Lexmark Optra T612
A good performer with excellent features, ideal for a workgroup of 30-50 users
Top honors in this year’s shootout go to the Optra T612. It
topped in all our speed tests, taking just 11 seconds to print the
first page of a multipage file and 17 seconds to print a full-page
monochrome graphics. Its speeds in the individual speed tests were
marginally higher than its closest competitor. This really helped it
gain ground in the overall speed score. At the default resolution,
it managed to give print speeds of 19 ppm, matching its rated speed.
Talking of quality scores, it out-performed the others in all the
tests except in the sharpness of the wedge patch and the quality of
the monochrome graphics, where it came fourth and second
respectively.
T612
Price of toner
cartridge: Rs
18,300
Toner life: 25,000 pages
Maximum resolution:
1,200 dpi
Duty cycle: 100,000 pages per month
Actual speed: 19
ppm (at 600-dpi default resolution)
RAM: Standard: 8
MB, Max: 264 MB
Vendor: TVS
Electronics, 34 Developed Plots, South Phase, Industrial
Estate, Guindy
Chennai 600032.
Tel: 44-2325506,
2325509
Fax: 2327577
E-mail:
href="mailto:nsb.bharathy@esa.tvse.co.in">nsb.bharathy@esa.tvse.co.in
Website: href="http://www.tvse.com/">http://www.tvse.com/
Installation was
hassle-free. It has drivers for all versions of Windows including
Win 2000, as well as for Mac and OS/2. The printer comes bundled
with MarkVision software for remote administration. This software
helps configure the printer for the network, by identifying and
letting you assign an IP address to it. The same can also be done
from the printer’s Control Panel without using the software. On the
client side, you have to install the printer drivers, network
support files, and specify the IP address of the printer.
Upgradability is also not
an issue. It has room for 264 MB of RAM (EDO and SO DIMM modules),
and additional cards such as Parallel/USB interface and hard disk
adapter can also be easily added. Optional accessories like a
high-capacity output stacker, additional sheet drawers, and envelope
feeders can also be accommodated. Sadly, it misses out a duplexer
that lets you print on both sides of paper.
All said and done, this printer is a
power performer with excellent features and a decent price tag, and
can serve as the primary printer in a workgroup of 30 to 50 users.