Multi-function printers have had touch-screens for ages; the latest even have colour ones. Now, it seems, it's the turn of the humble laser, with Lexmark the first to add this accessory to its latest 53ppm mono laser, the T656dne.

Now let's just put this into perspective. A touch screen on a mono laser is an interesting new feature, but not the main reason for buying one. Which is fortunate, as even without it the Lexmark printer is an impressive device.

To start with there's that eye-popping 53ppm top speed, added to which you get a duplexer as standard and lots of optional paper handling and finishing options. Indeed, by stacking drawers underneath, capacity can be raised to 4,300 pages, with sorting and stapling attachments also available. There's even a set of wheels to mount it all on.

Maximum duty cycle is an almost unimaginable 275,000 pages a month, although there's the usual stern warning not to go over 35,000; a bit like saying this car can do 100mph but don't go over 12! A single toner cartridge is the only consumable needing regular attention, with a choice of sizes on offer. There's the standard (7,000-page) product, probably best avoided, plus both high (25,000) and extra high yield (36,000) cartridges, the latter being the most economical at around £296 + VAT, which is roughly 0.8p per page.

On the networking front there's the usual built-in print server plus a more than adequate Gigabit Ethernet interface. The usual suspects are also there when it comes to emulation, including PCL, PostScript and direct PDF printing, while the to-be-expected Web interface is provided for remote management. There's SNMP too, for those that need it, and, of course, that colour touch-screen which can be used to configure the printer and a whole lot more.

For example, we used the screen to browse the contents of a USB memory stick which we plugged into the port provided alongside. We were then able to select documents and print these directly rather than having to first find a suitable PC. Similarly, we could browse and print documents uploaded and stored on the printer's hard disk, optionally supplying a PIN code for added security.

In addition the printer can run add-on applications, written in Java and executed by what Lexmark calls its embedded framework. A number of sample apps are provided as standard, including a slideshow extolling the benefits of Lexmark technology and a more useful Forms and Favourites tool that lets you print documents from Web and FTP sites.

To get more, however, you'll need to talk to Lexmark or one of its resellers, who can provide a number of applications from follow-me printing - where documents are delivered to the nearest printer, wherever you are - to more advanced document management and accounting products.

Of course there are costs involved, but the new screen makes for an interesting new angle, enabling the T656dne to participate in wider applications previously only available through much more expensive multi-function devices. On the downside it's unlikely to appeal to the small business and there's no facility, at present, to develop custom apps of your own.

Still, as mentioned earlier, even without this option the T656dne is an impressive print workhorse and one that can be put to lots of uses no matter how big, or small, your business.

Verdict
Buyers should consider first the underlying specification of this printer before taking the new colour touch-screen into consideration. After all, it's an impressive 53ppm mono laser with built-in duplexer, lots of paper handling/finishing options, a hard disk and integrated network print server. The touch screen then raises it above the norm, enabling the printer to host print-related applications, although there are additional costs involved and such applications are likely to appeal more to enterprise rather than small business customers.

Company: Lexmark

Contact: 08704 440044

Tags: lexmark printer postscript hardware peripherals printing supplies inkjet printer