Printer maker Lexmark has found an unusual weapon to thwart rivals from selling replacement toner cartridges: the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
A federal judge in Kentucky has scheduled a hearing for Thursday in the case, which Lexmark filed against Static Control Components in an effort to slam the brakes on the toner cartridge remanufacturing industry. Lexmark is the No. 2 printer maker in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell Computer brand.
This lawsuit is the latest of several recent DMCA cases--both civil and criminal--that have tested the limits of the 1998 copyright law, in which Congress intended to limit Internet piracy. Eight movie studios wielded it to force 2600 magazine to delete a DVD-descrambling utility from its Web site, but the Justice Department lost a case last month against a Russian company that created a program that cracked Adobe's electronic books.
Lexmark claims that Static Control violated the DMCA by selling its Smartek chips to companies that refill toner cartridges and undercut Lexmark's prices.
The legal action escalates what has been a technological cold war, pitting the aftermarket ink and toner industry against printer manufacturers who try to prevent customers from buying products from third parties. In an essay titled "OEM Warfare," Static Control CEO Ed Swartz says: "The OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) will continue to escalate their technologies to erect barrier after barrier to our industry. Each barrier will require an ever growing amount of time, money, talent and effort to overcome."
Under section 1201 of the DMCA, it is generally unlawful to circumvent technology that restricts access to a copyrighted work.
In a 17-page complaint filed on Dec. 30, 2002, the company claims the Smartek chip mimics the authentication sequence used by Lexmark chips and unlawfully tricks the printer into accepting an aftermarket cartridge. That "circumvents the technological measure that controls access to the Toner Loading Program and the Printer Engine Program," the complaint says. The Toner Loading Program checks toner levels in the cartridge, and the Printer Engine Program controls operations such as paper feed and the actual transfer of the dry ink to paper.
Lexmark is asking U.S. District Judge Karl Forester to order Static Control to "deliver up for destruction" all Smartek chips and to cease selling them. Static Control could not be reached Wednesday for comment.
Jessica Litman, a professor at Wayne State University who specializes in copyright law, said it's likely that Lexmark would not have been able to succeed in its lawsuit without the DMCA, but stands a good chance with it.
Pre-DMCA cases involving video game consoles concluded that it was legal to copy code for the purposes of interoperability, Litman said. In Sony v. Connectix, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that it was legal for Connectix to copy the Sony PlayStation's BIOS for the purpose of interoperability.
"I think they almost certainly would have skated were it not for the existence of the DMCA," Litman said of Static Control. "I would have expected the eastern district of Kentucky to follow the 9th Circuit to say that reverse engineering and copying of the code was fair use because it was enabling interoperability."
Cindy Cohn, an attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group in San Francisco that's one of the chief critics of section 1201 of the DMCA, said she expected more cases like the one brought by Lexmark.
"We have long said that the DMCA's potential use as an anticompetitive tool has been great," Cohn said. "Now we're seeing it happen."
Lexmark's complaint also alleges traditional copyright infringement, saying the Smartek chips contain "unauthorized, identical copies of Lexmark's copyrighted Toner Loading Programs."
Toner company fights DMCA lawsuit
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In a final round of skirmishing prior to a court hearing Friday, a North Carolina company argued that a controversial copyright law does not prevent it from selling computer chips that allow toner cartridges to be reused.
Static Control Components said in a legal brief filed this week that Lexmark, the No. 2 printer maker in the United States, is trying to bilk customers and stifle competition by invoking the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
U.S. District Judge Karl Forester has set a hearing on Lexmark's request for a preliminary injunction for Friday in Lexington, Ky., in the case, which is the first to pit the long-established right to reverse-engineer against copyright law.
In December 2002, Lexmark sued Static Control, a family-owned business in Sanford, N.C., claiming that its Smartek chips sold to toner cartridge remanufacturers violate the DMCA. The Smartek chip "circumvents the technological measure" that the printer uses to verify the cartridge is original and not remanufacturered, Lexmark claims.
On Jan. 10, Forester accepted Static Control's offer to temporarily cease manufacturing the Smartek chip until a hearing could be scheduled.
In an interview with CNET News.com on Wednesday, a top Hewlett-Packard executive slammed the printer rival for wielding the DMCA against the remanufacturing industry. "We think it is stretching it," HP Senior Vice President Pradeep Jotwani said. "The DMCA was put in place (to protect) things like movies, music and software applications."
Static Control's 41-page brief warns that if Lexmark's claims were successful, they would set a worrying precedent and cause DMCA-protected chips to sprout in many consumer products. "One readily could envision, for example, an automobile manufacturer applying technological measures...to prevent competition in the aftermarket for replacement tires, wiper blades or other automotive parts; camera manufacturers attempting to foreclose the use of competitors' lenses or brands of film; a ball-point pen manufacturer using a technological measure and an 'ink low' program to shut out replacement ink refills; or a cell phone manufacturer applying technological measures to replacement batteries," the brief says.
This lawsuit is the latest of several recent DMCA cases--both civil and criminal--that have tested the limits of the 1998 copyright law, which Congress intended to limit Internet piracy. Eight movie studios wielded it to force 2600 magazine to delete a DVD-descrambling utility from its Web site, but the U.S. Justice Department recently lost a criminal case against a Russian firm that created a program that cracked Adobe's electronic books.
Under section 1201 of the DMCA, it is generally unlawful to circumvent technology that restricts access to a copyrighted work or sell a device that can do so. But Congress also included exemptions in the DMCA explicitly permitting activities such as law-enforcement purposes, encryption research, security testing and interoperability.
Static Control has seized on the last exemption, which permits reverse-engineering "for the purpose of enabling interoperability of an independently created computer program with other programs," and says its creation of the Smartek chip is also protected by traditional fair use rights enshrined in U.S. copyright law.
Its attorneys cite the landmark 1993 Sega v. Accolade decision from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In that case, the court said: "Where disassembly is the only way to gain access to the ideas and functional elements embodied in a copyrighted computer program and where there is a legitimate reason for seeking such access, disassembly is a fair use of the copyrighted work, as a matter of law."
Static Control also claims that Lexmark's code allegedly protected by the DMCA is nothing more than "than bare-bones implementations of mathematical formulae and scientific observations that cannot be protected by copyright." Lexmark uses the government-standard Secure Hash Algorithm-1 (SHA-1) to calculate a "hash" value as a way to verify that the cartridges are original.
Lexmark could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Static Control Components said in a legal brief filed this week that Lexmark, the No. 2 printer maker in the United States, is trying to bilk customers and stifle competition by invoking the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
U.S. District Judge Karl Forester has set a hearing on Lexmark's request for a preliminary injunction for Friday in Lexington, Ky., in the case, which is the first to pit the long-established right to reverse-engineer against copyright law.
In December 2002, Lexmark sued Static Control, a family-owned business in Sanford, N.C., claiming that its Smartek chips sold to toner cartridge remanufacturers violate the DMCA. The Smartek chip "circumvents the technological measure" that the printer uses to verify the cartridge is original and not remanufacturered, Lexmark claims.
On Jan. 10, Forester accepted Static Control's offer to temporarily cease manufacturing the Smartek chip until a hearing could be scheduled.
In an interview with CNET News.com on Wednesday, a top Hewlett-Packard executive slammed the printer rival for wielding the DMCA against the remanufacturing industry. "We think it is stretching it," HP Senior Vice President Pradeep Jotwani said. "The DMCA was put in place (to protect) things like movies, music and software applications."
Static Control's 41-page brief warns that if Lexmark's claims were successful, they would set a worrying precedent and cause DMCA-protected chips to sprout in many consumer products. "One readily could envision, for example, an automobile manufacturer applying technological measures...to prevent competition in the aftermarket for replacement tires, wiper blades or other automotive parts; camera manufacturers attempting to foreclose the use of competitors' lenses or brands of film; a ball-point pen manufacturer using a technological measure and an 'ink low' program to shut out replacement ink refills; or a cell phone manufacturer applying technological measures to replacement batteries," the brief says.
This lawsuit is the latest of several recent DMCA cases--both civil and criminal--that have tested the limits of the 1998 copyright law, which Congress intended to limit Internet piracy. Eight movie studios wielded it to force 2600 magazine to delete a DVD-descrambling utility from its Web site, but the U.S. Justice Department recently lost a criminal case against a Russian firm that created a program that cracked Adobe's electronic books.
Under section 1201 of the DMCA, it is generally unlawful to circumvent technology that restricts access to a copyrighted work or sell a device that can do so. But Congress also included exemptions in the DMCA explicitly permitting activities such as law-enforcement purposes, encryption research, security testing and interoperability.
Static Control has seized on the last exemption, which permits reverse-engineering "for the purpose of enabling interoperability of an independently created computer program with other programs," and says its creation of the Smartek chip is also protected by traditional fair use rights enshrined in U.S. copyright law.
Its attorneys cite the landmark 1993 Sega v. Accolade decision from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In that case, the court said: "Where disassembly is the only way to gain access to the ideas and functional elements embodied in a copyrighted computer program and where there is a legitimate reason for seeking such access, disassembly is a fair use of the copyrighted work, as a matter of law."
Static Control also claims that Lexmark's code allegedly protected by the DMCA is nothing more than "than bare-bones implementations of mathematical formulae and scientific observations that cannot be protected by copyright." Lexmark uses the government-standard Secure Hash Algorithm-1 (SHA-1) to calculate a "hash" value as a way to verify that the cartridges are original.
Lexmark could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Toner firm gets key support in DMCA spat
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The U.S. Copyright Office has sided with Static Control Components in a high-profile lawsuit over whether the company may sell chips that permit Lexmark International toner cartridges to be refilled.
As part of a 198-page opinion released late Tuesday, the office said Lexmark's invocation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in its lawsuit against Static Control was invalid. Lexmark is the No. 2 printer maker in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell brand.
The opinion is not binding on the judges who are considering the case, which is now before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, but it is expected to be influential. In February, U.S. District Judge Karl Forester granted Lexmark a preliminary injunction ordering Static Control to cease selling its Smartek chip.
Static Control CEO Ed Swartz on Wednesday said the opinion was so sweeping that he may begin selling a second chip with similar functionality that would not be covered by the injunction. "It gave us a clear-cut legal path to create a chip that there are no legal issues with," he said. "We think we've done that, but we're going back and double-checking everything."
William "Skip" London, the company's general counsel, said: "We have developed code for such a chip. We've shown this code to Lexmark. Lexmark has taken the position that we can't sell it." Swartz said that he has not made a final decision on public sales yet. Static Control is a small Sanford, N.C.-based company that sells printer parts and other business supplies.
Lexmark did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
When enacting the DMCA in 1998, Congress ordered the Copyright Office to conduct regular reviews of one portion of the law. The Library of Congress, which oversees the Copyright Office and reports to Congress, was permitted to exempt specific groups from being covered by part of the DMCA.
During the October 2000 round, two exemptions were set: Filtering researchers could study blacklisting techniques, and obsolete copy-protection schemes could be legally bypassed. Those exemptions were due to expire this month, but the Copyright Office renewed them and added two additional ones covering e-books and hardware dongles.
In an unusual move, the Copyright Office said that Static Control did not need a specific exemption for selling toner chips, because other parts of the DMCA already permitted it. "It appears that the congressional scheme sufficiently enables the non-infringing uses sought without requiring the assistance of an exemption in this rulemaking," the Copyright Office said.
That portion of the DMCA says engineers may bypass a technological measure "for the sole purpose of identifying and analyzing those elements of the program that are necessary to achieve interoperability" with other computer programs. Under a section of the DMCA, it is generally unlawful to circumvent technology that restricts access to a copyrighted work.
In hopes of boosting sales of its own brand of toner cartridges for its T-series laser printers, Lexmark embedded a technological measure that prevents third-party remanufacturing and consumer use of its remanufactured "Prebate" toner cartridges. Inside those cartridges is a simple software program called the Toner Loading Program designed to let the printer estimate how much toner remains. Before a T-series printer permits a cartridge to be used, it insists on performing a secret handshake, a kind of authentication, with the Toner Loading Program.
This system created a problem for consumers who wished to refill their own cartridges, but an opportunity for Static Control, which sold its Smartek chip that mimicked the authentication sequence used in Lexmark chips and tricked the printer into accepting aftermarket cartridges.
Swartz of Static Control said the Copyright Office was trying to send a signal to the courts. "They're not going to allow anyone to use the DMCA as a means to gain an electronic monopoly," he said. "They think the DMCA applies to entertainment, not products."
In addition to raising the DMCA claim, Lexmark's original complaint also alleged traditional copyright infringement, saying the Smartek chips contain "unauthorized, identical copies of Lexmark's copyrighted Toner Loading Programs."
If that allegation were proven to be true, the Copyright Office was careful to say, the existence of the DMCA loophole might not save Static Control from liability. "The wholesale copying of a copyrightable computer program is likely to be an infringing use," the office noted.
As part of a 198-page opinion released late Tuesday, the office said Lexmark's invocation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in its lawsuit against Static Control was invalid. Lexmark is the No. 2 printer maker in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell brand.
The opinion is not binding on the judges who are considering the case, which is now before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, but it is expected to be influential. In February, U.S. District Judge Karl Forester granted Lexmark a preliminary injunction ordering Static Control to cease selling its Smartek chip.
Static Control CEO Ed Swartz on Wednesday said the opinion was so sweeping that he may begin selling a second chip with similar functionality that would not be covered by the injunction. "It gave us a clear-cut legal path to create a chip that there are no legal issues with," he said. "We think we've done that, but we're going back and double-checking everything."
William "Skip" London, the company's general counsel, said: "We have developed code for such a chip. We've shown this code to Lexmark. Lexmark has taken the position that we can't sell it." Swartz said that he has not made a final decision on public sales yet. Static Control is a small Sanford, N.C.-based company that sells printer parts and other business supplies.
Lexmark did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
When enacting the DMCA in 1998, Congress ordered the Copyright Office to conduct regular reviews of one portion of the law. The Library of Congress, which oversees the Copyright Office and reports to Congress, was permitted to exempt specific groups from being covered by part of the DMCA.
During the October 2000 round, two exemptions were set: Filtering researchers could study blacklisting techniques, and obsolete copy-protection schemes could be legally bypassed. Those exemptions were due to expire this month, but the Copyright Office renewed them and added two additional ones covering e-books and hardware dongles.
In an unusual move, the Copyright Office said that Static Control did not need a specific exemption for selling toner chips, because other parts of the DMCA already permitted it. "It appears that the congressional scheme sufficiently enables the non-infringing uses sought without requiring the assistance of an exemption in this rulemaking," the Copyright Office said.
That portion of the DMCA says engineers may bypass a technological measure "for the sole purpose of identifying and analyzing those elements of the program that are necessary to achieve interoperability" with other computer programs. Under a section of the DMCA, it is generally unlawful to circumvent technology that restricts access to a copyrighted work.
In hopes of boosting sales of its own brand of toner cartridges for its T-series laser printers, Lexmark embedded a technological measure that prevents third-party remanufacturing and consumer use of its remanufactured "Prebate" toner cartridges. Inside those cartridges is a simple software program called the Toner Loading Program designed to let the printer estimate how much toner remains. Before a T-series printer permits a cartridge to be used, it insists on performing a secret handshake, a kind of authentication, with the Toner Loading Program.
This system created a problem for consumers who wished to refill their own cartridges, but an opportunity for Static Control, which sold its Smartek chip that mimicked the authentication sequence used in Lexmark chips and tricked the printer into accepting aftermarket cartridges.
Swartz of Static Control said the Copyright Office was trying to send a signal to the courts. "They're not going to allow anyone to use the DMCA as a means to gain an electronic monopoly," he said. "They think the DMCA applies to entertainment, not products."
In addition to raising the DMCA claim, Lexmark's original complaint also alleged traditional copyright infringement, saying the Smartek chips contain "unauthorized, identical copies of Lexmark's copyrighted Toner Loading Programs."
If that allegation were proven to be true, the Copyright Office was careful to say, the existence of the DMCA loophole might not save Static Control from liability. "The wholesale copying of a copyrightable computer program is likely to be an infringing use," the office noted.
Lexmark wins injunction in DMCA case
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Printer maker Lexmark International won a preliminary injunction Thursday in efforts to prevent a company from selling computer chips that allow printers to use unauthorized recycled toner cartridges.
Judge Karl Forester of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued the pretrial injunction against Static Control Components, a small Sanford, N.C.-based company that sells printer parts and other business supplies.
The order prohibits the company from selling its Smartek chip. When installed in compatible Lexmark printers, the chips allow the printers to use cheaper recycled toner cartridges that would otherwise be rejected by the printer's sensors.
Lexmark filed the suit late last year, alleging the Smartek chip violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which prohibits the dismantling of devices intended to protect intellectual property rights.
Printer makers have employed a variety of technological means in recent years to undercut the market for recycled toner and ink cartridges, which typically sell for much less than original items. Most printer makers sell their printers at or near cost, making their profit from sales of supplies.
Lexmark is the No. 2 seller of printers in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell Computer brand.
Anti-circumvention language in the DMCA has been a foundation for a number of recent copyright actions, including the Justice Department's crackdown earlier this week on a site distributing "mod chips" for Microsoft's Xbox video game console.
Judge Karl Forester of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued the pretrial injunction against Static Control Components, a small Sanford, N.C.-based company that sells printer parts and other business supplies.
The order prohibits the company from selling its Smartek chip. When installed in compatible Lexmark printers, the chips allow the printers to use cheaper recycled toner cartridges that would otherwise be rejected by the printer's sensors.
Lexmark filed the suit late last year, alleging the Smartek chip violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which prohibits the dismantling of devices intended to protect intellectual property rights.
Printer makers have employed a variety of technological means in recent years to undercut the market for recycled toner and ink cartridges, which typically sell for much less than original items. Most printer makers sell their printers at or near cost, making their profit from sales of supplies.
Lexmark is the No. 2 seller of printers in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell Computer brand.
Anti-circumvention language in the DMCA has been a foundation for a number of recent copyright actions, including the Justice Department's crackdown earlier this week on a site distributing "mod chips" for Microsoft's Xbox video game console.
Lexmark wins injunction in DMCA case
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Printer maker Lexmark International won a preliminary injunction Thursday in efforts to prevent a company from selling computer chips that allow printers to use unauthorized recycled toner cartridges.
Judge Karl Forester of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued the pretrial injunction against Static Control Components, a small Sanford, N.C.-based company that sells printer parts and other business supplies.
The order prohibits the company from selling its Smartek chip. When installed in compatible Lexmark printers, the chips allow the printers to use cheaper recycled toner cartridges that would otherwise be rejected by the printer's sensors.
Lexmark filed the suit late last year, alleging the Smartek chip violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which prohibits the dismantling of devices intended to protect intellectual property rights.
Printer makers have employed a variety of technological means in recent years to undercut the market for recycled toner and ink cartridges, which typically sell for much less than original items. Most printer makers sell their printers at or near cost, making their profit from sales of supplies.
Lexmark is the No. 2 seller of printers in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell Computer brand.
Anti-circumvention language in the DMCA has been a foundation for a number of recent copyright actions, including the Justice Department's crackdown earlier this week on a site distributing "mod chips" for Microsoft's Xbox video game console.
Judge Karl Forester of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued the pretrial injunction against Static Control Components, a small Sanford, N.C.-based company that sells printer parts and other business supplies.
The order prohibits the company from selling its Smartek chip. When installed in compatible Lexmark printers, the chips allow the printers to use cheaper recycled toner cartridges that would otherwise be rejected by the printer's sensors.
Lexmark filed the suit late last year, alleging the Smartek chip violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which prohibits the dismantling of devices intended to protect intellectual property rights.
Printer makers have employed a variety of technological means in recent years to undercut the market for recycled toner and ink cartridges, which typically sell for much less than original items. Most printer makers sell their printers at or near cost, making their profit from sales of supplies.
Lexmark is the No. 2 seller of printers in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell Computer brand.
Anti-circumvention language in the DMCA has been a foundation for a number of recent copyright actions, including the Justice Department's crackdown earlier this week on a site distributing "mod chips" for Microsoft's Xbox video game console.
Lexmark launches recycling program
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Lexmark International on Wednesday announced the start of a new program for recycling used printers and related supplies.
For more than a decade, Lexmark said, it has recovered and reused or recycled spent toner cartridges to help address issues of resource consumption and solid waste disposal. Now, it is extending its services to also take back obsolete printers.
The company is not charging for the recycling service itself, but customers will have to pay to ship the spent equipment. Empty cartridges may also be returned through participating Lexmark resellers. Only Lexmark-branded printers may be returned.
Hardware makers in recent years have been under pressure from environmental groups and some governments to assume responsibility for proper disposal of their used products. For their part, companies like Dell, IBM, Sony and Hewlett-Packard have either begun new recycling programs for consumers and businesses or built upon existing ones. Those programs generally accept PCs, monitors and printers, often regardless of the manufacturer, and costs to the customer range from nothing to about $30.
"Our customers want to do the right thing when it comes to the environment," Paul Curlander, chairman and chief executive officer of Lexmark, said in a statement. "The program provides our customers with a safe and simple way to discard their used printers without harming the environment."
For more than a decade, Lexmark said, it has recovered and reused or recycled spent toner cartridges to help address issues of resource consumption and solid waste disposal. Now, it is extending its services to also take back obsolete printers.
The company is not charging for the recycling service itself, but customers will have to pay to ship the spent equipment. Empty cartridges may also be returned through participating Lexmark resellers. Only Lexmark-branded printers may be returned.
Hardware makers in recent years have been under pressure from environmental groups and some governments to assume responsibility for proper disposal of their used products. For their part, companies like Dell, IBM, Sony and Hewlett-Packard have either begun new recycling programs for consumers and businesses or built upon existing ones. Those programs generally accept PCs, monitors and printers, often regardless of the manufacturer, and costs to the customer range from nothing to about $30.
"Our customers want to do the right thing when it comes to the environment," Paul Curlander, chairman and chief executive officer of Lexmark, said in a statement. "The program provides our customers with a safe and simple way to discard their used printers without harming the environment."
DMCA defendant to stop making chip
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A federal judge has agreed to Static Control Components' offer to temporarily cease manufacturing a toner cartridge chip that drew a lawsuit under a controversial copyright law.
In an order made public Friday, U.S. District Judge Karl Forester accepted Static Control's proposal to halt sales of its Smartek chip until a hearing can be scheduled. A representative for the judge on Thursday said the hearing would happen soon.
Lexmark International Group, the No. 2 manufacturer of printers in the United States, sued Static Control in December 2002 for allegedly violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by selling the Smartek chip. Aftermarket toner makers use the Smartek chip to trick Lexmark printers into accepting their cartridges.
The lawsuit is one of the first brought under the DMCA, which is backed by copyright holders but has drawn fire from academics and programmers for restricting tinkering with software and hardware. Rep. Rick Boucher, R-Va., and three other members of Congress reintroduced a bill this week that would repeal key portions of the 1998 law.
A particular section of the DMCA makes it generally unlawful to circumvent technology that restricts access to a copyrighted work.
In a 17-page complaint filed Dec. 30, Lexmark claimed the Smartek chip mimics a technology used by Lexmark chips and unlawfully tricks the printer into accepting an aftermarket cartridge. That "circumvents the technological measure that controls access" to Lexmark's software, the complaint said.
Lexmark said Thursday that it expects fourth-quarter earnings of 88 cents to 90 cents per share, more than the 70 cents to 80 cents per share it had projected in October. The company said sales were up 5 percent to 6 percent compared with the prior year.
In an order made public Friday, U.S. District Judge Karl Forester accepted Static Control's proposal to halt sales of its Smartek chip until a hearing can be scheduled. A representative for the judge on Thursday said the hearing would happen soon.
Lexmark International Group, the No. 2 manufacturer of printers in the United States, sued Static Control in December 2002 for allegedly violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by selling the Smartek chip. Aftermarket toner makers use the Smartek chip to trick Lexmark printers into accepting their cartridges.
The lawsuit is one of the first brought under the DMCA, which is backed by copyright holders but has drawn fire from academics and programmers for restricting tinkering with software and hardware. Rep. Rick Boucher, R-Va., and three other members of Congress reintroduced a bill this week that would repeal key portions of the 1998 law.
A particular section of the DMCA makes it generally unlawful to circumvent technology that restricts access to a copyrighted work.
In a 17-page complaint filed Dec. 30, Lexmark claimed the Smartek chip mimics a technology used by Lexmark chips and unlawfully tricks the printer into accepting an aftermarket cartridge. That "circumvents the technological measure that controls access" to Lexmark's software, the complaint said.
Lexmark said Thursday that it expects fourth-quarter earnings of 88 cents to 90 cents per share, more than the 70 cents to 80 cents per share it had projected in October. The company said sales were up 5 percent to 6 percent compared with the prior year.
Short Take: HP ups toner production
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Hewlett-Packard plans to triple production of toner cartridges used in the LaserJet 5Si family of network printers to alleviate a temporary shortage of the cartridges in the United States. HP attributes the shortage to sales and use of the LaserJet 5Si and 5Si MX network printers that exceed forecasts. To deal with the shortage, HP is working with its supplier to add additional production lines and shifts.
How your printer tricks you into buying ink and toner when you don't need it
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Slate recently published a great article Take That, Stupid Printer! How to fight back against the lying, infuriating, evil ink-and-toner cabal by Farhad Manjoo. The title is a bit meaner than the article, which makes for interesting reading.
If you own a Brother HL-2040 printer, the article is especially relevant. The author suspected that the printer was lying about being out of toner and he figured out how to lie back to it, making it think there was a new cartridge. Sure enough the printer had lots of toner left, as Mr. Manjoo puts it "At least eight months have passed. I've printed hundreds of pages since, and the text still hasn't begun to fade."
Brother is not the only company wringing profits out of way-too-early warnings out being out of ink/toner. The good news, according to the article is that "... instructions for fooling different laser printers into thinking you've installed a new cartridge are easy to come by ... If you're at all skilled at searching the Web, you can probably find out how to do it .... Just Google some combination of your printer's model number and the words toner, override, cheap, and perhaps lying bastards."
My HP LaserJet 1320 is well-mannered; it warns when it thinks the toner is running low, but doesn't do anything other than warn. And, it's reasonably accurate, giving me time to order a new cartridge before it really runs out of toner. Apparently, I'm lucky.
Or, it may be that the more expensive the printer is up-front, the less the manufacturer feels the need to play tricks with the ink/toner. If that appeals to you, see Kodak's consumer printers aim to chop ink costs.
If you own a Brother HL-2040 printer, the article is especially relevant. The author suspected that the printer was lying about being out of toner and he figured out how to lie back to it, making it think there was a new cartridge. Sure enough the printer had lots of toner left, as Mr. Manjoo puts it "At least eight months have passed. I've printed hundreds of pages since, and the text still hasn't begun to fade."
Brother is not the only company wringing profits out of way-too-early warnings out being out of ink/toner. The good news, according to the article is that "... instructions for fooling different laser printers into thinking you've installed a new cartridge are easy to come by ... If you're at all skilled at searching the Web, you can probably find out how to do it .... Just Google some combination of your printer's model number and the words toner, override, cheap, and perhaps lying bastards."
My HP LaserJet 1320 is well-mannered; it warns when it thinks the toner is running low, but doesn't do anything other than warn. And, it's reasonably accurate, giving me time to order a new cartridge before it really runs out of toner. Apparently, I'm lucky.
Or, it may be that the more expensive the printer is up-front, the less the manufacturer feels the need to play tricks with the ink/toner. If that appeals to you, see Kodak's consumer printers aim to chop ink costs.
Are you a perpetrator of workplace printer abuse?
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According to a new survey released today, about 60 percent of the Canadian workforce is making personal use of their office printer.
The survey, conducted by Angus Reid Strategies for Samsung Electronics revealed that a large majority of Canadians who work in offices with high volume laser printers aren't using them for memos and work-related e-mails, but rather for personal letters, color photos, and even *gasp* resumes! The study breaks down the percentage of people that print out random documents:
The survey, conducted by Angus Reid Strategies for Samsung Electronics revealed that a large majority of Canadians who work in offices with high volume laser printers aren't using them for memos and work-related e-mails, but rather for personal letters, color photos, and even *gasp* resumes! The study breaks down the percentage of people that print out random documents:
Samsung CLP-315W printer yields disappointing results
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The Samsung CLP-315W is designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs who want a laser printer for speed but also need to print out documents, photos, and presentations in full color. This version also has a wireless print server built into the device, a convenient feature if you have several computers attached to the same network that will share the same printer. Unfortunately, the CLP-315W is not without its serious flaws.
First, the quality of the printouts are simply unacceptable. The printer has trouble separating subtle gradations in color and tends to blur together close sections on the color gamut. Also, forget about printing even the lowest-quality photos with the printer--in our experience, even small portraits on a presentation slide look smeared in some spots. We do like the small footprint, the easy wireless setup, and the separate color toner cartridges, but the output quality and sluggish print speeds take the overall score down to just an OK 2.5 stars.
First, the quality of the printouts are simply unacceptable. The printer has trouble separating subtle gradations in color and tends to blur together close sections on the color gamut. Also, forget about printing even the lowest-quality photos with the printer--in our experience, even small portraits on a presentation slide look smeared in some spots. We do like the small footprint, the easy wireless setup, and the separate color toner cartridges, but the output quality and sluggish print speeds take the overall score down to just an OK 2.5 stars.
HP's print cartridge packaging goes green
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Hewlett-Packard announced on Thursday that it has redesigned the packaging for its printer cartridges to make it friendlier to the environment.
The redesigns feature smaller and lighter packaging that contains more recycled content. These changes, according to HP, will cut down on 15 million pounds of materials over the course of 2007, including 6.8 million pounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.
Overall, the company estimated that it will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 37 million pounds. Because shipping containers will be able to accommodate many more packages, truck traffic for cartridge shipments is expected to be cut down by 1.5 million miles this year. Company calculations indicated that is the equivalent impact of 3,600 cars operating over the same period.
For example, HP LaserJet toner cartridges now use 45 percent of the packaging material that they once did, and a shipping container can now accommodate an average of 203 of them instead of 144. The reduced container size not only cuts down on the number of emission-producing vehicles needed to ship the cartridges to retailers, it also frees up more shelf space for retailers.
HP, which entered an initiative with the World Wildlife Fund in November to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, added in a statement that this is by no means the first step the company has taken toward tweaking its product packaging with environmental sustainability in mind. The overall package weight for its inkjet cartridge multipacks, for example, has been reduced by 80 percent since 2003.
Thus far, the eco-friendly redesigns apply only to ink and toner print cartridges shipped throughout North America.
The redesigns feature smaller and lighter packaging that contains more recycled content. These changes, according to HP, will cut down on 15 million pounds of materials over the course of 2007, including 6.8 million pounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.
Overall, the company estimated that it will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 37 million pounds. Because shipping containers will be able to accommodate many more packages, truck traffic for cartridge shipments is expected to be cut down by 1.5 million miles this year. Company calculations indicated that is the equivalent impact of 3,600 cars operating over the same period.
For example, HP LaserJet toner cartridges now use 45 percent of the packaging material that they once did, and a shipping container can now accommodate an average of 203 of them instead of 144. The reduced container size not only cuts down on the number of emission-producing vehicles needed to ship the cartridges to retailers, it also frees up more shelf space for retailers.
HP, which entered an initiative with the World Wildlife Fund in November to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, added in a statement that this is by no means the first step the company has taken toward tweaking its product packaging with environmental sustainability in mind. The overall package weight for its inkjet cartridge multipacks, for example, has been reduced by 80 percent since 2003.
Thus far, the eco-friendly redesigns apply only to ink and toner print cartridges shipped throughout North America.
Printer makers back cartridge test standard
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There may soon be a way to determine how many printed pages you really get out of an inkjet printer cartridge.
A group of leading printer manufacturers, including Kodak, Canon and Hewlett-Packard, said Wednesday it's backing a recent standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Standard ISO/IEC 24711:2006, which still needs industry adoption, establishes how ink and toner cartridges for inkjet printers and all-in-one printers must be tested.
The standard cites how many cartridges must be tested to determine an average lifetime (nine of them), what constitutes a standard test document (five pages printed with default printer settings) and the kind of machine on which the cartridge must be tested.
Analysts agree that there has been a longstanding need for this kind of standardization in the industry, but they're not sure it will make much difference to consumers.
"It'll make a difference to those consumers who actually look at that info, but I think the vast majority of consumers don't look at that," said John Shane, director of communications supplies consulting service at InfoTrends. "For that small percentage who does, this will be a good way to help them compare."
Currently, each manufacturer applies its own standards for determining cartridge life, according to Bob Palmer, InfoTrend's director of printer research. This makes it hard for consumers to comparison shop adequately when deciding on a printer or printer cartridge.
"They do it themselves and say 'We based it on 15 percent coverage,' but one vendor's definition could be a page that's all red or all text, and another can use photographic content," Palmer said. "So the way they did it before was providing their own spec. (The new ISO recommendation) says they may submit them to the standards committee, (the committee) will give them a rating, and then they can put this rating on the product."
The announcement coincides with Kodak's release of its own inkjet printer line and an assertion that it will offer ink prices at 50 percent of its competitors. Critics contend that until Kodak provides how many milliliters of ink are in each cartridge, it's hard to determine whether its claim is accurate.
Members of the industry group supporting the standard--the International Committee for Information Technology Standards--include industry heavyweights Dell, Epson, IBM, Lexmark, Okidata, Pitney Bowes, QualityLogic, Ricoh, Spencer Lab and Xerox (in addition to the aforementioned Kodak, Canon and HP). But there's no word on when these companies plan to implement the standard, or when consumers, if they care to look, can expect to see an ISO rating on cartridge packaging.
"I don't think consumers will know the difference," said Andrew Lippman, a research analyst for inkjet cartridges at Lyra. "It's more for the industry competitive fairness practices. It's really to have everyone on an even keel in terms of comparing specifications."
Lippman said that the quality of cartridges used by a printer is only one of many things to consider when choosing a printer. Plus, even if a cartridge standard is established, as with other printing standards, there will still be debates among manufacturers.
"They have standards for the speed of a printer, and there are other standards like image permanence (how long an image from an inkjet photo printer will last)," Lippmann said. "The standard for the time in printing a photo is something that Kodak has debated with others. The standard currently quotes the 'draft speed' of a 4x6. Kodak and others say that there is no way you want to print in draft mode, as you will get poor quality."
"Printer cartridges have gained a lot of attention, with the Kodak printing announcement--which pushed the issue of cost-per-page and point-of-purchase price of a cartridge at retail--but there are debates over what the actual cost per page is," Lippmann added. "Each manufacturer has their own claim."
A group of leading printer manufacturers, including Kodak, Canon and Hewlett-Packard, said Wednesday it's backing a recent standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Standard ISO/IEC 24711:2006, which still needs industry adoption, establishes how ink and toner cartridges for inkjet printers and all-in-one printers must be tested.
The standard cites how many cartridges must be tested to determine an average lifetime (nine of them), what constitutes a standard test document (five pages printed with default printer settings) and the kind of machine on which the cartridge must be tested.
Analysts agree that there has been a longstanding need for this kind of standardization in the industry, but they're not sure it will make much difference to consumers.
"It'll make a difference to those consumers who actually look at that info, but I think the vast majority of consumers don't look at that," said John Shane, director of communications supplies consulting service at InfoTrends. "For that small percentage who does, this will be a good way to help them compare."
Currently, each manufacturer applies its own standards for determining cartridge life, according to Bob Palmer, InfoTrend's director of printer research. This makes it hard for consumers to comparison shop adequately when deciding on a printer or printer cartridge.
"They do it themselves and say 'We based it on 15 percent coverage,' but one vendor's definition could be a page that's all red or all text, and another can use photographic content," Palmer said. "So the way they did it before was providing their own spec. (The new ISO recommendation) says they may submit them to the standards committee, (the committee) will give them a rating, and then they can put this rating on the product."
The announcement coincides with Kodak's release of its own inkjet printer line and an assertion that it will offer ink prices at 50 percent of its competitors. Critics contend that until Kodak provides how many milliliters of ink are in each cartridge, it's hard to determine whether its claim is accurate.
Members of the industry group supporting the standard--the International Committee for Information Technology Standards--include industry heavyweights Dell, Epson, IBM, Lexmark, Okidata, Pitney Bowes, QualityLogic, Ricoh, Spencer Lab and Xerox (in addition to the aforementioned Kodak, Canon and HP). But there's no word on when these companies plan to implement the standard, or when consumers, if they care to look, can expect to see an ISO rating on cartridge packaging.
"I don't think consumers will know the difference," said Andrew Lippman, a research analyst for inkjet cartridges at Lyra. "It's more for the industry competitive fairness practices. It's really to have everyone on an even keel in terms of comparing specifications."
Lippman said that the quality of cartridges used by a printer is only one of many things to consider when choosing a printer. Plus, even if a cartridge standard is established, as with other printing standards, there will still be debates among manufacturers.
"They have standards for the speed of a printer, and there are other standards like image permanence (how long an image from an inkjet photo printer will last)," Lippmann said. "The standard for the time in printing a photo is something that Kodak has debated with others. The standard currently quotes the 'draft speed' of a 4x6. Kodak and others say that there is no way you want to print in draft mode, as you will get poor quality."
"Printer cartridges have gained a lot of attention, with the Kodak printing announcement--which pushed the issue of cost-per-page and point-of-purchase price of a cartridge at retail--but there are debates over what the actual cost per page is," Lippmann added. "Each manufacturer has their own claim."
Judge delays hearing in toner DMCA case
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A federal judge has postponed a hearing scheduled for Thursday afternoon in a copyright lawsuit against Static Control Components, a company that makes replacement toner cartridges. U.S. District Judge Karl Forester has not set a new date for the hearing on Lexmark's request for a preliminary injunction under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), but a representative for the judge said it will take place soon.
In a novel use of the controversial 1998 copyright law, Lexmark sued Static Control, alleging that the company's Smartek chip unlawfully tricks Lexmark printers into accepting aftermarket toner cartridges. The lawsuit was filed in the eastern district of Kentucky. Lexmark is the No. 2 printer maker in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell Computer brand.
In a novel use of the controversial 1998 copyright law, Lexmark sued Static Control, alleging that the company's Smartek chip unlawfully tricks Lexmark printers into accepting aftermarket toner cartridges. The lawsuit was filed in the eastern district of Kentucky. Lexmark is the No. 2 printer maker in the United States, behind Hewlett-Packard, and manufactures printers under the Dell Computer brand.
Ruling on refilled printer cartridges touches DMCA
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In a closely watched case involving the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a federal court has ruled that a small North Carolina company can continue selling a chip that makes it possible to use refilled toner cartridges in Lexmark printers.
A federal appeals court overturned on Tuesday a preliminary injunction that barred Sanford, N.C.-based Static Control from selling its Smartek chip.
Static, which sells printer parts and other business supplies, has been defending a lawsuit brought by Lexmark, the No. 2 maker of printers in the United States. The suit claims the Smartek chip violates the DMCA, and Lexmark hopes the case will slam the brakes on the toner cartridge remanufacturing industry and compel consumers to buy its cartridges.
A federal appeals court overturned on Tuesday a preliminary injunction that barred Sanford, N.C.-based Static Control from selling its Smartek chip.
Static, which sells printer parts and other business supplies, has been defending a lawsuit brought by Lexmark, the No. 2 maker of printers in the United States. The suit claims the Smartek chip violates the DMCA, and Lexmark hopes the case will slam the brakes on the toner cartridge remanufacturing industry and compel consumers to buy its cartridges.
Print on the cheap with ultra-compact HP LaserJet P1005, $50
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Need a tiny laser printer for your tiny den, dorm room, or office? The HP LaserJet P1005 is about as compact as they come, measuring just 14 inches by 9 inches by 8 inches. HP sells them for $129.99, but Newegg is letting 'em go for just $49.99 (plus $9.99 for shipping).
This is a 600-dpi laser that churns out 15 pages per minute. It has a 150-sheet input tray and a USB interface (cable not included). It's compatible with Windows and Mac systems. HP supplies a starter toner cartridge that should yield about 750 pages; replacement cartridges will give you double that number.
And, yes, I know the toner is expensive: printer consumables always are. You can't change that, but you can try to get the best possible deal on the printer itself. Fifty bucks for a laser? That's tough to beat.
Update: Use coupon code EMCAHCKBC to get free shipping! Thanks to reader steelbottle for the tip.
Originally posted at Crave
This is a 600-dpi laser that churns out 15 pages per minute. It has a 150-sheet input tray and a USB interface (cable not included). It's compatible with Windows and Mac systems. HP supplies a starter toner cartridge that should yield about 750 pages; replacement cartridges will give you double that number.
And, yes, I know the toner is expensive: printer consumables always are. You can't change that, but you can try to get the best possible deal on the printer itself. Fifty bucks for a laser? That's tough to beat.
Update: Use coupon code EMCAHCKBC to get free shipping! Thanks to reader steelbottle for the tip.
Originally posted at Crave
HP cracks down on cartridge refill industry
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Hewlett-Packard on Thursday accused a national cartridge reseller of refilling used printer cartridges with ink that relies on a formula for an HP-patented ink brand.
In its letter to Cartridge World, HP asked the company to stop using inks with the same chemical composition that's found in its patented brand of Vivera inks. HP holds 9,000 patents related to imaging and printing, 4,000 of them for consumable supplies such as ink and cartridges.
Although not an official legal action, the letter to Cartridge World is part of a broader attempt to crack down on the ink cartridge refill industry, HP said.
"HP spends millions of dollars annually in R&D to create innovations that benefit our customers, and we are rigorous in our protection of this investment," Pradeep Jotwani, senior vice president of supplies in HP's Imaging and Printing Group, said in a statement. "HP hopes that Cartridge World North America will assist its franchisees in quickly complying with the law."
Palo Alto, Calif.-based HP said it found multiple instances of cartridges filled with the infringing ink at Cartridge World's U.S. franchises. The cartridges replace a handful of HP printer cartridges, including those numbered 56, 57 and 78, and would be used in HP's DeskJet consumer printers.
Representatives with Cartridge World North America in Emeryville, Calif., and its home office in Adelaide, South Australia, were not immediately available to comment on the accusations.
Cartridge World, commonly found in strip malls and in business parks, refills empty inkjet cartridges from printer makers such as HP, Epson, Canon and Lexmark International and sells them at heavily discounted rates. For example, Cartridge World sells an HP 56-compatible cartridge for $17.72 instead of its usual retail price of $35.35. A discounted HP 78-compatible cartridge that retails for $53.07 sells for $26.57 under Cartridge World pricing.
Separately, HP said it settled its false-advertising lawsuit against Rhinotek Computer Products of Carson, Calif.
Rhinotek acquires used HP ink cartridges and refills them with generic ink prior to resale. HP's suit alleged that Rhinotek's packaging failed to tell consumers that the "compatible" products are used.
Rhinotek has denied any wrongdoing, but has agreed, among other things, to modify its packaging. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
HP said it is using the Cartridge World and Rhinotek cases to draw attention to its intellectual-property rights.
"HP has lost more than most of the other vendors in the aftermarket because they sell more than any other vendor," said John Shane, a director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures and an industry expert on the ink and toner market.
The estimated retail value for cartridges used in HP inkjet machines in the United States in 2004 was about $6.3 billion, according to Shane. That's just more than half the $12 billion Shane estimates as the amount for all cartridges for all machines used for desktops last year.
And even though HP printer cartridges make up the majority, the company itself controls only 88 percent of the retail value. The remaining portion of that cartridge demand goes to refilling companies such as Cartridge World, InkCycle and Rhinotek.
"HP products tend to be a little more difficult to recreate in the generic market because the refilling companies can't make print heads, but a good portion of HP's cartridge business is getting eaten up," Shane said.
The case draws many similarities to one that filed the lawsuit in March 2005 after it discovered that refilled inkjet cartridges sold under the Staples brand contained patent-infringing ink. HP filed the lawsuit, but reached the settlement before going to court. InkCycle eventually changed its ink formula.
In its letter to Cartridge World, HP asked the company to stop using inks with the same chemical composition that's found in its patented brand of Vivera inks. HP holds 9,000 patents related to imaging and printing, 4,000 of them for consumable supplies such as ink and cartridges.
Although not an official legal action, the letter to Cartridge World is part of a broader attempt to crack down on the ink cartridge refill industry, HP said.
"HP spends millions of dollars annually in R&D to create innovations that benefit our customers, and we are rigorous in our protection of this investment," Pradeep Jotwani, senior vice president of supplies in HP's Imaging and Printing Group, said in a statement. "HP hopes that Cartridge World North America will assist its franchisees in quickly complying with the law."
Palo Alto, Calif.-based HP said it found multiple instances of cartridges filled with the infringing ink at Cartridge World's U.S. franchises. The cartridges replace a handful of HP printer cartridges, including those numbered 56, 57 and 78, and would be used in HP's DeskJet consumer printers.
Representatives with Cartridge World North America in Emeryville, Calif., and its home office in Adelaide, South Australia, were not immediately available to comment on the accusations.
Cartridge World, commonly found in strip malls and in business parks, refills empty inkjet cartridges from printer makers such as HP, Epson, Canon and Lexmark International and sells them at heavily discounted rates. For example, Cartridge World sells an HP 56-compatible cartridge for $17.72 instead of its usual retail price of $35.35. A discounted HP 78-compatible cartridge that retails for $53.07 sells for $26.57 under Cartridge World pricing.
Separately, HP said it settled its false-advertising lawsuit against Rhinotek Computer Products of Carson, Calif.
Rhinotek acquires used HP ink cartridges and refills them with generic ink prior to resale. HP's suit alleged that Rhinotek's packaging failed to tell consumers that the "compatible" products are used.
Rhinotek has denied any wrongdoing, but has agreed, among other things, to modify its packaging. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
HP said it is using the Cartridge World and Rhinotek cases to draw attention to its intellectual-property rights.
"HP has lost more than most of the other vendors in the aftermarket because they sell more than any other vendor," said John Shane, a director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures and an industry expert on the ink and toner market.
The estimated retail value for cartridges used in HP inkjet machines in the United States in 2004 was about $6.3 billion, according to Shane. That's just more than half the $12 billion Shane estimates as the amount for all cartridges for all machines used for desktops last year.
And even though HP printer cartridges make up the majority, the company itself controls only 88 percent of the retail value. The remaining portion of that cartridge demand goes to refilling companies such as Cartridge World, InkCycle and Rhinotek.
"HP products tend to be a little more difficult to recreate in the generic market because the refilling companies can't make print heads, but a good portion of HP's cartridge business is getting eaten up," Shane said.
The case draws many similarities to one that filed the lawsuit in March 2005 after it discovered that refilled inkjet cartridges sold under the Staples brand contained patent-infringing ink. HP filed the lawsuit, but reached the settlement before going to court. InkCycle eventually changed its ink formula.
HP posts another solid quarter
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Hewlett-Packard beat Wall Street earnings estimates this quarter, lead by strong notebook sales growth.
HP reported third-quarter earnings of $2.03 billion, or 86 cents per share, excluding one-time charges. Analysts were expecting earnings of 83 cents per share. The company's third-quarter results reflect 14 percent growth over the same quarter a year ago, when HP reported earnings of $1.78 billion and 66 cents per share.
There were fears leading up to the announcement that slowing demand for PCs in Western nations and a strengthening dollar could mean HP had peaked this year already. But HP is forecasting 95 cents to 97 cents per share for the fourth quarter, and for the full year predicts earnings of $30.2 to $30.3 billion. None of that takes into account the company's acquisition of EDS.
HP Chairman and CEO Mark Hurd batted away reporters' repeated questions about whether he saw any weakening demand for PCs in the US or globally. He would only allow that "We didn't see much of a change from Q2 to Q3."
The US accounts for roughly 30 percent of HP's sales, but Hurd declined to talk about the specific dynamics of international global markets. He described Europe as "a mixed bag" when it came to growth opportunities for his company, and said there was some strength in Asia as well.
Either way, all sectors of HP's business grew last quarter. The Personal Systems Group, which is responsible for the laptop and desktop business, grew sales 15 percent in the last year. Notebook sales increased 26 percent since the same quarter a year ago, and the company remains the top PC provider worldwide.
The Imaging and Printing Group--which is trying to compete in a world where people no longer print photos or documents like they used to--was hit and miss. While year-over-year revenue was up 3 percent, consumer hardware sales (that's printers, cameras, etc.) were down 14 percent. But supplies, which refers to ink and toner cartridges, increased 11 percent in the last year.
Software and servers also helped push up HP's numbers: blades revenue was up 66 percent, and software revenue increased 29 percent to $731 million this quarter.
HP reported third-quarter earnings of $2.03 billion, or 86 cents per share, excluding one-time charges. Analysts were expecting earnings of 83 cents per share. The company's third-quarter results reflect 14 percent growth over the same quarter a year ago, when HP reported earnings of $1.78 billion and 66 cents per share.
There were fears leading up to the announcement that slowing demand for PCs in Western nations and a strengthening dollar could mean HP had peaked this year already. But HP is forecasting 95 cents to 97 cents per share for the fourth quarter, and for the full year predicts earnings of $30.2 to $30.3 billion. None of that takes into account the company's acquisition of EDS.
HP Chairman and CEO Mark Hurd batted away reporters' repeated questions about whether he saw any weakening demand for PCs in the US or globally. He would only allow that "We didn't see much of a change from Q2 to Q3."
The US accounts for roughly 30 percent of HP's sales, but Hurd declined to talk about the specific dynamics of international global markets. He described Europe as "a mixed bag" when it came to growth opportunities for his company, and said there was some strength in Asia as well.
Either way, all sectors of HP's business grew last quarter. The Personal Systems Group, which is responsible for the laptop and desktop business, grew sales 15 percent in the last year. Notebook sales increased 26 percent since the same quarter a year ago, and the company remains the top PC provider worldwide.
The Imaging and Printing Group--which is trying to compete in a world where people no longer print photos or documents like they used to--was hit and miss. While year-over-year revenue was up 3 percent, consumer hardware sales (that's printers, cameras, etc.) were down 14 percent. But supplies, which refers to ink and toner cartridges, increased 11 percent in the last year.
Software and servers also helped push up HP's numbers: blades revenue was up 66 percent, and software revenue increased 29 percent to $731 million this quarter.
Color laser printer goes for $99.98 shipped (after rebate)
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Remember the Samsung CLP-300 compact color laser printer from a couple months back? It was a refurbished unit for around $125. Now, Staples has the Samsung CLP-300 new for $99.98 shipped (after a $150 mail-in rebate).
Yeah, that's a pretty hefty rebate to wait on, though I think Staples has a pretty good reputation in that department (you can submit the form online, and you don't need to hassle with UPC stickers or anything like that). The bigger caveat is that the printer itself is just mediocre, according to CNET's review and the reviews of other Staples customers. Apparently it prints slowly and jams easily. That said, a new color laser printer for under $100 is rarer than a controversy-free presidential election, so this could be a good choice if you have modest printing needs. Plus, it's compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
One last note: As with most color lasers, consumables for this printer will cost you more than the printer itself. A black toner cartridge runs about $60, while the three color cartridges sell for around $45 apiece (when purchased together). That's a toner bill of about $200--ouch!
Yeah, that's a pretty hefty rebate to wait on, though I think Staples has a pretty good reputation in that department (you can submit the form online, and you don't need to hassle with UPC stickers or anything like that). The bigger caveat is that the printer itself is just mediocre, according to CNET's review and the reviews of other Staples customers. Apparently it prints slowly and jams easily. That said, a new color laser printer for under $100 is rarer than a controversy-free presidential election, so this could be a good choice if you have modest printing needs. Plus, it's compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
One last note: As with most color lasers, consumables for this printer will cost you more than the printer itself. A black toner cartridge runs about $60, while the three color cartridges sell for around $45 apiece (when purchased together). That's a toner bill of about $200--ouch!
Add a Wi-Fi laser printer to your office for $99.99 shipped
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As I've mentioned in the past, wireless printers rock. No, they rawk. For the last couple months I've been beaming documents through the Wi-Fi ether to a Brother HL-2170W, and let me tell you: I'm through with USB. It's just so liberating to stick a printer wherever the heck you want instead of having it tethered to your desk.
The HL-2170W lists for $150 and sells on the e-street for around $130, but you can snag one from Newegg for $99.99 shipped. CNET rated the printer 7.3 out of 10, but three users gave it an average score of 9 (I'm one of them).
Designed for homes and small offices, the HL-2170W offers Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, a rated print speed of 23 pages per minute, and an extremely small footprint. When I click print, it starts churning out pages in a matter of seconds. The paper tray holds 250 sheets (letter-size only; Newegg's product description mistakenly says it handles legal, too), and there's a bypass slot for feeding all kinds of other paper (including envelopes).
Note that the included toner cartridge is good for about 1,000 pages; a high-yield replacement cartridge (2,600 pages) will run you around $45.
If you're in the market for a new small-office laser, give this Brother a look. It's quick, compact, and gloriously wireless.
The HL-2170W lists for $150 and sells on the e-street for around $130, but you can snag one from Newegg for $99.99 shipped. CNET rated the printer 7.3 out of 10, but three users gave it an average score of 9 (I'm one of them).
Designed for homes and small offices, the HL-2170W offers Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, a rated print speed of 23 pages per minute, and an extremely small footprint. When I click print, it starts churning out pages in a matter of seconds. The paper tray holds 250 sheets (letter-size only; Newegg's product description mistakenly says it handles legal, too), and there's a bypass slot for feeding all kinds of other paper (including envelopes).
Note that the included toner cartridge is good for about 1,000 pages; a high-yield replacement cartridge (2,600 pages) will run you around $45.
If you're in the market for a new small-office laser, give this Brother a look. It's quick, compact, and gloriously wireless.
Marketing firm helping to green companies--and their images, too
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This post was updated at 11:55 a.m. PDT to better describe the scope of TCG's work. It was also updated at 12:52 p.m. PDT with the corrected spelling on Clare Munn's name. We also corrected the photo credit and Sandhu Gurkirpal's title, both of which had been provided incorrectly by a company representative.
The Communication Group, a San Francisco-based marketing firm, isn't just about touting its clients' environmental friendliness. It's about showing them how to be more environmentally friendly.
TCG CEO Clare Munn
(Credit: Clinton Fein)The firm, also known as TCG, is helping corporations take their first green steps through what it calls its Green Prepare program, a 12-step process for companies to become greener. The program was the brainchild of TCG Chief Executive Clare Munn, who had run a similar type of eco-labeling program for companies in Zimbabwe before the country's economy collapsed. After starting TCG and going through the tedious green certification process, she realized that there might be a market for eco-labeling here, too.
In the first stage of the Green Prepare program, a TCG consultant does a walk-through of a client's office or workplace and comes up with 12 steps for sparing the environment. The steps might include simple fixes like, for offices, making sure printers are set on double-sided printing and using recycled paper, and that there's a cartridge toner/battery recycling system in place. Other steps might be using filters on water taps for getting drinking water rather than buying water in plastic bottles, or using energy-efficient light bulbs. Nothing revolutionary, but still things that might be neglected in many workplaces.
When the company has completed 6 of the 12 steps, it signs TCG's "Blue Step Promise" to strive to complete the rest and is awarded a certificate and logo in return that the company can then display.
The idea is that the Green Prepare program might also serve as the first step for corporations that want to become green-certified through other regional programs, Munn said.
Livermore, Calif.-based skincare product company GS Cosmeceutical, which used TCG to develop its Web site, recently got involved in the Green Prepare program.
"It has been an eye-opener," said Sandhu Gurkirpal, the company's chief operating officer. He became more aware, for example, that computers should be disposed of via certified green network recyclers.
Gurkirpal is also considering changing the company's cleaning process for the pots used in making its skin care products. Today the pots are boiled, but they might as well be high-pressure steamed, he said, which could save both water and energy.
GS Cosmeceutical has also become a supporting member of OASIS, or the Organic and Sustainable Industry Standards, which helps determine when products can be called organic. Gurkipal emphasized that the company's recent efforts are about more than image and helping the environment. "We wouldn't be doing this if we didn't think we could save money."
The next step for him is to figure out what TCG calls the company's "green story"--something a company already does for the environment that can be used as part of its overall communications strategy. Maybe it's using energy from renewable sources or furniture from recycled material, or maybe it's creating an incentive program that encourages employees to identify practices that aren't environmentally sound.
While all the Green Prepare services up to this point are free, TCG will charge for creating and communicating the green stories. These, however, are not compulsory to create.
The Communication Group, a San Francisco-based marketing firm, isn't just about touting its clients' environmental friendliness. It's about showing them how to be more environmentally friendly.
TCG CEO Clare Munn
(Credit: Clinton Fein)The firm, also known as TCG, is helping corporations take their first green steps through what it calls its Green Prepare program, a 12-step process for companies to become greener. The program was the brainchild of TCG Chief Executive Clare Munn, who had run a similar type of eco-labeling program for companies in Zimbabwe before the country's economy collapsed. After starting TCG and going through the tedious green certification process, she realized that there might be a market for eco-labeling here, too.
In the first stage of the Green Prepare program, a TCG consultant does a walk-through of a client's office or workplace and comes up with 12 steps for sparing the environment. The steps might include simple fixes like, for offices, making sure printers are set on double-sided printing and using recycled paper, and that there's a cartridge toner/battery recycling system in place. Other steps might be using filters on water taps for getting drinking water rather than buying water in plastic bottles, or using energy-efficient light bulbs. Nothing revolutionary, but still things that might be neglected in many workplaces.
When the company has completed 6 of the 12 steps, it signs TCG's "Blue Step Promise" to strive to complete the rest and is awarded a certificate and logo in return that the company can then display.
The idea is that the Green Prepare program might also serve as the first step for corporations that want to become green-certified through other regional programs, Munn said.
Livermore, Calif.-based skincare product company GS Cosmeceutical, which used TCG to develop its Web site, recently got involved in the Green Prepare program.
"It has been an eye-opener," said Sandhu Gurkirpal, the company's chief operating officer. He became more aware, for example, that computers should be disposed of via certified green network recyclers.
Gurkirpal is also considering changing the company's cleaning process for the pots used in making its skin care products. Today the pots are boiled, but they might as well be high-pressure steamed, he said, which could save both water and energy.
GS Cosmeceutical has also become a supporting member of OASIS, or the Organic and Sustainable Industry Standards, which helps determine when products can be called organic. Gurkipal emphasized that the company's recent efforts are about more than image and helping the environment. "We wouldn't be doing this if we didn't think we could save money."
The next step for him is to figure out what TCG calls the company's "green story"--something a company already does for the environment that can be used as part of its overall communications strategy. Maybe it's using energy from renewable sources or furniture from recycled material, or maybe it's creating an incentive program that encourages employees to identify practices that aren't environmentally sound.
While all the Green Prepare services up to this point are free, TCG will charge for creating and communicating the green stories. These, however, are not compulsory to create.
Can tech make chemistry greener?
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BOSTON--To many people, the term "green chemistry" is either a contradiction or a fancy name for long-held sensible chemistry practices.
All chemical products won't become benign overnight but they can get greener, even taking small steps, said Rich Engler, the program manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Chemistry Program.
Engler gave an overview of green chemistry at the CTSI Clean Technology conference here on Monday, where he said that most of what qualifies as green chemistry is focused on reducing the amount of hazards that chemicals introduce.
The impact of the green chemistry movement is substantial: The winners of last year's EPA Green Chemistry award program have prevented 200 million pounds per year of hazardous substances, he said. Since the program started, over 1 billion pounds of hazardous substances have been kept out of the environment.
"We recognize that there is an incremental nature to green chemistry. You can't take a year or two and make the chemistry industry completely benign. It's really a question of what is greener," he said.
Venture capitalists, including famed investor Vinod Khosla, have made green chemistry one their investment themes. In many case, green chemistry companies make better materials, such as Hycrete which makes a water-resistant concrete that is more durable.
Engler said that investing in new innovations costs chemical companies more. But there are a number of financial benefits, including cheaper and recyclable raw materials and less regulatory burden.
A company called Battelle, for example, developed a binding agent for printer cartridges that is made from glycerin, a by-product of biodiesel production. The process means that it has a cheap feedstock and lowers the energy production needed to make the toner binder.
In another case, Columbia Forest Products has started using a wood adhesive that uses a protein found in ocean mussels. The company uses soy flour rather than formaldehyde to make its adhesive.
In general, the focus of most green chemistry techniques is choosing renewable feedstocks that obviate the need for hazardous compounds, Engler said.
"Green chemistry is pollution prevention at the molecular level," he said.
All chemical products won't become benign overnight but they can get greener, even taking small steps, said Rich Engler, the program manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Chemistry Program.
Engler gave an overview of green chemistry at the CTSI Clean Technology conference here on Monday, where he said that most of what qualifies as green chemistry is focused on reducing the amount of hazards that chemicals introduce.
The impact of the green chemistry movement is substantial: The winners of last year's EPA Green Chemistry award program have prevented 200 million pounds per year of hazardous substances, he said. Since the program started, over 1 billion pounds of hazardous substances have been kept out of the environment.
"We recognize that there is an incremental nature to green chemistry. You can't take a year or two and make the chemistry industry completely benign. It's really a question of what is greener," he said.
Venture capitalists, including famed investor Vinod Khosla, have made green chemistry one their investment themes. In many case, green chemistry companies make better materials, such as Hycrete which makes a water-resistant concrete that is more durable.
Engler said that investing in new innovations costs chemical companies more. But there are a number of financial benefits, including cheaper and recyclable raw materials and less regulatory burden.
A company called Battelle, for example, developed a binding agent for printer cartridges that is made from glycerin, a by-product of biodiesel production. The process means that it has a cheap feedstock and lowers the energy production needed to make the toner binder.
In another case, Columbia Forest Products has started using a wood adhesive that uses a protein found in ocean mussels. The company uses soy flour rather than formaldehyde to make its adhesive.
In general, the focus of most green chemistry techniques is choosing renewable feedstocks that obviate the need for hazardous compounds, Engler said.
"Green chemistry is pollution prevention at the molecular level," he said.
Study: Laser printers may pose health risks
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Emissions from office laser printers can be as unhealthy as cigarette smoke, according to an Australian professor who is now calling for regulations to limit printer emissions.
Office workers breathing easy since smoking was banned in public places in the United States and the United Kingdom have new reason to worry, according to research from the Queensland University of Technology's Air Quality and Health Program, led by physics professor Lidia Morawska.
The average printer releases toner particles that can get deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems and cardiovascular trouble, according to Morawska's team, part of the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, and specialists in atmospheric particles.
The team tested 62 laser printer models--all relatively new--and found that 17 of them were "high emitters" of toner particles. Despite using similar technology, office photocopiers do not emit particles, the team found.
The particles have not had a full chemical analysis, but some are potential carcinogens, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. Several of the high emitters were Hewlett-Packard LaserJet models, such as the 1320 and 4250, although eight HP LaserJet 4050 series printers were shown to have no emissions, according to reports.
The printer emissions data were discovered by chance when an investigation of office ventilation systems, carried out jointly between the university and the Queensland Department of Public Works, found five times as many particles indoors as those produced by traffic outdoors. Using an electronic sniffer, researchers traced the emissions to printers. The emissions were found to increase during the day, when printers were left on standby or in full operation.
Following the revelation, Morawska's team tested their own printers and moved the unhealthy ones away from people. The researchers are now calling for regulations on printer emissions. The study included Canon, HP LaserJet, Ricoh and Toshiba printers. The university had not released comprehensive results by the time this story was published.
HP said it was currently assessing the study's findings.
"Vigorous tests under standardized operating conditions are an integral part of HP's research and development, and its strict quality-control procedures," the company said in a statement. "As part of these quality controls, HP assesses its LaserJet printing systems, original HP print cartridges and papers for dust release and possible material emissions to ensure compliance with applicable international health and safety requirements."
Peter Judge and David Meyer of ZDNet UK reported from London.
Office workers breathing easy since smoking was banned in public places in the United States and the United Kingdom have new reason to worry, according to research from the Queensland University of Technology's Air Quality and Health Program, led by physics professor Lidia Morawska.
The average printer releases toner particles that can get deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems and cardiovascular trouble, according to Morawska's team, part of the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, and specialists in atmospheric particles.
The team tested 62 laser printer models--all relatively new--and found that 17 of them were "high emitters" of toner particles. Despite using similar technology, office photocopiers do not emit particles, the team found.
The particles have not had a full chemical analysis, but some are potential carcinogens, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. Several of the high emitters were Hewlett-Packard LaserJet models, such as the 1320 and 4250, although eight HP LaserJet 4050 series printers were shown to have no emissions, according to reports.
The printer emissions data were discovered by chance when an investigation of office ventilation systems, carried out jointly between the university and the Queensland Department of Public Works, found five times as many particles indoors as those produced by traffic outdoors. Using an electronic sniffer, researchers traced the emissions to printers. The emissions were found to increase during the day, when printers were left on standby or in full operation.
Following the revelation, Morawska's team tested their own printers and moved the unhealthy ones away from people. The researchers are now calling for regulations on printer emissions. The study included Canon, HP LaserJet, Ricoh and Toshiba printers. The university had not released comprehensive results by the time this story was published.
HP said it was currently assessing the study's findings.
"Vigorous tests under standardized operating conditions are an integral part of HP's research and development, and its strict quality-control procedures," the company said in a statement. "As part of these quality controls, HP assesses its LaserJet printing systems, original HP print cartridges and papers for dust release and possible material emissions to ensure compliance with applicable international health and safety requirements."
Peter Judge and David Meyer of ZDNet UK reported from London.
Which gadgets just keep on ticking?
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CNET is all about the newest gadgets around, but looking around my home office, one beloved dinosaur stands out among the new devices. I still use the first laser printer I ever bought, a Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 5MP. I remember studying reviews in the spring of 1996 and sweating the extra $100 I kicked in to buy the HP printer rather than the slightly less fancy Apple model I was considering. That was an investment that was well-worth the marginal cost.
It's been almost 12 years and that HP LaserJet has produced all the drafts needed for one Ph. D. thesis, two books, one screenplay, and countless thousands of other small projects. It still works great. The only problem is that I haven't dared try to hook it up to my current iMac, so I have kept around an old PowerBook circa 2002 to serve as the printer's liaison. Why not try to hook it up? I hadn't even thought of it much before today. I suppose I could give it a shot (it has USB and may be compatible with Mac OSX) but my old setup has the air of superstition, "it just works, so don't mess with it."
Now I know that planned obsolescence is part of the process with devices (whether or not that is a truly wise idea) but I want HP to know that their great performance with this old LaserJet has led me to buy other HP printers to serve as an inkjet all-in-one. I am thankful that the laser toner cartridges still work in my ancient model. I don't have any expectation of receiving support for repair when things finally do go wrong, but I'll keep using it until it konks out. Ironically, the thing that may give out first is one of the lowest-tech parts: the plastic paper tray, which is developing strange grooves and doesn't like to slide in any more.
Is it just me, or do any of you have critical devices on your desktop that you aren't ready to give up, even if they are awkwardly kluged together to keep them going?
It's been almost 12 years and that HP LaserJet has produced all the drafts needed for one Ph. D. thesis, two books, one screenplay, and countless thousands of other small projects. It still works great. The only problem is that I haven't dared try to hook it up to my current iMac, so I have kept around an old PowerBook circa 2002 to serve as the printer's liaison. Why not try to hook it up? I hadn't even thought of it much before today. I suppose I could give it a shot (it has USB and may be compatible with Mac OSX) but my old setup has the air of superstition, "it just works, so don't mess with it."
Now I know that planned obsolescence is part of the process with devices (whether or not that is a truly wise idea) but I want HP to know that their great performance with this old LaserJet has led me to buy other HP printers to serve as an inkjet all-in-one. I am thankful that the laser toner cartridges still work in my ancient model. I don't have any expectation of receiving support for repair when things finally do go wrong, but I'll keep using it until it konks out. Ironically, the thing that may give out first is one of the lowest-tech parts: the plastic paper tray, which is developing strange grooves and doesn't like to slide in any more.
Is it just me, or do any of you have critical devices on your desktop that you aren't ready to give up, even if they are awkwardly kluged together to keep them going?
HP printers can't stop, won't stop
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HP is poised and ready to send a barrage of printers to our office, and to that we say, "Bring it on!" This won't be the first time we've been deluged with printers from HP, and we're eager to get back in the ring. Need proof? Just last August, we became a storage shed for HP's massive photo printer rollout. This time around, it's the small and medium business side that gets a product boost with 11 new inkjet and laserjet printers that HP claims will increase flexibility and grab attention at a lower price point. Some of the printers will be released March 1 with the rest following suit in the coming months. Let's size up the beast:
Officejets:
HP Officejet J3680 All-in-One
(Credit: HP)Officejet J3600 All-in-One: This compact Jack of all trades not only prints up to 20 black and white pages per minute, but also features a scanner capable of producing up to 1200dpi, 48-bit color.
Officejet J4580 All-in-One: Although the J4580 takes up a little more desk space, it more than makes up for it with its workhorse print speeds, up to 28 black and 22 color pages per minute. HP also conveniently includes several free templates to create personalized marketing materials.
Officejet J6480 All-in-One: This model includes a triumvirate of connectivity options including a USB port, an Ethernet port, and a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g port to appease even the cord-phobic printing crowd. The J6480 also blazes through black and white prints as a blinding 31 pages per minute. We're anxious to speed-test this baby.
Officejet L7590 All-in-One: Boasting a 50-sheet automatic document feeder and auto duplexing, the L7590 is made for the hardest of the hardcore. Ethernet? Check. High scan resolution? Check. Green-friendly paper saving? Check. Combination hookah and coffee maker? Maybe next time.
Laserjets:
USPS sticker not included
(Credit: HP)Color LaserJet CM1312/CM1312nfi: The CM1312 is HP's lowest priced color laserjet printer. It also incorporates the "Print Cost Estimator," which HP claims will allow you to compare the cost of printing in-house versus using a print shop. We're a little curious as to why HP wouldn't just guarantee a lower cartridge price point or higher ink capacity to market the CM1312, but features are features and we'll be sure to get this one in to test its usefulness. The CM1312 is essentially the same device but throws a fax into the mix
Color LaserJet CP1215: Price is the main selling point of the CP1215--those of you on a budget will appreciate this one: it's HP's lowest priced color laser printer EVER. HP lives up to its promise of quality and price without compromise, but it does so by sacrificing significant style points. If you're looking for a svelte, sexy case, well...this ain't it.
Color LaserJet CP1515n: We can overlook the fact that this thing looks like a mailbox in disguise by focusing on its comprehensive features. This printer incorporates HP's ImageREt, capable of automatically enhancing your prints using "intelligent calibration, Image Mode, HP Smart printing supplies with new HP ColorSphere toner, and automatic media-type sensing."
Color LaserJet CP1518ni: Optimized for the SMB crowd, the CP1518ni promises to increase flexibility by incorporating a photo memory card slot into the body, effectively allowing the user to save time by eliminating the need for a computer. Alternatively, if you have a PictBridge-enabled device such as the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III or the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300, you can plug it directly into the built-in USB port.
LaserJet M1319f: Multitasking is made easy with this LaserJet's four-in-one functionality. In addition to a printer, fax, copier, and scanner, the M1319 boosts productivity by drawing its power and memory from the host computer, which lets the printer focus on more complex jobs. One of the more practical features is the "Instant-on" technology that delivers the first copy from power off to finished product in seconds.
LaserJet M1522: Work groups and IT departments will want to check out the LaserJet 1522 for its simple setup design and ease of use. The all in one print cartridge is a spherically shaped toner that seamlessly installs into the device. Multiple users can connect to the machine via a 10/100 wired Ethernet port, and its 450 MHz processor is up to the challenge of even the most graphic-intensive jobs.
HP's newest line of SMB printers are simple and to the point. They aim to provide the most utility and include a comprehensive set of features, while maintaining an affordable price for home and small offices on a budget. Though most of these printers won't win any beauty pageants, we're excited to put them through their paces.
Officejets:
HP Officejet J3680 All-in-One
(Credit: HP)Officejet J3600 All-in-One: This compact Jack of all trades not only prints up to 20 black and white pages per minute, but also features a scanner capable of producing up to 1200dpi, 48-bit color.
Officejet J4580 All-in-One: Although the J4580 takes up a little more desk space, it more than makes up for it with its workhorse print speeds, up to 28 black and 22 color pages per minute. HP also conveniently includes several free templates to create personalized marketing materials.
Officejet J6480 All-in-One: This model includes a triumvirate of connectivity options including a USB port, an Ethernet port, and a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g port to appease even the cord-phobic printing crowd. The J6480 also blazes through black and white prints as a blinding 31 pages per minute. We're anxious to speed-test this baby.
Officejet L7590 All-in-One: Boasting a 50-sheet automatic document feeder and auto duplexing, the L7590 is made for the hardest of the hardcore. Ethernet? Check. High scan resolution? Check. Green-friendly paper saving? Check. Combination hookah and coffee maker? Maybe next time.
Laserjets:
USPS sticker not included
(Credit: HP)Color LaserJet CM1312/CM1312nfi: The CM1312 is HP's lowest priced color laserjet printer. It also incorporates the "Print Cost Estimator," which HP claims will allow you to compare the cost of printing in-house versus using a print shop. We're a little curious as to why HP wouldn't just guarantee a lower cartridge price point or higher ink capacity to market the CM1312, but features are features and we'll be sure to get this one in to test its usefulness. The CM1312 is essentially the same device but throws a fax into the mix
Color LaserJet CP1215: Price is the main selling point of the CP1215--those of you on a budget will appreciate this one: it's HP's lowest priced color laser printer EVER. HP lives up to its promise of quality and price without compromise, but it does so by sacrificing significant style points. If you're looking for a svelte, sexy case, well...this ain't it.
Color LaserJet CP1515n: We can overlook the fact that this thing looks like a mailbox in disguise by focusing on its comprehensive features. This printer incorporates HP's ImageREt, capable of automatically enhancing your prints using "intelligent calibration, Image Mode, HP Smart printing supplies with new HP ColorSphere toner, and automatic media-type sensing."
Color LaserJet CP1518ni: Optimized for the SMB crowd, the CP1518ni promises to increase flexibility by incorporating a photo memory card slot into the body, effectively allowing the user to save time by eliminating the need for a computer. Alternatively, if you have a PictBridge-enabled device such as the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III or the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300, you can plug it directly into the built-in USB port.
LaserJet M1319f: Multitasking is made easy with this LaserJet's four-in-one functionality. In addition to a printer, fax, copier, and scanner, the M1319 boosts productivity by drawing its power and memory from the host computer, which lets the printer focus on more complex jobs. One of the more practical features is the "Instant-on" technology that delivers the first copy from power off to finished product in seconds.
LaserJet M1522: Work groups and IT departments will want to check out the LaserJet 1522 for its simple setup design and ease of use. The all in one print cartridge is a spherically shaped toner that seamlessly installs into the device. Multiple users can connect to the machine via a 10/100 wired Ethernet port, and its 450 MHz processor is up to the challenge of even the most graphic-intensive jobs.
HP's newest line of SMB printers are simple and to the point. They aim to provide the most utility and include a comprehensive set of features, while maintaining an affordable price for home and small offices on a budget. Though most of these printers won't win any beauty pageants, we're excited to put them through their paces.
Canon colors its printers green
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Canon printers will soon arrive in stores with a green label flaunting eco-friendly features including energy conservation and recycled materials. The company's "Generation Green" brand will mark Pixma and Selphy photo inkjets as well as the laser ImageClass lines of printers.
"Printers are the one area where you can really improve the environment," said Canon spokesman Justin Joseph. "Their production is a massive undertaking that requires a lot of raw materials, and we've found so many ways to reduce that."
Some inks will be encased in NatureStone biodegradable packs made from limestone rather than wood pulp. User manuals are to be printed on 70 percent recycled paper, and recycled plastics will make up the power supply casings for the Pixma line.
Modular product designs have helped to reduce the size of boxes by 20 percent. Instead of styrofoam, air-filled baggies cushion the products during shipping. The packaging changes alone will halve greenhouse gas emissions, nearly halve the energy needed to make it, and reduce the use of petroleum by 65 percent, according to Canon.
Nine in 10 Canon printers already automatically flip over pages for double sided-printing, saving paper. Canon has offered free mail-in recycling for laser printer toner for several years but lacks a disposal program for inkjet printer cartridges.
The printers comply with the EPA's Energy Star guidelines and with European rules governing the use of toxic materials.
Other than Energy Star, there are no industrywide consumer labels to mark printers and other consumer electronics as eco-friendly. Joseph said the highly competitive nature of the industry largely prevents printer makers from creating a common "green" standard.
"Printers are the one area where you can really improve the environment," said Canon spokesman Justin Joseph. "Their production is a massive undertaking that requires a lot of raw materials, and we've found so many ways to reduce that."
Some inks will be encased in NatureStone biodegradable packs made from limestone rather than wood pulp. User manuals are to be printed on 70 percent recycled paper, and recycled plastics will make up the power supply casings for the Pixma line.
Modular product designs have helped to reduce the size of boxes by 20 percent. Instead of styrofoam, air-filled baggies cushion the products during shipping. The packaging changes alone will halve greenhouse gas emissions, nearly halve the energy needed to make it, and reduce the use of petroleum by 65 percent, according to Canon.
Nine in 10 Canon printers already automatically flip over pages for double sided-printing, saving paper. Canon has offered free mail-in recycling for laser printer toner for several years but lacks a disposal program for inkjet printer cartridges.
The printers comply with the EPA's Energy Star guidelines and with European rules governing the use of toxic materials.
Other than Energy Star, there are no industrywide consumer labels to mark printers and other consumer electronics as eco-friendly. Joseph said the highly competitive nature of the industry largely prevents printer makers from creating a common "green" standard.
From Japan comes the virtual copy repair man
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CHIBA, Japan--Canon wants to take you into a virtual world so you can learn how to change toner cartridges better.
The headgear you see in the photo, along with the cube with the squiggles, is part of a "Mixed Reality Technology" prototype coined by Canon, which showed it off over the weekend during a special future-tech exhibit at Ceatec, the large Japanese trade show here.
It's called mixed reality because virtual and real-world images are mixed into one frame. When you put the goggles on and stare at the cube, you don't see squiggles. Instead, you see a virtual 3D image of a copier. You also see your own hands move around the virtual world. You can lift the lid of a printer or copier, flip switches, etc. It was actually kind of cool.
Bang the drum slowly.
(Credit: Michael Kanellos/CNET News.com)Virtual reality was one of the more prominent themes in the future-tech exhibition. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology also showed off a virtual device it concocted with the Phantom haptic tech from Sensable Technologies of Woburn, Mass., that combines virtual visual, sound and touch stimuli. Basically, you put on the virtual-reality glasses and see a drum and set of bells. Strike it with a mallet and you hear the appropriate virtual sounds over the headset. The top of the drum also "feels" rubbery, while the side is hard. Sensable did the visual and feel parts, while NICT did the sound part.
That second picture, with the guy sitting in front of what looks like a projector, is the Sensable-NICT project. You can see the virtual image above his head.
Waseda University, meanwhile, showed off something called Interactive View, which lets you manipulate and move virtual objects.
The headgear you see in the photo, along with the cube with the squiggles, is part of a "Mixed Reality Technology" prototype coined by Canon, which showed it off over the weekend during a special future-tech exhibit at Ceatec, the large Japanese trade show here.
It's called mixed reality because virtual and real-world images are mixed into one frame. When you put the goggles on and stare at the cube, you don't see squiggles. Instead, you see a virtual 3D image of a copier. You also see your own hands move around the virtual world. You can lift the lid of a printer or copier, flip switches, etc. It was actually kind of cool.
Bang the drum slowly.
(Credit: Michael Kanellos/CNET News.com)Virtual reality was one of the more prominent themes in the future-tech exhibition. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology also showed off a virtual device it concocted with the Phantom haptic tech from Sensable Technologies of Woburn, Mass., that combines virtual visual, sound and touch stimuli. Basically, you put on the virtual-reality glasses and see a drum and set of bells. Strike it with a mallet and you hear the appropriate virtual sounds over the headset. The top of the drum also "feels" rubbery, while the side is hard. Sensable did the visual and feel parts, while NICT did the sound part.
That second picture, with the guy sitting in front of what looks like a projector, is the Sensable-NICT project. You can see the virtual image above his head.
Waseda University, meanwhile, showed off something called Interactive View, which lets you manipulate and move virtual objects.
'Tis the season to Crave: Tim Moynihan's picks
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NOTE: To commemorate the holidays, different Crave experts will be posting their Top 10 gadget picks for the season. See what we crave, and maybe you'll get some ideas! Here's the latest installment.
Tim Moynihan is a features editor in the San Francisco office. He spends way too much time using the computer.
(Credit: SkyMall)
10. Dough-Nu-Matic
About halfway through Thanksgiving dinner, I realized that there was no platter of miniature, freshly baked doughnuts on the table. It was almost enough for me to stop eating turkey and cry gently to myself. Almost. I sucked it up and finished the meal, because I'm resilient. But never again will my Thanksgiving horn o' plenty be doughnutless, just as long as I get my hands on the sweet, sweet Dough-Nu-Matic.
9. Celluon LaserKey CL800BT
Smartphones have pretty much replaced PDAs altogether, but I'm thinking about buying a PDA anyway. An old one, too. The only reason for that is so I can use this laser keyboard, which is for some reason only compatible with older PDAs. Our editors gave it a lukewarm review (5.3 out of 10), but it's still a keyboard made out of lasers, and that is the best kind of keyboard imaginable. It projects onto any flat surface, such as a tabletop or a quesadilla, and, as such, may be the only device that lets you type directly on a quesadilla.
8. An assortment of rap action figures
My cubicle is already nicely decorated with small Run DMC action figures, but it'd be nice to round out my collection with other tiny, inanimate versions of my other favorite rap artists. Madvillain (aka MF DOOM) is at the top of the list. Biz Markie is a close second, providing an exception to the rule that nobody beats the Biz. And Public Enemy may be No. 1 in that song, but they're No. 3 on my wish list of rap action-figure needs. That's partially because all you get is Chuck D and the Flav; Terminator X, the S1Ws and Sista Souljah are all sold separately.
7. One Wiffle Ball at-bat against this guy
Maybe I'd get lucky and foul one off. Or get to first on a dropped third strike.
6. Shar Fax Toner Cartridge
I ain't never seen no fax machine that don't need no toner. You show me some better fax toner than Shar Fax Toner, and I'll show you a sham. That's right, I said it.
5. Vudu
Netflix has dramatically raised the bar for laziness. Admit it: You now consider the act of placing DVDs in prepaid envelopes and putting them in the mail to be a serious pain in the ass. For just $400 (and individual rental/purchase fees for each movie), you can eliminate every shred of minor legwork associated with couch potatodom. The Vudu set-top box streams video directly to your TV over a broadband connection, including new releases as soon as they're available on DVD. Gone are the days of ever having to move.
4. Giant cardboard Lego man
It is rare to see a Lego figure too big to even use with Duplo blocks. It is rarer still to see such a figure made entirely out of cardboard. This fellow has created a full-size, tried-and-true, swiveling-and-rotating-in-all-the-right-places, cardboard-and-hot-glue Lego man. Unfortunately, Lego-Gigantor doesn't have a face. Still, I'll take four of these or a couple Asimoes. Your pick.
3. Asimo
I'm not sure whether astronauts or robots are better. But I do know this: Astronaut-shaped nonviolent robot tournament-winning robots are a great compromise. I want a couple of Asimoes in my home, serving me snacks, playing roshambo against one another, re-enacting scenes from 2001: A Space Odyssey, and falling down staircases.
(Credit: GameSpot)
2. Rock Band and three friends
According to GameSpot, the long-awaited full-band music game lives up to all the hemming, hawing, and hype. As expected, the game really shines in multiplayer mode, when you and your friends can play as a full band. The sound of one hand clapping is also the sound of one person playing Rock Band.
1. Land Walker
It looks a little top-heavy, but that's about the only thing wrong with this bipedal, $300,000, tennis-ball-launching robot that looks a lot like ED-209 from RoboCop. Alas, whereas ED-209 was somewhat unstoppable, the Land Walker can be fended off--if not defeated--by an above-average tennis player. One thing is certain: When my upcoming action film Way of the Fist: The Punchening opens in Hollywood, I'm planning on showing up to the premiere in this sweet rig.
Tim Moynihan is a features editor in the San Francisco office. He spends way too much time using the computer.
(Credit: SkyMall)
10. Dough-Nu-Matic
About halfway through Thanksgiving dinner, I realized that there was no platter of miniature, freshly baked doughnuts on the table. It was almost enough for me to stop eating turkey and cry gently to myself. Almost. I sucked it up and finished the meal, because I'm resilient. But never again will my Thanksgiving horn o' plenty be doughnutless, just as long as I get my hands on the sweet, sweet Dough-Nu-Matic.
9. Celluon LaserKey CL800BT
Smartphones have pretty much replaced PDAs altogether, but I'm thinking about buying a PDA anyway. An old one, too. The only reason for that is so I can use this laser keyboard, which is for some reason only compatible with older PDAs. Our editors gave it a lukewarm review (5.3 out of 10), but it's still a keyboard made out of lasers, and that is the best kind of keyboard imaginable. It projects onto any flat surface, such as a tabletop or a quesadilla, and, as such, may be the only device that lets you type directly on a quesadilla.
8. An assortment of rap action figures
My cubicle is already nicely decorated with small Run DMC action figures, but it'd be nice to round out my collection with other tiny, inanimate versions of my other favorite rap artists. Madvillain (aka MF DOOM) is at the top of the list. Biz Markie is a close second, providing an exception to the rule that nobody beats the Biz. And Public Enemy may be No. 1 in that song, but they're No. 3 on my wish list of rap action-figure needs. That's partially because all you get is Chuck D and the Flav; Terminator X, the S1Ws and Sista Souljah are all sold separately.
7. One Wiffle Ball at-bat against this guy
Maybe I'd get lucky and foul one off. Or get to first on a dropped third strike.
6. Shar Fax Toner Cartridge
I ain't never seen no fax machine that don't need no toner. You show me some better fax toner than Shar Fax Toner, and I'll show you a sham. That's right, I said it.
5. Vudu
Netflix has dramatically raised the bar for laziness. Admit it: You now consider the act of placing DVDs in prepaid envelopes and putting them in the mail to be a serious pain in the ass. For just $400 (and individual rental/purchase fees for each movie), you can eliminate every shred of minor legwork associated with couch potatodom. The Vudu set-top box streams video directly to your TV over a broadband connection, including new releases as soon as they're available on DVD. Gone are the days of ever having to move.
4. Giant cardboard Lego man
It is rare to see a Lego figure too big to even use with Duplo blocks. It is rarer still to see such a figure made entirely out of cardboard. This fellow has created a full-size, tried-and-true, swiveling-and-rotating-in-all-the-right-places, cardboard-and-hot-glue Lego man. Unfortunately, Lego-Gigantor doesn't have a face. Still, I'll take four of these or a couple Asimoes. Your pick.
3. Asimo
I'm not sure whether astronauts or robots are better. But I do know this: Astronaut-shaped nonviolent robot tournament-winning robots are a great compromise. I want a couple of Asimoes in my home, serving me snacks, playing roshambo against one another, re-enacting scenes from 2001: A Space Odyssey, and falling down staircases.
(Credit: GameSpot)
2. Rock Band and three friends
According to GameSpot, the long-awaited full-band music game lives up to all the hemming, hawing, and hype. As expected, the game really shines in multiplayer mode, when you and your friends can play as a full band. The sound of one hand clapping is also the sound of one person playing Rock Band.
1. Land Walker
It looks a little top-heavy, but that's about the only thing wrong with this bipedal, $300,000, tennis-ball-launching robot that looks a lot like ED-209 from RoboCop. Alas, whereas ED-209 was somewhat unstoppable, the Land Walker can be fended off--if not defeated--by an above-average tennis player. One thing is certain: When my upcoming action film Way of the Fist: The Punchening opens in Hollywood, I'm planning on showing up to the premiere in this sweet rig.
'Tis the season to Crave: Tim Moynihan's picks
|
NOTE: To commemorate the holidays, different Crave experts will be posting their Top 10 gadget picks for the season. See what we crave, and maybe you'll get some ideas! Here's the latest installment.
Tim Moynihan is a features editor in the San Francisco office. He spends way too much time using the computer.
(Credit: SkyMall)
10. Dough-Nu-Matic
About halfway through Thanksgiving dinner, I realized that there was no platter of miniature, freshly baked doughnuts on the table. It was almost enough for me to stop eating turkey and cry gently to myself. Almost. I sucked it up and finished the meal, because I'm resilient. But never again will my Thanksgiving horn o' plenty be doughnutless, just as long as I get my hands on the sweet, sweet Dough-Nu-Matic.
9. Celluon LaserKey CL800BT
Smartphones have pretty much replaced PDAs altogether, but I'm thinking about buying a PDA anyway. An old one, too. The only reason for that is so I can use this laser keyboard, which is for some reason only compatible with older PDAs. Our editors gave it a lukewarm review (5.3 out of 10), but it's still a keyboard made out of lasers, and that is the best kind of keyboard imaginable. It projects onto any flat surface, such as a tabletop or a quesadilla, and, as such, may be the only device that lets you type directly on a quesadilla.
8. An assortment of rap action figures
My cubicle is already nicely decorated with small Run DMC action figures, but it'd be nice to round out my collection with other tiny, inanimate versions of my other favorite rap artists. Madvillain (aka MF DOOM) is at the top of the list. Biz Markie is a close second, providing an exception to the rule that nobody beats the Biz. And Public Enemy may be No. 1 in that song, but they're No. 3 on my wish list of rap action-figure needs. That's partially because all you get is Chuck D and the Flav; Terminator X, the S1Ws and Sista Souljah are all sold separately.
7. One Wiffle Ball at-bat against this guy
Maybe I'd get lucky and foul one off. Or get to first on a dropped third strike.
6. Shar Fax Toner Cartridge
I ain't never seen no fax machine that don't need no toner. You show me some better fax toner than Shar Fax Toner, and I'll show you a sham. That's right, I said it.
5. Vudu
Netflix has dramatically raised the bar for laziness. Admit it: You now consider the act of placing DVDs in prepaid envelopes and putting them in the mail to be a serious pain in the ass. For just $400 (and individual rental/purchase fees for each movie), you can eliminate every shred of minor legwork associated with couch potatodom. The Vudu set-top box streams video directly to your TV over a broadband connection, including new releases as soon as they're available on DVD. Gone are the days of ever having to move.
4. Giant cardboard Lego man
It is rare to see a Lego figure too big to even use with Duplo blocks. It is rarer still to see such a figure made entirely out of cardboard. This fellow has created a full-size, tried-and-true, swiveling-and-rotating-in-all-the-right-places, cardboard-and-hot-glue Lego man. Unfortunately, Lego-Gigantor doesn't have a face. Still, I'll take four of these or a couple Asimoes. Your pick.
3. Asimo
I'm not sure whether astronauts or robots are better. But I do know this: Astronaut-shaped nonviolent robot tournament-winning robots are a great compromise. I want a couple of Asimoes in my home, serving me snacks, playing roshambo against one another, re-enacting scenes from 2001: A Space Odyssey, and falling down staircases.
(Credit: GameSpot)
2. Rock Band and three friends
According to GameSpot, the long-awaited full-band music game lives up to all the hemming, hawing, and hype. As expected, the game really shines in multiplayer mode, when you and your friends can play as a full band. The sound of one hand clapping is also the sound of one person playing Rock Band.
1. Land Walker
It looks a little top-heavy, but that's about the only thing wrong with this bipedal, $300,000, tennis-ball-launching robot that looks a lot like ED-209 from RoboCop. Alas, whereas ED-209 was somewhat unstoppable, the Land Walker can be fended off--if not defeated--by an above-average tennis player. One thing is certain: When my upcoming action film Way of the Fist: The Punchening opens in Hollywood, I'm planning on showing up to the premiere in this sweet rig.
Tim Moynihan is a features editor in the San Francisco office. He spends way too much time using the computer.
(Credit: SkyMall)
10. Dough-Nu-Matic
About halfway through Thanksgiving dinner, I realized that there was no platter of miniature, freshly baked doughnuts on the table. It was almost enough for me to stop eating turkey and cry gently to myself. Almost. I sucked it up and finished the meal, because I'm resilient. But never again will my Thanksgiving horn o' plenty be doughnutless, just as long as I get my hands on the sweet, sweet Dough-Nu-Matic.
9. Celluon LaserKey CL800BT
Smartphones have pretty much replaced PDAs altogether, but I'm thinking about buying a PDA anyway. An old one, too. The only reason for that is so I can use this laser keyboard, which is for some reason only compatible with older PDAs. Our editors gave it a lukewarm review (5.3 out of 10), but it's still a keyboard made out of lasers, and that is the best kind of keyboard imaginable. It projects onto any flat surface, such as a tabletop or a quesadilla, and, as such, may be the only device that lets you type directly on a quesadilla.
8. An assortment of rap action figures
My cubicle is already nicely decorated with small Run DMC action figures, but it'd be nice to round out my collection with other tiny, inanimate versions of my other favorite rap artists. Madvillain (aka MF DOOM) is at the top of the list. Biz Markie is a close second, providing an exception to the rule that nobody beats the Biz. And Public Enemy may be No. 1 in that song, but they're No. 3 on my wish list of rap action-figure needs. That's partially because all you get is Chuck D and the Flav; Terminator X, the S1Ws and Sista Souljah are all sold separately.
7. One Wiffle Ball at-bat against this guy
Maybe I'd get lucky and foul one off. Or get to first on a dropped third strike.
6. Shar Fax Toner Cartridge
I ain't never seen no fax machine that don't need no toner. You show me some better fax toner than Shar Fax Toner, and I'll show you a sham. That's right, I said it.
5. Vudu
Netflix has dramatically raised the bar for laziness. Admit it: You now consider the act of placing DVDs in prepaid envelopes and putting them in the mail to be a serious pain in the ass. For just $400 (and individual rental/purchase fees for each movie), you can eliminate every shred of minor legwork associated with couch potatodom. The Vudu set-top box streams video directly to your TV over a broadband connection, including new releases as soon as they're available on DVD. Gone are the days of ever having to move.
4. Giant cardboard Lego man
It is rare to see a Lego figure too big to even use with Duplo blocks. It is rarer still to see such a figure made entirely out of cardboard. This fellow has created a full-size, tried-and-true, swiveling-and-rotating-in-all-the-right-places, cardboard-and-hot-glue Lego man. Unfortunately, Lego-Gigantor doesn't have a face. Still, I'll take four of these or a couple Asimoes. Your pick.
3. Asimo
I'm not sure whether astronauts or robots are better. But I do know this: Astronaut-shaped nonviolent robot tournament-winning robots are a great compromise. I want a couple of Asimoes in my home, serving me snacks, playing roshambo against one another, re-enacting scenes from 2001: A Space Odyssey, and falling down staircases.
(Credit: GameSpot)
2. Rock Band and three friends
According to GameSpot, the long-awaited full-band music game lives up to all the hemming, hawing, and hype. As expected, the game really shines in multiplayer mode, when you and your friends can play as a full band. The sound of one hand clapping is also the sound of one person playing Rock Band.
1. Land Walker
It looks a little top-heavy, but that's about the only thing wrong with this bipedal, $300,000, tennis-ball-launching robot that looks a lot like ED-209 from RoboCop. Alas, whereas ED-209 was somewhat unstoppable, the Land Walker can be fended off--if not defeated--by an above-average tennis player. One thing is certain: When my upcoming action film Way of the Fist: The Punchening opens in Hollywood, I'm planning on showing up to the premiere in this sweet rig.
Rushing to paint printers green
|
Printer companies are under attack as more people become concerned about global warming and toxic pollution.
The solution? "Printer Vendors Need to Greenwash Their Image."
That unfortunate headline was the theme of an e-mail newsletter this morning from Lyra Research, a well-respected firm that tracks the digital imaging industry.
Apparently the writer didn't realize or care that "greenwashing" is a negative term. It describes how companies aiming to appeal to treehuggers are painting a green face, without necessarily cleaning up their act.
Picky consumers detest this trend, which makes it nearly impossible to tell which companies walk the green walk instead of merely spouting a green talk. Earlier this decade, greenwashing wasn't so insidious because most claims of eco-friendliness were made by small enterprises, like, say, your local weaver of organic hemp hacky sacks.
But now that the world's biggest corporations aim to appear green--sincerely or cynically--it's easy to be fooled by multimillion-dollar public relations campaigns.
This year, printer hardware is expected to contribute 1 million tons of solid waste in this country alone, while pulp and paper companies are the fourth-largest toxic polluters of water, according to Lyra.
The Lyra newsletter asked, "What can the industry do to prevent an attack by environmental groups and create a better image for itself?"
To start, the industry could gain some friends by reworking its razor cartridge model of ink replacement. I learned quickly--through reviewing printers for CNET--how much people hate that the cost of ink and toner quickly exceeds the price of the printer itself. Vendors insist that people use their premium-price, branded inks or suffer crummy-looking pages. And disposing of cartridges is a pain, even if you're organized enough to mail them in or bring them to stores, such as Walgreen's, for reuse.
Also, how about better tech support and repair? Fixing gadgets should be no harder than taking a cracked heel to the shoe cobbler. The tech industry overall should make better-quality, longer-lasting hardware. A printer that cranks out one page faster per minute than last season's model is not efficient. A printer that lasts but a year and costs more to fix than replace is not sustainable.
Yes, people at HP and most other printer companies have made sincere efforts to establish responsible recycling programs. They've also made more models Energy Star efficient, experimented with corn-based plastic and modular components, and made it easier to print on two sides of a page to reduce paper waste. You might even argue that personal photo printers are kinder to the planet than traditional lab photofinishing.
Still, what's the secret sauce in all that proprietary ink and toner? Materials safety data sheets that companies are required by law to report do not detail the little-tested toxicity of these chemical cocktails. The information is limited largely because American laws regulating potentially dangerous chemicals are notoriously weak.
It took independent testing by an Australian lab to root out potentially cancerous, asthma-inducing ingredients in laser toner.
I don't want to breathe in that noxious dust at my desk, and I certainly don't want to breathe in the hot air of greenwashing. Let's hope that tech companies boast of small successes in moving toward sustainability without getting ahead of themselves.
The solution? "Printer Vendors Need to Greenwash Their Image."
That unfortunate headline was the theme of an e-mail newsletter this morning from Lyra Research, a well-respected firm that tracks the digital imaging industry.
Apparently the writer didn't realize or care that "greenwashing" is a negative term. It describes how companies aiming to appeal to treehuggers are painting a green face, without necessarily cleaning up their act.
Picky consumers detest this trend, which makes it nearly impossible to tell which companies walk the green walk instead of merely spouting a green talk. Earlier this decade, greenwashing wasn't so insidious because most claims of eco-friendliness were made by small enterprises, like, say, your local weaver of organic hemp hacky sacks.
But now that the world's biggest corporations aim to appear green--sincerely or cynically--it's easy to be fooled by multimillion-dollar public relations campaigns.
This year, printer hardware is expected to contribute 1 million tons of solid waste in this country alone, while pulp and paper companies are the fourth-largest toxic polluters of water, according to Lyra.
The Lyra newsletter asked, "What can the industry do to prevent an attack by environmental groups and create a better image for itself?"
To start, the industry could gain some friends by reworking its razor cartridge model of ink replacement. I learned quickly--through reviewing printers for CNET--how much people hate that the cost of ink and toner quickly exceeds the price of the printer itself. Vendors insist that people use their premium-price, branded inks or suffer crummy-looking pages. And disposing of cartridges is a pain, even if you're organized enough to mail them in or bring them to stores, such as Walgreen's, for reuse.
Also, how about better tech support and repair? Fixing gadgets should be no harder than taking a cracked heel to the shoe cobbler. The tech industry overall should make better-quality, longer-lasting hardware. A printer that cranks out one page faster per minute than last season's model is not efficient. A printer that lasts but a year and costs more to fix than replace is not sustainable.
Yes, people at HP and most other printer companies have made sincere efforts to establish responsible recycling programs. They've also made more models Energy Star efficient, experimented with corn-based plastic and modular components, and made it easier to print on two sides of a page to reduce paper waste. You might even argue that personal photo printers are kinder to the planet than traditional lab photofinishing.
Still, what's the secret sauce in all that proprietary ink and toner? Materials safety data sheets that companies are required by law to report do not detail the little-tested toxicity of these chemical cocktails. The information is limited largely because American laws regulating potentially dangerous chemicals are notoriously weak.
It took independent testing by an Australian lab to root out potentially cancerous, asthma-inducing ingredients in laser toner.
I don't want to breathe in that noxious dust at my desk, and I certainly don't want to breathe in the hot air of greenwashing. Let's hope that tech companies boast of small successes in moving toward sustainability without getting ahead of themselves.
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