP while printing capabilities, andmore all play a major part, especially when handling colorprint workflow. Most devices fair better is some of thesefactors than others, and different workflows benefit fromone factor more than another.

It is easy to play judge and pronounce what determinesproductivity. But, it will have little merit when evaluatingprint performance for an end user environment. Device Amay print Document 1 faster than Device B. But Device Bmay print Document 2 faster. You cannot determine whichdocument is the best measure of productivity.

The same is true of network traffic tests where multiplejobs are submitted at once. By rearranging the order of thejobs, the productivity of Device A and Device B couldeasily be reversed.

BERTL does not restrict its evaluation of printperformance to such tests. It provides information on how

jobs are treated across the various PDLs offered, thusallowing users to get the best out of the device.

Pr inter Dr ivers

Driver design varies enormously from manufacturer tomanufacturer. Most try to keep a common style throughouttheir range to reduce learning curves. However, manyhave significant design differences between PDLs whichcan raise issues. While many features are commonthroughout drivers from all manufacturers, there are somedifferentiators whichwhile niche benefits in manyinstancescan be valuable in the right hands. Review thestrengths and weaknesses on the following pages.

Ease of Insta l la t ion

The e-STUDIO451c drivers are available on CDs with thehardware or can be located on the Toshiba Web site. BothPCL and PostScript drivers were installed withoutproblems. The wizard installation process found thedevice, set up the port, and updated the driver with theinstalled features on the device with no user intervention.We especially like this for users who do not have the ITsavvy to install drivers correctly on an MFP and may nothave access to IT support staff.

Print Features Summary

CPU600MHz (Shared for allimaging functions)

RAM and Hard DriveMain Memory: 768 MBPage Memory 32 MB80 GB HDD

Operating Platforms Supported

Netware 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, WindowME/2000/XP, Windows NT 4.Windows Server 2003, CitrixMetaFranme, Macintosh, LinuUNIX

Printer Drivers PCL 5, 6, & PostScript 3

Network Protocols

IPX/SPX , TCP/IP, Ethertalk,Appletalk, NetBIOS, Over TCIP LPR/LPD, IPP, SMB, SNM

Netware, Port 9100, Bluetooth(HCRP)

Interfaces / Standard10BaseT/100BaseTX EtherneUSB 2.0

Client SoftwareTopAccess DocMonitor,e-BRIDGE Viewer

Std PCL Fonts Supported Info Not Available

Std PS Fonts Supported Info Not Available

Interfaces / Options802.11b/g Wireless LAN, Bluetooth (HCPP)

Print


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Prin t Produc t iv i t y

The design of the PCL and PostScript drivers is verysimilar, allowing users to easily switch from one to the

other without confusion. While many users will never veeraway from PCLand many IT managers will not givethem the optionthose that do will reap benefits inbandwidth and productivity.

For smaller file sizes, the PostScript driver required lessbandwidth overall than the PCL, although mostdifferences were not significant. However, the 33-page,graphic-intensive Publisher file did show a big gap infavor of PCL.

The output speed time results were similar. The largestdifference was once again in favor of the PCL with the

33-page graphic-intensive document. Other than that,each output was generally neck and neck.

Bandwidth Comparison

PCL PostScript

50-page text based PDF

(monochrome)

677 KB 1.50 MB

16-page magazine in PDF(color)

4.13 MB 3.30 MB

6-page medium resolutiongraphic PDF (color)

2.78 MB 1.13 MB

2-page high resolution PDF(color)

4.68 MB 6.47 MB

32-page text-basedPowerPoint (color)

1.92 MB 1.84 MB

69-page graphic intensivePowerPoint (color)

11.5 MB 10.10 MB

38-page form- intensive

Word document (mostlymonochrome with somecolor pages)

3.26 MB 0.98 MB

33-page graphic intensivePublisher (color) document

42.4 MB 127.0 MB

Print

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450

Time to Completion in Seconds

50-page text-based PDF

16-page mag azine PDF

6-page m edium resolution PDF

2-page high r esolution PDF

32-page text-based

PowerPoint presentation

69-page graphi c-intensive

PowerPoint presentation

38-page forms-based Word

document

33-page graphi c-intensive

Publisher fi le

Output Time Comparison Between PCL and Pos tScript

PCL PostScript


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Pr int Dr iver Funct ional i t y

The Setup tab of the Toshiba driver can be reached fromthe Properties menu. From this tab, users can select pa-

per, paper size, source, orientation, number of copies,post print handling such as stapling and hole punch, andduplex printing.

A status box on the left indicates the current selectedfunctions in either graphic or text form.

The other driver tabs follow a nice workflow approach,going room left to right.

The Print Job tab provides a thorough overview of theprint capabilities with a feature-rich environment. Thedriver defaults is Normal Print; a print job will be spooledimmediately in the appropriate page and type settings.

Scheduled Print, which lets users select a specific timeand day to print a job, is ideal for print large runs that canbe scheduled for off-peak office hours. The user sets theprint time and date and sends the job.

Private Print stores jobs on the e-STUDIO451c hard drive

and allows printing only after a personalized securitycode has been entered. When Private Print is selected,the grayed out areas are active to allow custom alpha-numeric pass codes to be entered by the operator. Whenretrieving jobs, both the QWERTY touch keypad and hardnumber keys can be used for entering the pass codes.

The Layout tab provides some good paper arrangementoptions including paper and cover insertion tools. Thisgives users the versatility to create booklets or mergemultiple pages per sheet. From this tab, BERTL alsotested multiple-page insertion requirements from differentpaper sources along with front and back covers. The unit

performed flawlessly.

Print


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Pr int Dr iver Funct ional i t y (cont inued)

The Effect tab positions the output for some specific op-tions and Toner Save mode. The Watermark option lists

standard phrases, such as confidential, and also letsusers customize the phrasing to support a particular re-quirement.

When selecting Toner Save mode, users should expectcoverage to decrease as the toner placement will not beas heavy for print and copy jobs as in the normal setting.

The Image Quality tab allows for the selection of distin-guishable image modes such as halftone.

With visual aids, users can see which type of selectionwill go with the document they plan on printing. From leftto right, users can choose from General, Photograph,Presentation, and Line Art.

Users also have the option of selecting changes with half-

tone, resolution, smoothing, distinguishing thin lines,black over print, pure black, pure grey, and use black forall text.

Print


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Image Qua l i t y

Overall, we felt the print quality faired well whencompared against similar devices. While the e-

STUDIO451c prints 45 ppm in monochrome, it only prints11 ppm in color. It should not be confused withcompetitors producing 45 ppm in mono and color.Toshiba has a whole other line of devices to competewith that market.

The grapes show noticeable color discrepancy and lackof shading. A very bright color appears next to a verydark color without much shading. For an 11 ppm device,this output is expected.

The picture of the lion is not particularly smooth but it ismore than acceptable.

Shading becomes somewhat grainy as it moves towardareas with less and less coverage. The contrast of thetest line patterns is not completely consistent. This givesthe effect of the line getting smaller and smaller, althoughthe effect should be good enough for most situations.

As the image showing the percent contrast faired quitewell. Some discoloration is expected and acceptable. Thee-STUDIO451c shows some hints of magenta within the25 percent range. This is normal.

Print

Above: High resolution PDF

Below: High resolution digital camera picture

Shading and fine line textsample test patterns


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Toshiba e-STUDIO451cPrint

WHAT WE LIK ED:

The hard buttons on the control panel display if a user isprinting in color or monochrome making the mode evident

to walk-up users.

The upper left hand window on each driver has an optionwhich can be viewed in both graphic and text mode. As a

job develops, the current selections can be viewed to helpensure that the correct feature sets are chosen for thecurrent run. The graphic selection supports more visually-oriented users who prefer to see how the job will be laidout on paper. The text mode uses only words when de-scribing the layout elements.

The ability to view the jobs in the queue from the desktopis a nice feature. Users can see not only what jobs areprinting but also the exact order of how they are being

spooled. Users also can see copy jobs in this viewer.

The print quality is more than acceptable for a color sec-ond unit. For an 11 ppm machine the Toshiba e-STUDIO451c performs quite well.

The print quality was very good. Clear, crisp lines andgraphic reproduction were apparent across a variety ofdifferent resolution settings. Different types of jobs will runwell on this unit.

The PostScript and the PCL drivers were nearly identicalin the layout and overall appearance. This similarity al-lows users to jump from one driver to the next without

issue. Complex operations such as cover insertion and page

insertion were user-friendly, intuitive processes.


We could not move one job ahead of another in the prin

queue. This is a necessary feature when some jobs takepriority over others, from job to job and user to user.

When multiple sets of a print run are submitted, the dis-play on the device only shows the number of sets remaiing. We would have liked a page count within each set swalk-up users would have a better knowledge of the timremaining before the device is free to use.

The Scheduled Print function is ideal for those users whhave large runs and print them at night. This function al-lows the user to select the time and day and will begin thprint job at that time. However, we would like to see aconfirmation of the time and date of the MFP with the

users PC. That way, the operator can confirm that bothare in sync.

Direct PDF support is not available. PDF files must beopened and submitted to print via either the PCL or PosScript driver, which is a more time-consuming, labor-intensive process than the simple drag-and-drop or rightclick-and-submit offered by some competitors


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BackgroundIn just a few years, network scanning hasmoved from