The Ecosys FS3830-N is a compact 33ppm (page per minute) network laser that differs from most other printers in its class in that it does not use a combined toner and drum cartridge, only a toner unit, making it very economical to run. Despite being little bigger than a personal laser, the FS3830-N is far from small on functionality.
The core print engine, for instance, features an A4 monochrome laser capable of printing at a resolution of 1,200dpi. It takes just under 12 seconds to produce the first page with excellent, pin-sharp results for both text and graphics. The duty cycle of 175,000 pages per month makes the FS3830-N very much a shared workgroup printer for use in commercial, rather than domestic environments. That said, it would not suit offices where users are sensitive to noise as it is far from quiet.
The electronics feature a Power PC chip running at 300MHz, equipped with 96MB of memory. More RAM can be added using industry-standard Dimms: the maximum supported is 576MB. An optional hard disk can be used to proof and hold print jobs, and store commonly used documents. To manage this and other print features Kyocera Mita employs its own Prescribe print language, but both PCL and Postscript emulation, plus native PDF printing and legacy emulations are available.
Automatic emulation sensing comes as standard along with Windows print drivers (Apple Mac and Linux drivers are also available), all of which worked flawlessly in our tests. We liked the ability to install an optional set of printing profiles, making it easy to choose correct settings for transparencies, letterhead printing and two-up booklet printing.
Connectivity is provided for by integrated parallel, USB and network interfaces with a slot that can be used to add others, including wireless. The network interface has a built-in print server plus web-based management interface, with SNMP management software also included. This complements the built-in LCD control panel, providing a straightforward remote console that makes it easy to set up all the print options and monitor things such as toner levels and paper.
The base printer we looked at featured a single 500-sheet paper bottom drawer plus a foldout, 100-sheet, multipurpose tray for envelopes, transparencies and so on. Up to three more paper drawers can be stacked underneath to give a total capacity of 2,100 sheets. We were disappointed that the add-on duplexer for double-sided printing, which costs £159 + VAT, must be bought separately. Likewise, a power feeder to improve envelope handling costs an extra £189 + VAT, while a sorter/mailbox device that sits on the top can be bought for £429 + VAT.
With all the extras included the FS3830-N does look expensive, but no more so than other printers in its class. The printer scores well in cost of ownership, though. Kyocera claims running costs of just 0.33p per page (not including paper or power) through the use of its long-life drum/developer. This is guaranteed for three years or 300,000 pages, although in many cases it will last a lot longer.
During that time toner is the only consumable required, each cartridge costing £66 + VAT for up to 20,000 pages.
The company is so sure customers will save on consumable costs, it offers a money-back guarantee to those who find they do not. Those firms looking to buy a number of printers can also opt for an all-inclusive purchase scheme called Printsave with fixed quarterly payments covering capital equipment, toner and any maintenance required.
Price: £766 + VAT
Contact: Kyocera Mita 0118 923 0720
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