Lexmark’s feature-laden C730 family of workgroup color printers
July 15, 2009 by Melissa PardoPosted in: Product miniReviews
These new models, the C730 series, are part of an overall upgrade in Lexmark’s whole printer and printer-multifunctional line with a comprehensive new design that offers both obvious and subtle improvements.
The C734 models run at 30ppm in both black-and-white and color, while the C736 models run at 35ppm in both. These are far faster than most comparably priced color printers. And they add some very nice new features that go beyond earlier generations of Lexmark machines.
The members of the C734 family are:
- The C734n, which offers standard Ethernet ($699).
- The C734dn, which adds automatic duplexing ($899).
- The C734dw, which adds Wi-Fi connectivity ($999).
- The C734dtn, which adds a 550-sheet paper drawer to the C734dn configuration ($1,149).
The C736 family consists of:
- The C736n, which offers standard Ethernet ($899).
- The C736dn, which adds automatic duplexing ($1,149).
- The C736dtn, which adds a 550-sheet paper drawer ($1,399).
In terms of ergonomic features, Lexmark has upgraded the handles on the paper drawers, making them easier to manipulate. The 4-line backlit LCD panel is tiltable for easier access, and features an animated help display. Lexmark has also reduced noise levels, and offers a (somewhat slower) Quiet Mode with low decibel levels along with an already quiet idle mode. Firmware can be upgraded by a service tech using the USB flash interface.
Lexmark has reduced energy consumption on these models, in part due to the InstantOn fuser that allows fast recovery from Power Saver mode. Lexmark also notes that it has reduced excess packaging, has a comprehensive Return Program, and offers longer-life supplies than comparable competitive models.
The C734 cost per page is 2.3¢ for black, which is good in this market segment, and 12.9¢ in color, a bit on the high side. For the C736 family, it ends up costing 2.2¢ in black and 12.1¢ in color.
For a fuller review and for information on other similar products, see the Better Buys for Business Color Laser Printer Guide.
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Tags: C730, C734, C734dn, C734dtn, C734dw, C734n, C736, C736dn, C736dtn, C736n, Lexmark
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