BERTL 4-Star Award Winner

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Benedict Howard Brown
5 years ago
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LabCheck 100% Independent Analysis Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 45ppm Monochrome MFP Copy-Print-Scan-Fax-Internet Fax Key Buyer Benefits This device comes out of the box as a ledger/a3-capable copier and

With an environmentally friendly RoHScompliant design that uses no toxic chemicals, the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 has been designed to accommodate the most greenconscious customer.

1 LabCheck 100% Independent Analysis Panasonic WORKiO DP ppm Monochrome MFP Copy-Print-Scan-Fax-Internet Fax Key Buyer Benefits This device comes out of the box as a ledger/a3-capable copier and network (Windows-based) printer with an advertised speed of 45ppm and resolution of 600 x 600dpi. With an environmentally friendly RoHScompliant design that uses no toxic chemicals, the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 has been designed to accommodate the most greenconscious customer. Offering a user-friendly control panel, a feature-rich document management utility, high standard and maximum paper supplies and a well-designed printer driver, the device is both versatile and easy to use. Up to 12 scan-ahead next job copy memories are available with the optional hard drive. An extensive upgrade path includes scan to , fax, and remote tandem copy/print. BERTL 4-Star Award Winner any reproduction or further transmission of any portion of this document. This document may only be viewed

2 Product Dynamics Panasonic has been known for generations as a prime manufacturer of electronics. Its lines of fax machines, copiers, printers, and multifunction units are just part of its wide range of products. You get a lot with the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530; its standard feature set makes it a Must Look for anyone considering a departmental communication system. Among the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 s unique benefits are out of the box network printing plus a no-cost multi-user Acrobat PDF making capability. In fact, Panasonic is one of a select few manufacturers able to deliver copying and network scanning (scan to , scan to file, etc.) without the added expense of a printer controller. Because the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 ships with a live network connection, you simply add the scanning option for it to become a fully featured electronic storage and communication center. The device is designed for medium-sized workgroups. It is an upgrade of an earlier Panasonic 45ppm device, adding increased functionality and durability, with a number of metal parts replacing parts that were previously made of plastic, and slight design changes intended to make the product more durable. The system works with Windows 98/ ME/2000/NT 4.0/XP. The device offers print resolutions of up to 2400dpi x 600 dpi (interpolated). Also included is 32MB RAM of copy memory, expandable to 160MB. The unit does not work with either UNIX, Linux or the Mac OS without the optional PCL/PS printer module upgrade. The system can use an Ethernet 10/100Base connection or an IEEE 1284 parallel connection. There is no wireless (WiFi) option (but you can buy these at any computer store). Maintenance: The device has a maximum monthly duty cycle of up to 200,000 impressions, while the drum has an estimated yield of 240,000 impressions. The toner supply has a rated yield of 35,000 impressions at 6% coverage. The toner bottle is easily accessible by opening the front panel of the system. The bottle swings out with the panel, and can be quickly replaced. However, toner cannot be Panasonic also promotes the system s ease of use, including its touch-sensitive display and associated PC software. Compatibility: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 offers an optional PCL/PostScript 200MHz processor, which seems low by modern printer standards. Like the Standard printer memory is a modest 20MB, and there is a 40GB hard drive. The toner bottle is easily accessible. Page Number 1

Product Dynamics New Features: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 features a number of enhancements over its predecessor, including connectivity with Port 9100, which further expands the range of

Other enhancements include: RoHS compliance: A new code called the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) will come into law in Europe in July, 2006.

3 Product Dynamics New Features: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 features a number of enhancements over its predecessor, including connectivity with Port 9100, which further expands the range of environments in which Panasonic MFPs can be placed. Other enhancements include: RoHS compliance: A new code called the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) will come into law in Europe in July, Although this directive has not yet been formalized as law in the United States, RoHS compliance is an important factor for several reasons. First, any company wishing to do business in Europe will have to comply with RoHS as of 2006; however, just as important, the reduction in hazardous waste that will be generated by companies voluntarily removing toxic materials (such as lead solder, mercury and selenium) from the manufacturing process is a positive step toward a cleaner global environment a step BERTL analysts (and many buyers) feel merits extra consideration when selecting products from a number of different brands. New security features including a HDD Erasure function that provides three security levels for documents stored on the hard drive. When the basic security level is enabled, a portion of the image data stored in the hard drive s sort memory area is erased. This area of the document contains the header information, which is the part of the image that contains the description, size and layout of the data. Without the header information, data from that document cannot be easily retrieved. The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 uses a high image compression method called JBIG to recreate image data efficiently. JBIG format cannot be recreated electronically if the header information has been erased or overwritten. A second level of security, the Hard Disk Deletion function, overwrites the entire image data area with a series of zeroes (zero data) when set to medium security level, or with random data and zeroes when set to high security level. If either Medium or High security modes are selected, all image data (ie, mailbox printing, secure print, etc.) stored in the hard drive is erased by overwriting permanently deleting the image data. Additionally, a Secure Mailbox feature requires users to enter an 8-digit User ID and a 4-digit password in the printer driver (the password is hidden, providing an extra level of security). To print the job, the user must enter the User ID and Password again at the machine s control panel. Page Number 2

Product Dynamics The Control Panel: The touch screen control panel on the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 is well laid out and easy to navigate. Icons provide assistance and usability.

4 Product Dynamics The Control Panel: The touch screen control panel on the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 is well laid out and easy to navigate. Icons provide assistance and usability. On the left side of the LCD, four hard buttons take users straight to either the Copy, Fax/ , Scan/File or Print menus. The menus are clearly tabbed and labeled. One nice touch is an icon-based menu on the right side of the screen that offers a detailed list of which features have been selected for the current job. Next to that, four pairs of smaller hard buttons (labeled Ledger, Legal, Letter, and Invoice) make it simple to choose the size of both the original and of the copy. The right side of the LCD offers a variety of function buttons, a numerical keypad, and Clear, Stop, and Stop buttons. Paper Handling: Input: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 comes standard with a 1,550-sheet paper drawer that take letter/a4 sheets and a 550-sheet universal paper tray that handles up to ledger/a3 sheets. A 70-sheet inverting automatic document feeder is standard. The included bypass tray can handle a maximum of 50 sheets of paper sized up to ledger/a3. With the bypass tray, the device handles a standard total of 2,150 sheets, which is competitive or higher than that offered by other units in this class. Output: A standard stackless duplex unit gives users the option of printing on one or both sides of each sheet of paper. Page Number 3

5 Product Dynamics Upgrade Options: Finishing Capabilities: Panasonic offers three optional finishers for this model. A Booklet Maker Finisher also offers 50- sheet multi-position stapling, while adding a booklet making tray and the ability to saddle-stitch and fold documents. The booklet making tray, which is at the bottom of the unit, can handle 60-page booklets (in other words, booklets made up of 15 sheets of 11 x 17 /A3 paper). There is also a two-hole and three-hole punch unit available that can be used with either finisher. Booklet Making Finishing: Magazine-style booklet maker finishing (saddle-stitch finishing and center folding on A3/ledger paper) can take a toll on productivity. However, at this level of the market BERTL does not consider this to be a drawback, because many competing devices do not offer booklet making finishers at all. documents at the printer. These make it easier to find each user s job, rather than having to sort through a pile of jobs in a single central tray. At this level of the market, some devices offer mailbox units. Printer Drivers: An advantage over many printers in its class is the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 s standard Windows/GDI printing; PCL5e, PCL6, and Adobe PostScript 3 are options. Section 508 Compliance: Panasonic offers an optional printer stand that lowers the unit s height for easy wheelchair accessibility. The advantage is somewhat counteracted by the fact that the stand cannot be used in conjunction with the 3,000-sheet LCT and only the 'simple' booklet making finisher. Additional Paper Supplies: To expand the unit s paper capacity, users can add two additional 550-sheet paper drawers plus an optional 3,000- sheet LCD. When fully configured, the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 can then handle a maximum capacity of 6,200 sheets. Physical Mailboxes: There is no physical mailbox option to allow departmental or personal separation and storage of printed Page Number 4

Scan The unit comes with a 70-sheet duplex automatic document feeder capable of automatically sensing paper sizes from statement/a5 to ledger/a3.

Note, though, the scanner is monochrome only; a number of manufacturers offer full-color scanning, even on MFP/scan-capable monochrome devices.

There are two upgrade options available for the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530. The scan to file option lets users send scanned documents to network folders.

6 Scan The unit comes with a 70-sheet duplex automatic document feeder capable of automatically sensing paper sizes from statement/a5 to ledger/a3. Because the device ships with a standard NIC, you can enable scanning without having to pay for a print controller. Note, though, the scanner is monochrome only; a number of manufacturers offer full-color scanning, even on MFP/scan-capable monochrome devices. The control panel includes a QWERTY-style LCD touchscreen keypad, plus a one-touch address book option. This makes ad-hoc scan to an easy process. There are two upgrade options available for the Panasonic WORKiO DP The scan to file option lets users send scanned documents to network folders. The second option, confusingly called I-fax, enables users to scan documents direct to . Scan to I-fax includes the ability to PDF files, which is an improvement over its predecessor (the older device limited users to sending TIFF format). PDF format is preferable to most users, because it is the format most widely-readable by recipients. The scan to function works with LDAP (Lightweight Direct Access Protocol), which interfaces with networked company address books so that Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 users do not have to maintain their own address books. Personalizing Scan to some of its competitors. By combining input from the address book and/or keypad, users can include: To, CC, BCC and personalize the s subject line. Users can also type in their own address on the From line so that the recipient knows who the is from, and can reply directly to that address. This is a marked improvement over some systems, which show s as being From a generic device name, meaning the could be deleted by people wary of computer viruses or spam mail from unknown senders. The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 has a better system for identifying s than Page Number 5

7 Scan Creating a multidestination template using DDS. Panasonic offers a purchasable scanning upgrade called Document Distribution System (DDS) which extends the functionality and capabilities of its network scanning options. Panasonic s DDS runs on a separate delivery server. Desktop users access DDS via a Web-based utility. The Web-based utility allows users to: create new templates, edit existing templates, add new items to the device address book, view documents stored in a Web folder (a folder set up on the delivery server) and access numerous reporting options. The difference between the templates created using the standard scanning utility and those created using DDS is the ability to set up multiple delivery destinations under a single template, including: Scan to desktop folder Scan to Web folder (a folder which resides on the DDS delivery server) Scan to address/s Send to fax number (delivery fax can be any LAN-enabled fax on the network). Panasonic's Document Distribution System software that allows document manipulation, routing and text-searchable PDF creation capabilities. Page Number 6

Scan Viewing documents stored in a Web folder. Users are also able to add document manipulation functions to the document before it is forwarded by the DDS delivery server.

8 Scan Viewing documents stored in a Web folder. Users are also able to add document manipulation functions to the document before it is forwarded by the DDS delivery server. These include noise reduction, autorotation, OCR text extraction, skew correction and title extraction. An notification can also be set up. In summary. we found DDS easy to use, and found that it delivered a high level of functionality without being too complicated for average office users. Once the template has been created on the DDS server, it can be accessed by walk-up users at the device s control panel. Users simply open the scanning menu, select the DDS template and scan their document. The file is scanned to the DDS delivery server, where the actions specified are carried out. A log can be viewed showing which actions were correctly carried out. Page Number 7

9 Copy Copy resolution is 600 x 600dpi with 256 levels of greyscale. The manufacturer quotes a first copy out time of under 4.5 seconds. The automatic document feeder feeds a maximum of 45 images per minute letter/a4, which is the same as the copy engine s speed of 45cpm The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 offers a number of standard copy features that are worth noting. These include: Concurrent Copy allows the system to hold up to 12 copy jobs in memory at a time. This means you can stack copy jobs into memory for automatic printing when the device is free. Tandem Copy enables two Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530s to be linked together so that they can both jointly work on a single job. This increases output speed. Remote Copy lets users send jobs to a Workio located elsewhere on the network, in another room or even on another floor. Proof Copy outputs one set of a multi-set copy job, then pauses to let users proofread it for errors before releasing the remainder of the job to be printed. This can save time and supplies if an error is discovered during the proofread. Page Number 8

Fax A fax upgrade is available. This transmits faxes via a 33.6 Kbps modem, at a speed quoted by the manufacturer of under 3 seconds per page. Maximum fax resolution is 600 x 600dpi.

10 Fax A fax upgrade is available. This transmits faxes via a 33.6 Kbps modem, at a speed quoted by the manufacturer of under 3 seconds per page. Maximum fax resolution is 600 x 600dpi. Fax Size: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 s fax scanner is capable of sending single or double-sided documents up to ledger/a3 size. This is common on similar fax-enabled devices and very convenient for offices which routinely use ledger/a3-size documents. Page Memory: Dedicated fax memory is 2 MB. This can be upgraded to a maximum of 10 MB. Compression standards: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 uses MH/ MR/MMR/JBIG compression. BERTL tests found that JBIG is the most efficient way to transmit graphics, or text mixed with graphics and sends graphic data approximately 30% faster than in MMR format. Auto Dial Keys: The fax option allows users to store up to 200 often-used fax numbers as Auto-Dials. This can be expanded to a maximum of 1,000 numbers, which is enough to easily accommodate the needs of most fax users. Resolution: Five fax resolutions are available. Standard is approximately 200 x 100dpi; Fine is 200 x 200dpi; Super Fine transmits at either 200 x 400dpi or 400 x 400dpi, depending on the setting; and 600 dpi transmits at just that: 600 x 600dpi. In contrast, many competing systems are limited to 400dpi resolution, and some only come standard with 200dpi, with users having to pay an upgrade price for 400dpi scanning. Image Size: Faxes sized as high as ledger/a3 can be transmitted. Page Number 9

Fax LAN Fax: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 can be configured with PanaFax Desktop, which converts the Panasonic Workio DP-4530 into a LAN fax, allowing users to send faxes straight from their desktops.

11 Fax LAN Fax: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 can be configured with PanaFax Desktop, which converts the Panasonic Workio DP-4530 into a LAN fax, allowing users to send faxes straight from their desktops. Second Phone Line Option: Unlike some competing multifunctional products, there is no second phone line upgrade offered for the fax option. LDAP Integration: ISDN Fax: There is no upgrade option to a faster 64,000bps/ISDN fax modem to this device. In this market sector, BERTL does not consider this a drawback. Simultaneous Fax/ A nice touch on the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 fax option is that users can scan one document and send it to a mixture of addresses and fax numbers simultaneously. The Panasonic WORKiO DP-450 is compatible with LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), meaning that users can pull fax numbers and addresses directly from the main corporate address database, instead of having to rely on the address book in the device s local memory. Page Number 10

Software Utilities Panasonic Document Management System (DMS) comes standard, it provides a simple and functional method of managing scanned files, and other files on the desktop.

Panasonic DMS with de-skew image adjustment option being applied to a scanned file Other file formats such as Office suite documents are displayed as a icon as seen in the Publisher file in the

12 Software Utilities Panasonic Document Management System (DMS) comes standard, it provides a simple and functional method of managing scanned files, and other files on the desktop. The main display window of DMS shows thumbnail images of files stored in supported file formats (TIFF, BMP, JPEG, PNG and DDM, Panasonic s own proprietary file format used with DMS). Panasonic DMS with de-skew image adjustment option being applied to a scanned file Other file formats such as Office suite documents are displayed as a icon as seen in the Publisher file in the screen shot above. Microsoft Office documents can be converted into DDM files by sending the files to print using the Document Manager printer driver. Panasonic DMS file being saved as an Acrobat PDF file Page Number 11

Print The Print Drivers: Noteworthy is the fact that the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 comes standard with functional, and free, Windows/GDI network print capability.

Both and or PS3 driver upgrade very similar in look and feel, which can keep the learning curve short for users who switch between print drivers.

13 Print The Print Drivers: Noteworthy is the fact that the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 comes standard with functional, and free, Windows/GDI network print capability. A PCL6 and or PS3 driver upgrade options are available. Both and or PS3 driver upgrade very similar in look and feel, which can keep the learning curve short for users who switch between print drivers. Printer Memory: Standard printer memory is a modest 20MB, upgradeable to a maximum of 160MB, with another 40GB available on the included hard drive. Print Resolution: Print resolution is true 600 x 600dpi, interpolated to 1200 x 600dpi. PCL6 driver (above) looks nearly identical to the standard GDI driver (below). Letterhead/Cover/Slip Sheets: The Windows/GDI driver does not have the ability to select a different paper source for a cover page, back page or other pages. This could be inconvenient for offices which routinely print the first page of a document on letterhead paper. The PCL6 driver allows users to choose a different paper source for either first page, last page or other pages but only two paper sources are allowed for one document, while in this market sector it is common for users to be able to draw from an average of four different sources. Page Number 12

Print Multi-Up Printing: The device s Multi-Up printing allows users to archive 2-16 documents on a single sheet of paper, saving on toner, paper, and storage space.

Secure Printing: Both drivers offer secure print features, which require users to input a PIN code in order to release print jobs from the printer.

14 Print Multi-Up Printing: The device s Multi-Up printing allows users to archive 2-16 documents on a single sheet of paper, saving on toner, paper, and storage space. However, the image quality of 16 pages reduced into a letter/a4 sheet may be questionable and limit the benefits of this feature. Secure Printing: Both drivers offer secure print features, which require users to input a PIN code in order to release print jobs from the printer. This can prevent unauthorized readers from glimpsing sensitive documents and could be a helpful feature for businesses and government agencies which routinely handle documents not meant to be read by the general public. Halftone Color Adjustment: The Windows/GDI driver allows users to adjust halftones manually, if necessary. This could be useful for when printing documents created in color, which can sometimes contain colors that look too similar when printed in monochrome (for example, red and green often create very similar greyscales). Windows/GDI Printing: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 offers both PCL and Windows/GDI drivers. Windows/GDI (Graphics Device Interface) printing has been around for several years; however, it was not very popular, because it used to be limited to parallel connections. Modern Windows/GDI systems like the Panasonic Workio DP-4520 run seamlessly over standard networks. GDI uses Windows' internal graphics display system to rasterize (also known as RIP raster image processing) the image. In other words, GDI does all the work of converting a document into image data at the computer, and then sends the prepared data to the printer to be processed. In contrast, PCL (Printer Control Language) uses a driver to convert the document to a series of graphic and font commands. That data is then sent to the output device, which uses its own printer controller to convert the printing data, then sends it to the output device. The print controller then RIPs the data and processes it. Page Number 13

15 Print Since the rasterizing of image data is a timeconsuming part of the printing process, where it takes place can be important. Because today s PCs are so highly powerful, they can RIP most jobs without affecting the PC s speed or efficiency. In fact, since PC processors are much more powerful than most printer processors (some printers are 250MHz, versus almost 3GHz in computers), many print jobs could be processed faster. Although users might be happy with the increased print speed, IT managers might not be quite as happy due to increased bandwidth. Because processing is done at users PCs rather than at the printer, postripped (i.e. large) files are sent to the printer. The increased bandwidth could slow down the network. In almost all cases, printing using GDI was faster than using PCL6. The exception was with simple Word documents, which take little processing. In other words, as jobs become less complex, the efficiency of PCL overtakes the processing power of the PC. On the other hand, the bandwidth increased dramatically with GDI. For example, while the bandwidth of an eight-page Publisher file was 4.24MB with PCL, it was around 20 times bigger 77MB with GDI. Summing Up: The Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 is a more robustly-built version of its predecessor. BERTL noted no significant productivity increases over the older device, but liked the built-in printing and fast finishing capabilities. Other good points of the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 include its built-in Windows/GDI print option, DDS multitasking scan option, PDF making utility, and low-cost scan to /file upgrade options. BERTL would have liked to see a physical mailbox option, and sharper copying of fine details. Still, this is a good choice for an office looking for network print capability, scanning and overall ease of use right out of the box. We would put it on a Must Look short list for 40cpm shoppers. Page Number 14

BERTL 4-Star Award Winner

BERTL 4-Star Award Winner LabCheck 100% Independent Analysis Panasonic WORKiO DP-3530 35ppm Monochrome MFP Copy-Print-Scan-Fax-Internet Fax Key Buyer Benefits This device comes out of the box as a ledger/a3-capable copier and network