New IBM LaserPrinter Does 10 PPM, Emulates HP, Costs $2595
 
Microbytes Daily News Service
Copyright (c) 1989, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
IBM introduced this week a laser printer that outputs 10 pages
per minute, generates 300 dots per inch, and comes with 10
resident fonts. It'll list for $2595.
 
The new IBM LaserPrinter is designed to compete with the
Hewlett-Packard LaserJet II series of printers, including
emulating the HP PCL language. IBM promises a PostScript emulator
for early next year. The new printer will operate with almost any
software that supports the IBM Proprinter, Proprinter XL, and
Quietwriter, as well as the IBM 7372 and Hewlett-Package 7475A
plotters, the company says.
 
For more typefaces and international characters, there are 47
optional credit-card-size font cards, which can hold up to 26
additional typestyles each, and 12 font packages that can be
downloaded from the user's computer to the printer's memory.
Print cartridges for the new model will be priced at $199 and
can produce up to 10,000 pages before being replaced, IBM says.
 
The LaserPrinter comes with 512K memory. Additional memory
upgrades are available in 1, 2, or 3.5 megabytes ($449, $899,
and $1599, respectively) to allow the printer to make full use
of its graphics capabilities. The printer has both a PC
parallel and RS-232C serial interface.
 
IBM will produce the new unit at its automated Lexington, KY,
printer and typewriter plant. IBM officials noted that the new
printer has fewer than 450 parts, about half the number in most
desktop laser printers. IBM says this increases the reliability
of the printer and lowers maintenance costs.
 
The printer is slated to be available next month.
 
Contact: IBM, 740 New Circle Rd, Lexington, KY 40511;
(606) 232-3934.
 
                              --- David Reed
 
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