Sum-up: Copier-multifunctionals advanced in terms of design and features.

The Océ VarioLink 5522c prints and copies at 55ppm in black and 45ppm in color, while the VarioLink 6522c runs at 50ppm in color and 65ppm in black.

Both models offer standard copying, printing, and scanning, along with optional faxing. As with other Oce models, these have a large (8.5″) touchscreen control panel. Note that the control panel is tiltable by the user and supports several different positions. As a result, it meets Section 508 criteria for disabled user access. An optional keyboard is also available.

As with other Oce MFPs, these models have an LED-based display strip that shows current operating status, even from a distance. Most notably, it turns red when there is a problem (such as a paper jam or an empty paper supply). The point is that it’s immediately apparent to anyone passing by that there is a problem, and users can check the touchscreen for more detailed diagnostics.

The most important element is Oce’s print controller. The controller uses a 1GHz processor and comes with 2GB of memory and a 250GB hard disk drive. PostScript, PCL, and XPS support are standard. USB and Ethernet connectivity are supported.

Paper handling is a strong point. The machines have dual 500-sheet paper trays, a 1,000-sheet paper tray, and a 1,500-sheet feeder (letter-size only) — all standard. There’s also a 150-sheet bypass. That adds up to 3,650 sheets of standard input. You can add either a 2,500-sheet stacker that is adjustable from 8.5″ x 11″ to 12″ x 18″ paper size or a 3,000-sheet stacker (letter-size input only). That brings the maximum input to 6,650 sheets.

Duplex printing and copying are standard. The MFP can handle paper up to 140lb. index. The main trays and bypass handle paper up to 12″ x 18″ in size. These machines also have an optional banner-size feeder, so you can print up to 11.75″ x 47.25″, useful for signage, for example.

There is a post-process inserter which allows you to insert preprinted materials, including covers and separators.

These models come with a standard reversing 100-sheet document feeder. The feeder handles paper up to 11″ x 17. There’s also a flatbed platen.

On the output side, there is a simple 250-sheet exit tray. The finisher for these models holds 3,100 sheets and features 100-sheet multiposition stapling. Adding a booklet maker unit with saddlestitching to the finisher allows you to create booklets from up to 20 sheets (80 pages). An optional 2/3-hole punch works with either configuration. A Z-fold unit is also available.

The machines support scan-once/print-many copying and full electronic collation. They also have what Oce calls its User Box feature. It allows you to store scanned documents on the models’ hard drive using a series of mailboxes. Up to 1,000 user boxes are supported.

These models include scanning to email and user boxes, as well as scan-to-folder, to USB flash drive, and to FTP. LDAP is supported; Internet faxing is standard, as is PC faxing and fax-to-IP address. Optional analog faxing includes a 33.6kbps modem and JBIG compression.

Security features are extensive. They include hard disk encryption, job encryption, watermarks, IP filtering, secure print, and secure fax. For added security, there is also an optional biometric access feature that allows for fingerprint-based authorization. There’s also an optional ID card unit.

An optional Fiery IC-412 controller from EFI is also available. This controller has a 1.86GHz processor, 512MB of memory, and an 80GB hard disk drive. It includes true Adobe PostScript. It includes basic EFI tools for color control and job management, There are optional tools for imposition, workflow, and advanced color,

As with earlier models, the design of these models (all in black) is a relief from the usual dull platinum gray or beige. Oce is not the first company to come out with handsome designs, but it has systematically introduced them through its own color copier line.

The VarioLink 5522c is rated for a monthly duty cycle of 250,000, while the VarioLink 6522c is rated for 300,000 pages.

Conclusion: These are impressive models, offering speed and impressive paper-handling capacities at affordable prices. In these market segments, these are very strong contenders. It’s clear to us that they are deserving of our Editor’s Choice Award.

Check out the VarioLink 5522c and 6522c here!