Epson Inc. on Monday will introduced the Stylus C64 inkjet printer and the Stylus CX6400 multifunction device.
The Stylus C64 is an entry-level, US$59 inkjet printer targeted to home users, with a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dots per inch (dpi). The inkjet printer uses the DuraBrite Ink (CMYK) that offers quick-drying, four-picoliter droplets that are resistant to light, water and smudging.
“The DuraBrite ink formula offers brighter, more saturated colors, true black on glossy media, higher color accuracy and an improved formula for use with DuraBrite Ink Glossy Photo Paper,” Steve Semos, Epson’s product manager of Office Ink Jets & Driver Solutions told MacCentral. “And since there are four ink cartridges, this offers a more affordable printer. You only have to change the color that runs out.”
The C64 sports four individual ink cartridges; this is designed to reduce operating costs.
The C64 can print in black-and-white at 17 pages per minute (ppm) and in color at 9 ppm. And it can print frame-ready, borderless 4×6 inch photos. Paper capacity is 120 sheets and 10 envelopes.
Compatible with Mac OS X and Mac OS 8.6-9.x, the C84 has a USB interface. The printer also supports EXIF 2.2 printing for optimal printing of digital camera photos.
The Epson Stylus CX6400 is designed especially for office use and photo printing. It offers 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution and prints at up to 22 ppm in black text and up to 11 ppm in color.
It can make copies at 16 copies per minute and scans at 1200 x 2400 dpi. Like the Epson Stylus C64, the CX6400 uses individual DuraBrite ink cartridges. It can print frame-ready, borderless 4×6 inch, 8×10 inch and letter-sized photos.
The multifunction device — designed for quiet operation — includes Epson’s new Smart Panel Software of scanning utilities that are compatible with Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.x. The software includes Easy Photo Fix (for tweaking imperfect photos) and a Twain plug-in. The scanning software — which can be accessed via the Twain plug-in or as a standalone application — comes with three user levels: automatic, home and professional.
The automatic level adjusts image size, determines document type and auto-sets the scan dpi. The home level adds color restoration, a Descreen option for eliminating moire patterns, resolution adjustment and the ability to choose the document type. You can change all of the settings on the pro level, which offers additional Descreen filters and Unsharp Mask filters.
The CX6400 offers what Semos describes as an industry first: a security lock. By entering a PIN number, you can lock out the control panel to prevent unauthorized copying. This feature was requested by educators and other customers, Semos said.
The multifunction device also has an “Easy Nav LCD” with illuminated buttons; lights guide you in menu choices. The CX6400 has a card slot that works with such formats as CF, Smart Media, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro SD, MMC, XD and — via an adapter — Mini SD. In another industry first, it offers the ability to scan and save to memory cards, Semos said.
The CX6400 has a suggested retail price of $149 and comes with a USB cable.