October 23rd, 2008
Lexmark releases new laser printers with built-in Draft N Wi-Fi
The days when printers with network connectivity were intended just for the corporate world are quickly coming to a close as more and more manufacturers not only add an Ethernet port to their offerings, but are placing Wi-Fi chips in units as well. Among the rash of new laser printers it’s announced this week, Lexmark is introducing the first that support the Draft N spec.
I’m not quite sure how much using the draft version of 802.11n will help your printing instead of 802.11g (except aiding in situations when PCs are too far away to be reached by a G network). And it won’t come cheap. Nonetheless, you can find it on the color C544dw for $599 and the monochrome E460dw (pictured), priced at $699. If you’re looking for a multifunction unit instead, there’s the $899 color laser X544dw, which includes faxing with its scanning and copying capabilities.
The rest of the new Lexmark consumer and small-biz lasers come with Ethernet ports, but cop out on wireless by making it an option—in the form of a $149 802.11g print server add-on. If you’re buying a $300 printer, you’re probably not dropping half the price on an accessory, especially when Brother has three with 802.11g included for under $500.
Sean Portnoy spent several years as an editor at Computer Shopper magazine, most recently serving as online executive editor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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