Review: An Ideal All-In-One For SMBs
The $799 unit combines print, copy, scan and fax functions, along with a PictBridge function for direct printing from compatible digital cameras. It has a flatbed scanner on top, along with an automated document feeder (ADF). The built-in NIC allows for easy network integration or it can be connected to a workstation through the USB interface.
Like Konica Minolta's high-end printers, the Magicolor 2490MF's Simitri Poly- merized Toner contributes to its dazzling output. The printer comes with a 4,500-page monochrome cartridge and 1,500-page color cartridges.
High-capacity 4,500-page replacement cartridges cost $85 for black and $130 for color. A kit containing high-capacity cyan, magenta and yellow toner cartridges costs $350. The printer's drum cartridge is good for approximately 45,000 monochrome prints or 11,250 color prints and costs $150 to replace.
We tested the Magicolor 2490MF for performance and image quality using a stopwatch and select files from the Spencer and Associates Printer Test Suite, a collection of documents and photos designed to push printers to their limits. Like most of Konica Minolta's recent offerings, the Magicolor 2490MF's image quality is quite good. Color accuracy, contrast and detail are above average. Copies made of the printed photos also looked good, although somewhat less vivid than the originals. Copies of text pages looked more or less as good as the originals.
The printer's performance is good for a four-pass printer but somewhat slower than what Konica Minolta claims. Rated at 20 ppm in monochrome with the first page out in 13 seconds, it printed a 10-page monochrome Word document in 40 seconds with the first page out in 13 seconds. Also rated at 5 ppm in color with the first page out in 22 seconds, a 10-page Word document with color headings took 2 minutes 9 seconds to print with the first page out in exactly 22 seconds.
NEXT: The Bottom Line The unit's 600 x 600-dpi printer offers enhanced modes of 1,200 x 600 dpi and 2,400 x 600 dpi. While it takes paper no larger than 8.5 x 14 inches, it supports glossy and thick stock, transparencies, postcards, laser-quality labels and photo media. An optional duplexer allows the printing of two-sided documents and two-sided copies from one-sided originals. A multipurpose input tray handles 200 sheets but can be expanded to 500 with an optional tray. The standard paper output holds 100 sheets face-down.
Konica Minolta also claims that the unit will copy in monochrome at up to 20 ppm and in color at up to 5 ppm. Again, the printer was slower than its ratings, but it did copy as fast as it can print. A 10-page monochrome text document was copied using the ADF in 55 seconds and a 10-page document with color headings was copied in color in 2 minutes 38 seconds.
While its performance won't leave anyone in awe, the Magicolor 2490MF is nonetheless more than adequate for use by a small workgroup.
As a stand-alone copier, personnel can make use of the flatbed scanner or ADF. Note that the ADF will hold up to 50 sheets of paper. To make copies, all the user has to do is press the copy button and then press either the monochrome or color button, depending on the desired output. With the optional duplexer installed, two-sided copies can be made from single-sided originals in order to save paper. The contrast, quality and resolution of the copies are set from the control panel. Copies also can be reduced or enlarged from 50 percent to 200 percent of the original size.
Scans can be made in 24-bit color or monochrome at resolutions of 600 x 600 dpi or 600 x 300 dpi. Color scans take 10 seconds while monochrome scans take only 4 seconds. Scans can be made through the USB 2.0 interface or directly to e-mail with the 10/100 Ethernet interface. The bundled ScanSoft PaperPort SE allows scans to be saved in PDF, JPG, TIFF and other popular file formats, and the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) function converts documents to editable text.
Fax functionality includes nine one-touch dials, 100 speed dials, 125 broadcast stations, and group dialing with nine groups and 50 stations per group. Bundled software called FaxTalk Communicator lets users send and receive digital faxes from their PCs.
Konica Minolta's channel program features two levels: Gold partners must meet certain business model requirements, while Platinum partners must sell $40,000 per half in Konica Minolta hardware.
With heavy use, the Magicolor 2490MF will go through a lot of consumables, so solution providers can generate recurring revenue selling toner. Solution providers also can benefit by selling various accessories such as the 500-sheet input feeder and an automatic duplexer.
The printer comes with a one-year exchange warranty, but solution providers also can sell extended warranties. Other revenue opportunities include rebates for hitting volume gates and the opportunity to offer managed print services around Konica Minolta's line.