Field Test Report. KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i. BuyersLab.com. 80 PPM Monochrome Device Print Copy Scan Fax

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1 Field Test Report A BLI Document Imaging Device Assessment SEPTEMBER 2014 KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i 80 PPM Monochrome Device Print Copy Scan Fax Value...Ease of Use...Copy Productivity...Print Productivity...Image Quality Lab Test Only...Reliability* Lab Test Only...Multitasking Lab Test Only...Utilities Lab Test Only...Feedback to Workstations Lab Test Only...Toner Yield Replacing the TASKalfa 8000i, the KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i was an outstanding overall performer in BLI s field test, and earned an overall rating of Five Stars out of a possible Five. The TASKalfa 8001i proved in testing to be highly productive, setting new benchmarks among its peers in BLI s job stream test, which simulates the type of workflow offices will experience on a daily basis, in which many jobs of various types are sent to the device by multiple users at busy times during the day. And for those users looking to make copies, first-copy times were the fastest of the group from the document feeder. Also topnotch is the quality of printed output, which earned excellent ratings for halftone range and solids, and very good ratings for text and line art, as well as halftone fill. Both the Home screen and the Copy menu of the TASKalfa 8001i s control panel are customizable, making it very convenient to access typical copy functions and quickly program more complex workflows. In addition, the driver s Quick Print tab allows users to conveniently save custom profiles as graphical icons to allow programing of complex jobs in one click. Moreover, HyPAS (Hybrid Platform for Advanced Solutions), the embedded software platform, allows for integration with a number of third-party and KYOCERA-developed business applications, including Cloud Connect, DMS Link, PinPoint Scan and SharePoint Connector. To top it off, the model is the lowest priced of its peers when comparably configured, while offering an above average feature set. Ratings are based upon a five-star rating system where five is the best. Testing method: The unit s copy/print capabilities were tested using a Windows XP workstation, connected via a gigabit hub with gigabit Ethernet cables, the KYOCERA print controller and the PCL and PostScript 3 drivers. (Complete specifications information for this unit is available through bliq, at *Note: The overall rating for this machine is based only on BLI s field evaluation of value, ease of use, productivity and image quality. It is important to note that, unless a Lab Test Report has been published on a model, BLI has not evaluated its reliability, which is one of the most critical aspects of imaging device performance.

2 Advantages Shortcomings Low price and above average feature set make for an outstanding value Excellent print quality Outstanding overall print productivity, including benchmark-setting speeds in BLI s realworld job stream test; highly productive when printing single-sided sets Fast first-copy times from the document feeder Well-designed control panel is easy to use and allows for customization from both the Home screen and copy menu The driver s Quick Print tab allows users to conveniently save custom profiles that are then stored as graphical icons to allow programing of complex jobs in one click Release lock in paper drawers adds an extra step prior to being able to adjust width guides While most typical print job features are programmable from the driver s Basic tab, users must navigate to the Finishing tab for finishing selections such as stapling No point-and-click support for selection of paper source and output destination from the print drivers Some misfeed access points are not labeled VALUE ANALYSIS Configured as a copier/printer with standard PCL and PostScript 3 drivers, a 4,000-sheet finisher and a duplex single-pass feeder (DSPF), the TASKalfa 8001i is the lowest-priced model in its competitive group. In fact, it s priced 12 percent below the average of its group. The model s robust feature set includes the highest standard and maximum memory capacity of its peers, and standard and maximum hard drive capacities that are among the highest. Standard paper capacity is slightly above average, and paper weight supported is the heaviest of the group from both the drawers and bypass tray. Plus, the 270-sheet capacity of the model s DSPF is the second highest of the group. BLI rates value by evaluating a unit s overall performance and feature set, (see Advantages/Shortcomings), as well its price configured with accessories compared to others in its speed range. 2

3 KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i Fast Facts Throughput Capabilities and Materials Standard paper supply Bypass Document feeder (DSPF) Maximum paper supply Sources 4 Total capacity 4,150 sheets Paper sizes 5.5 x 8.5/12 x 18 Weights 16-lb. bond to 140-lb. index Capacity 150 sheets Paper sizes 5.5 x 8.5/12 x 18, single sheet banner up to 12 x 48 Weights 16-lb. bond to 110-lb. cover Capacity 270 sheets Paper sizes 5.5 x 8.5/12 x 18 Weights 13-lb. bond to 120-lb. index Sources 8 Total capacity 7,650 sheets Paper sizes 5.5 x 8.5/12 x 18 Weights 16-lb. bond to 110-lb. cover Finishing Options 4,000-Sheet Finisher Multi-position staple up to 65 sheets; optional hole punch; optional booklet / tri-fold unit saddle-stitches up to 16 sheets (60-page booklets) and tri-fold up to 3 sheets; optional 7-bin mailbox Consumable Yield vs. Competitive Average Consumable Yield Competitive Average Drum 600,000 impressions 1,629,000 impressions Toner 70,000 impressions 64,860 impressions Developer 600,000 impressions 555,714 impressions 3

4 Ease of Use Control Panel User Maintenance Print Drivers Control Panel The TASKalfa 8001i features a very well designed 10.1 color touchscreen display control panel that is logically organized. There is no dial to adjust the contrast of the display. Instead, users must navigate through the System Menu. But there is no need to log in as an administrator in order to adjust the brightness, and the display is bright and clear overall in its default settings. The display is built sturdily and is mounted on an arm that can be moved from side to side. The Accessibility Display key allows for the Copy and Send screens to be enlarged in order for the visually impaired to more easily see device functions. The QWERTY panel cannot be enlarged, however. All device functions are accessible from the Home screen, and the control panel offers both hard and soft keys for several of the functions available, including Copy, Send, Help, Status/Job Cancel, Accessibility Display and System Menu. The Home screen is also customizable, as up to 12 additional features can be added to it. Further, any applications downloaded to the device can be stored for easy access from the Home screen. Among the features that can be added to the Home screen include ID card copy, which conveniently allows for both sides of an ID card to be copied in one pass off the platen glass. All of the features available can be added, deleted or moved to a different location on the Home screen. Up to eight additional functions can also be added to the taskbar at the bottom of the Home screen. The Help key features an index of features that when clicked on explains to users the capabilities relating to that feature, but it is not dynamic in terms of bringing up specific information related to the selection users are currently programming. By default, most of the selections for a typical copy job can be accessed from the Quick Setup tab. There are buttons for paper selection, zoom, density, duplex, combine and staple/punch. In addition, unlike many other devices that take users to another screen when a copy function is selected, with this model, the additional selections available when one of the above features is selected are displayed on the same Quick Setup screen, above the other main selections, which remain in view and accessible for quick user reference. For example, after selecting duplex, selections for specific modes 1:1, 1:2, 2:2 and 2:1 well labeled with both text and easy to understand icons appear on the screen. After a selection is made, the screen automatically closes, eliminating the need to select OK. This design reduces the need for users to navigate through many menus and reduces the number of 4

5 button presses required to program jobs, without cluttering up the display. While a job preview is available at the control panel, users cannot view more than the first page, or delete, move or modify pages, which are capabilities offered by a number of competitors. Most of the selections for a typical copy job can be accessed from the Quick Setup tab. Six shortcuts to device functions located on any of the sub-menus can be added to the Quick Setup screen for both copy and scan, and the procedure for doing so is intuitive; after selecting a feature from one of the sub-menus, users select the Add Shortcut key, and simply follow the steps to register the setting, which will then appear on the Quick Setup screen. There is no need to log in as administrator to register these shortcuts, therefore the same shortcuts will be displayed for all users, whereas some devices enable the control panel display to be different according to user login. Up to 50 saved job settings can also be added to the Program tab, saving users from having to repeatedly program more complicated, multiple-step jobs. The Program tab can also be made accessible from the Home screen, saving users having to navigate to it through the copy sub-menus. Again, these job programs will be the same for all users, unlike with some systems that support different job programs for different users. Up to 50 saved job settings can also be added to the Program tab, saving users from having to repeatedly program more complicated, multiple-step jobs. 5

6 Via the Org./Paper/Finishing tab, users can conveniently select which tray to output to on the fly, a capability not offered on all competing devices. Secure print jobs are accessed from the Job Box function. The Custom Box function allows for the creation of up to 1,000 individual user boxes, and each box offers anywhere from 1 to 30,000 MB of storage space. Each box is also password-protected. The USB port is located on the right side of the device, and is accessible and turned on in the device s default settings. The USB menu also automatically displays when the drive is inserted, although initially a screen prompts users to confirm that they wish to access the removable media. The Removable Media function on the Home screen can also be selected to access the materials stored on the USB drive that has been inserted. Users can select which tray to output to on the fly via the Org./Paper/Finishing tab, a capability typically reserved only for administrators. The job queue is accessible via the Status/Job Cancel key. A job history is provided, and copy, print, scan and fax jobs can be viewed together or separately. Additional job details provided in the queue include user name/id, file name, number of originals, number of output pages in a job, date and time submitted/completed. The number of sets in a job and time remaining until a job is completed are not provided. Users can move jobs up to output immediately by pressing the Priority Override key. Users can also move a job up in the queue without having it interrupt a job in progress. The quantity selected for reserved copy and print jobs in the queue can also be changed. The job list cannot be printed. 6

7 Copy, print, scan and fax jobs can be viewed together or separately via the device s job queue. User Maintenance Loading paper into the user-adjustable drawers is simple, as each adjustable drawer features a sliding length and width guide and no corner separators or other restrictions. The drawers also feature automatic paper sensors. The user must, however, release a lock in the rear of the drawers prior to being able to slide the width guides. The paper sizes are clearly etched inside the drawers. Unlike with some competitors, placing documents in the document feeder does not wake up the device. Users must release a lock in the rear of the drawers prior to being able to slide the width guides, which is an extra step not required with some competing devices. The amount of paper remaining in each drawer is indicated as gauges when users select the Paper Selection button on the Quick Setup screen. The status of consumables is not available on the main screen. Instead, users must navigate to the Paper/Supplies tab that is accessible when the Status/Job Cancel key is selected. Here the amount of toner remaining is indicated in 1 percent increments, and 7

8 the amount of paper in each drawer in indicated in 20 percent increments. Both the size and type of paper are also indicated. Waste toner, staple and punch waste are indicated as OK. Users can also view device status without having to install any additional software by selecting the Status Monitor button on the Advanced tab of the drivers. A graphic of the device pops up at the bottom of the PC and indicates remaining toner in 1 percent increments, and provides notifications for paper jams, cover open, add paper, not connected and printing completed. Consumables status is viewable from the Paper/ Supplies tab, which is accessible when the Status/Job Cancel key is selected. While replacing toner is simple overall, some shortcomings were noted. For example, there are no markings on the inner cover of the toner cartridge that indicate which toner cartridge is needed for replacement. Therefore, if a customer had several KYOCERA devices on hand, he or she would not know which cartridge is needed to replace the expired consumable without first removing it entirely from the device. A lever is moved to the upright position in order for the toner cartridge to be released. Toner cannot be loaded on the fly. Replacing toner is simple, although there are no markings on the inner cover of the toner cartridge that indicate which toner cartridge is needed for replacement. 8

9 Access to misfeed areas was found to be competitive with similar models tested. While some misfeed access points are labeled with letters and numbers, some access points are not labeled at all. There is no need to move the finisher away, keeping the device footprint at a manageable size. Print Drivers The TASKalfa 8001i comes equipped with an 1,067-MHz processor, as well as standard PCL and PostScript (KPDL) drivers. Available job types include print and hold, sample print and secure print. Scheduled print is not available. Kyocera has redesigned its driver to provide the same very good functionality offered on its previous drivers but presented in a more graphical, easier-to-navigate layout. The new drivers employ the same function tabs as the previous driver Quick Print, Basic, Layout, Finishing, Imaging, Publishing, Job and Advanced but they now run down the left side of the screen instead of across the page. In addition, some selections now appear just as icons rather than text selections. For example, on the Basic tab, users can select Orientation (portrait, landscape, rotated portrait, rotated landscape) just by clicking on the button under the appropriate icon. When the mouse is hovered over the selection button under each icon, a text description of the icon appears (for example, off, flip on long edge and flip on short edge for duplex). The PCL and PostScript drivers are very similar in appearance and layout, which makes navigating their screens easier for users who need to switch between them for different types of jobs. In addition, users can now switch between the drivers from within the driver rather than having to go through printer properties. At the lower left corner of each tab, the current selected driver is displayed and can be changed if needed. Via the Quick Print tab, users can save custom profiles that are stored as graphical icons to allow programming of complex jobs in one click. At any point on any of the tabs, a user can click on the Save As button to save the currently selected settings, name the new profile and add a description of what settings the particular profile being saved includes. This profile is then saved on the Quick Print tab for easy access. While most of the features for a typical print job are programmable from the Basic tab, including paper type and source, duplex, quantity and collate sets, users must navigate to the Finishing tab for finishing selections such as stapling. The drivers are not defaulted to duplex mode; however, Eco Print, which is programmable from the Basic tab, allows users to reduce the amount of toner per job. Eco Print can also be set as the default setting. The drivers do not offer a point-and-click interface for selecting paper source. While a print preview feature displays the job on screen at the PC, there is no option to eliminate pages or move or merge pages, for example, which is offered by some competitive drivers. When users are unable to program a function, such as staple, because there are one or more conflicting settings already 9

10 selected, while the driver provides some details in regard to what settings need to be changed, there is no option to update the settings automatically. The Quick Print tab allows users to save custom profiles that are stored as graphical icons to allow programming of complex jobs in one click. TASKalfa 8001i Print Driver Basic Tab 10

11 Copy Productivity First-Copy Time Multiple-Set Speed Multiple-Set Efficiency First-Copy Time The KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i s first-copy times were competitive with the group from the platen, and the fastest of the group from the document feeder. First-Copy Time (in seconds) KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i COMPETITIVE AVERAGE Platen Document feeder First-copy time measures the time it takes for the first copy to be produced after the Start button is pressed. The test is conducted using BLI s black and color test originals, using normal contrast and standard resolution and with all auto features off. Multiple-Set Copy Speed The model s tested speed when copying multiple sets was competitive with the group in all modes tested. Multiple-Set Copy Speed (in cpm) KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i COMPETITIVE AVERAGE 1: : : BLI tests a unit s copy speed by making one, five, 10 and 20 sets of a 10-page document in three copy modes: 1:1 mode (single-sided originals to single-sided copies), 1:2 mode (single-sided originals to double-sided copies) and 2:2 mode (double-sided originals to double-sided copies). BLI obtains the overall productivity for each copy mode by averaging the productivity results for each run length. 11

12 Multiple-Set Copy Efficiency The model s tested efficiency (percentage of rated speed) when copying multiple sets was also competitive with the group in all modes tested. Multiple-Set Copy Efficiency (in percent) KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i COMPETITIVE AVERAGE 1: : : BLI tests a unit s copy efficiency by making one, five, 10 and 20 sets of a 10-page document in three copy modes: 1:1, 1:2 and 2:2. BLI obtains the overall efficiency for each copy mode by averaging the efficiency ratings (derived by dividing the tested speed of the device by the rated speed and then multiplying by 100) for each run length. The closer the rate is to 100%, or if it exceeds 100%, the more efficient the unit. Booklet Copy The model s tested productivity when copying booklets was competitive with the group. Booklet Copy Speed Booklet Copy Efficiency TASKalfa 8001i 61.2 TASKalfa 8001i 76.5 Competitors' Average 58.9 Competitors' Average Pages Per Minute Percent 12

13 Print Productivity Multiple-Set Speed Multiple-Set Efficiency Job stream Multiple-Set Print Speed The KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i s tested print speed was among the fastest of the group in simplex mode, and competitive with the group in duplex mode. Multiple-Set Print Speed (in ppm) KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i COMPETITIVE AVERAGE Simplex Duplex BLI tests a unit s print speed by printing one, five, 10 and 20 sets of a 10-page document. Print jobs for this model were sent using the PCL print driver at a resolution of 600 x 600 dpi. BLI obtains the overall productivity for each print mode by averaging the productivity for each run length. Multiple-Set Print Efficiency The model s tested print efficiency was the highest of the group in simplex mode, and competitive with the group in duplex mode. Multiple-Set Print Efficiency (in percent) KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i COMPETITIVE AVERAGE Simplex Duplex BLI tests a unit s print efficiency by printing one, five, 10 and 20 sets of a 10-page document. Print jobs for this model were sent using the PCL print driver at a resolution of 600 x 600 dpi. BLI obtains the overall efficiency for each print mode by averaging the efficiency ratings (derived by dividing the tested speed of the device by the rated speed and then multiplying by 100) for each run length. The closer the rate is to 100%, or if it exceeds 100%, the more efficient the unit. 13

14 Booklet Print The model s tested productivity when printing booklets was competitive with the group. Booklet Print Speed Booklet Print Efficiency TASKalfa 8001i 61.3 TASKalfa 8001i 76.6 Competitors' Average 57.4 Competitors' Average Pages Per Minute Percent Job Stream The KYOCERA TASKalfa 8001i s tested speed when printing BLI s job stream from the PCL driver was the fastest of the group; it was also the most efficient in its group. The model s tested speed and efficiency when printing BLI s job stream from the PostScript driver was below average, however. PCL Job Stream Tested Speed PCL Job Stream Efficiency TASKalfa 8001i 62.2 TASKalfa 8001i 77.7 Competitors' Average 47.7 Competitors' Average Pages Per Minute Percent 14

15 PostScript Job Stream Tested Speed PostScript Job Stream Efficiency TASKalfa 8001i 31.4 TASKalfa 8001i 39.3 Competitors' Average 37.1 Competitors' Average Pages Per Minute Percent BLI s job stream includes a combination of black and color Word documents, Outlook messages, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint, HTML and Acrobat PDF files. This test simulates the type of traffic a typical device might experience in a real-world, multi-user environment. To determine job stream speed, BLI sends all of the files to the printer as a group, at which time the stopwatch begins; timing ends when the last page of the last file exits the device. Job stream efficiency is determined by the percentage of the rated speed at which the unit operates when producing real-world jobs. IMAGE QUALITY Copy Copy image quality earned excellent ratings for halftone range and solids, and good ratings for text, line art and halftone fill. Copied text exhibited above average darkness, and earned average grades for character formation, sharpness of characters and smoothness of curves and serifs. There was no evidence of toner overspray or haloing. For copied line art, distinction of fine lines was average, as was consistency of line thickness and formation of circles. As with copied text, there no evidence of toner overspray or haloing. An average amount of stair-stepping was visible in diagonal lines. Halftones were visible from 15%, which is the minimum coverage level of the original, to 100%, with distinct separation between all levels. Halftone patterns displayed average smoothness and minimal banding. Solids exhibited above average darkness and above average consistency of coverage. Print The model exhibited outstanding overall print quality, earning excellent ratings for halftone range and solids, and very good ratings for text, line art and halftone fill. Printed text exhibited above average character formation, above average darkness and above average smoothness of 15

16 curves and serifs. There was no evidence of toner overspray or haloing. Printed line art displayed above average distinction of closely placed fine lines, above average consistency of line thickness and above average formation of circles. There was no stair stepping of diagonal lines, and as with printed text, there was no evidence of toner overspray or haloing. Halftone range was visible from 10%, which is the minimum coverage level of the original, to 100%, with distinct separation between all levels, and halftone patterns were smooth overall, with no evidence of banding. Solids exhibited above average consistency of coverage, and above average darkness. BUYERS LABORATORY LLC North America Europe Asia Gerry Stoia, CEO Anthony F. Polifrone, Managing Director Gerry O Rourke, Managing Director, BLI International Patti Clyne, Senior VP of Sales Daria Hoffman, Managing Editor Dr. Simon Plumtree, European Managing Editor Tracie Hines, Senior Editor, Competitive Analysis Reports Jamie Bsales, Senior Product Editor, Solutions George Mikolay, Senior Product Editor, A3 MFPs Marlene Orr, Senior Analyst, Printers and A4 MFPs Lisa Reider, Senior Product Editor, Scanners and Environmental Carl Schell, Senior Writer Priya Gohil, Senior Editor Jessica Schiffenhaus, Associate Editor Kaitlin Pendagast, Research Editor David Sweetnam, Head of European Research and Lab Services Pete Emory, Director of Laboratory Operations Martin Soane, European Lab Manager Pia Beddiges, Manager of Competitive Services Anthony Marchesini, IT Director T.R. Patrick, Art Director 16