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Office

E x c e p t i o n a l

Sharp MX-7000N

page 34 • September 1, 006

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Print passed copy as the primary method of creating out-
put years ago. To limit costs and raise integration between
functions, more multifunction products use a single pro-
cessor board for copy, print, and scan functions.

Connectivity

The vast majority of devices include Ethernet and USB connectivity out of
the box; some include parallel connections. In addition, most devices offer
a selection of optional connectivity choices like Wireless 802.11b or g (g is
the faster, preferred standard.), Bluetooth for connection to cell phones or
PDAs, and FireWire for high-speed local connectivity.

PDLs

PCL is the de facto printer description language (PDL) of choice provided
by all suppliers. Some bundle in PostScript (PS), while others charge for an
upgrade. A few manufacturers also include their own PDL which is based
loosely on the Windows/GDI printing technology of old. These Windows or
GDI drivers often offer significant productivity advantages over traditional
PCL/PS drivers since the bulk of the processing is handled by the more
powerful desktop PC rather than the less well-equipped printer processor
itself.

Productivity

Judging print productivity is an inexact science at best or misleading at
worst. Factors such as processor power, memory capabilities, spool and
RIPping efficiency, engine throughput speed, RIP while printing capabili-
ties, and more all play a major part. Most devices fair better is some of
these factors than others, and different workflows benefit from one factor
more than another.

It is easy to play judge and pronounce what determines productivity. But,

it will have little merit when evaluating print performance for an end-user
environment. Device A may print Document 1 faster than Device B. But,
Device B may print Document 2 faster. You cannot determine which docu-
ment is the best measure of productivity.

The same is true of network traffic tests where multiple jobs are submit-

ted at once. By rearranging the order of the jobs, the productivity of Device
A and Device B could easily be reversed.

BERTL does not restrict its evaluation of print performance to such tests.

It provides information on how jobs are treated across the various PDLs
offered, thus allowing users to get the best out of the device.

Ease of Installation

The Sharp MX-7000N drivers are available on CDs with the hardware or
can be located on the Sharp Web site. Both PCL and PostScript drivers
were installed without problems. The wizard-based installation process
found the device, set up the port, and updated the driver with the installed
features on the device with no user intervention. BERTL especially like this
for users who do not have the IT savvy to install drivers correctly on a MFP
and may not have access to IT support staff.

Print Features Summary

CPU

1GHz (Shared for all
imaging functions)

RAM

Main Memory:
1 GB (copies)
896MB (Printer/
network scanning)

Hard Drive

80 GB HDD

Operating
Platforms
Supported

Netware 3.x, 4.x, 5.x
Windows 98/ME/XP,
Windows NT 4.0,
Server 2003 Novell
Oracle
Citrix
Linux
MAC OS 9, OSX

Printer Drivers

PCL6
PCL5c
Optional PostScript 3

Network
Protocols