The Toshiba e-STUDIO 523, 603, 723, and 853 are upgrades to the already very strong e-STUDIO 520, 600, 720, and 850 black-and-white copiers.

They run at 53pppm, 60ppm, 72ppm, and 95ppm, respectively.

These upgraded models add two significant features. First, they are designed to accommodate Windows Vista XPS graphics files. This upgrade makes it simpler to print Microsoft Office 2007. Second, Toshiba has upgraded security features for these models, with extended support for user authentication on the Internet, whether conventional or wireless. It also adds the ability to create encrypted PDF files for your scans.

The list of strong features is not limited to the models’ multifunctional architecture alone. For example, the machines have something Toshiba calls e-FILING. This feature is a highly developed system for storing scanned hard-copy documents, faxes, and print files using the 40GB hard drive inside the copiers. Users are able to store the images in a series of up to 200 individual software mailboxes, each of which contains 100 folders. Up to 1,000 documents can be held in each folder. The mailboxes can be used for on-demand applications involving the storage of forms and manuals, as well as merging scanned hard copy and print files from your PC.

Another important feature is the advanced touchscreen control panel. It is very large in size (one-half VGA) and uses a well-designed series of menus and prompts for programming jobs.

To read the full review, see the Better Buys for Business High-Volume Copier Guide.

Tags: black-and-white copier, Toshiba