Presentation Technologies: Expanding Your Reach
Double-Duty Printing
Color laser printers provide a cost-effective way to produce both high-impact presentation handouts and standard black-and-white (B&W) documents.
Konica Minolta's new line of magicolor color laser printers offers high-speed and high-quality output at a lower cost-per-page than inkjet printers. The 5440 DL can produce 2400 x 600 dpi color and B&W prints as fast as 27 pages per minute (ppm). It supports a variety of paper sizes and weights, including index paper in sizes from 3.6 x 5.8 inches to 8.5 x 14 inches. This $1,299 workgroup printer is network-ready and compatible with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems.
A large format printer such as Epson's Stylus Photo R1800 ($550) color inkjet is a great tool for producing posters, panoramic prints, and other awesome marketing displays. We recently tested the R1800 and got impressive, gallery-quality results. This 8-color ink cartridge system can print multiple banners on premium glossy photo paper rolls (roll sizes up to 13 inches x 32 feet). It is also great for printing labels with photos directly onto inkjet compatible CDs and DVDs.
Quick Connections
The Internet is the fastest and cheapest way to distribute presentations around the world. But if you want to connect and collaborate quickly with people at multiple locations, to deliver a presentation, get feedback on a document, or discuss a spreadsheet, you may want to try a Web conferencing service such as GoToMeeting, Raindance, or WebEx.
Another alternative is Bridgit conferencing software from SMART Technologies. Similar to some services, Bridgit is available on a flat-fee subscription basis for $40 per user/month, or a server package with concurrent 5-user license for $2,499 (an additional 5-user license costs $500). Using an in-house server saves the time that would be spent on booking a conference and uploading files via a service provider.
Polycom, the well-known manufacturer of conference phones and videoconferencing systems, has taken a different approach with its new QSX Voice+Content solution. Polycom QSX enables content sharing with other locations that have QSX systems, as well as sharing with remote participants that have Web browser access but do not have their own QSX system. For either mode, you need a QSX system and a Polycom conference phone to host a meeting. The phone call can be a point-to-point call or through a conferencing bridge or service. The QSX 300 for use with the SoundStation VTX 1000 is $1,299. The QSX 400 for use with all other wired, analog SoundStation phones is $1,599.
As with any technology purchase, you'll want to make sure that your new presentation devices are compatible with the other tools you will be using. Beyond compatibility, high-quality output should drive your selection.
Sidebar: Bright Multimedia Projection
With a brightness of 1,500 ANSI lumens and weighing only 4.84 lbs., the new Performa(TM) model CP-RS55 projector from Hitachi features the high-end performance required for use in corporate and small business environments, and an intuitive user interface that makes it ideal for home use.
Moreover, because of its light weight and connectivity options, the Performa allows for hassle-free portability between the home and the workplace, making it a true-to-form, dual-use projector. Its user-friendly features make it easy to set up, and make the adjustments you want simple with the remote control.
The Performa model CP-RS55 features Progressive Scan Technology, which allows users to enjoy realistically beautiful images with no flicker. Its Equalizing function (Gamma Correction and Color Balance) lets users make adjustments to achieve the desired picture quality. Three Picture Mode settings (Normal, Cinema, and Dynamic) enable users to choose the best mode to match the source.
The Performa also allows for a Whisper Mode option, which reduces fan noise to 32 dB. This provides quiet performance in a variety of applications, from living room to boardroom or classroom.
For more information, call 1-650-589-8300 or visit www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia.
Sidebar: Speedy Color Laser Printing
KONICA MINOLTA's magicolor(R) 5450 network color laser printer, with its astounding print speed and astonishing color quality, is everything you need in an affordable business printer. Its 667 MHz processor delivers your first page in 14 seconds, and races through subsequent prints at 27 ppm in color and B&W.
Featuring PostScript(R) 3 and PCL(R) 6 printer emulations and a high-performance controller, the magicolor 5450 is multi-platform compatible to support Windows(R), Macintosh(R) and Linux(R) users. And, its Gigabit Ethernet(R) interface enables this printer to rapidly process jobs from the fastest network connection available. The magicolor 5450 also features revolutionary color technology to give your important business documents that compelling "wow" factor. All with the ease-of-use and cost-effectiveness built into every KONICA MINOLTA printing solution.
For more information, call 1-800-523-2696 or visit www.buymagicolor.com.
