The Imaging Channel

On August 10, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) replaced the MX-4101N with the new Sharp MX-4110N and MX-4111N and replaced the MX-5001N with the MX-5110N and MX-5111N. The MX-4110N and MX-4111N are A3 print, copy, scan MFPs capable of printing up to 41 pages per minute and the MX-5110N and MX-5111N offer the same functionality but print at 51 ppm. The new machines are based on the third generation of Sharp’s Color Renaissance printing technology, which debuted earlier this year in the MX-2610N, MX-3110N and MX-3610N. The MX-4110N and MX-5110N base models feature a 100-sheet reversing single-pass feeder, auto duplexing, a multitasking controller and a 160 GB hard drive. The MX-4111N and MX-5111N base units have a 150-sheet duplexing single-pass feeder and a retractable keyboard. All of the machines come with two 500-sheet paper drawers and a 100-sheet bypass tray. Numerous optional packages are available including an assortment of finishing features and other options such as additional paper trays, Internet fax capabilities, a saddle-stitch finisher, three-hole punch and more.

The Sharp MX-4110N, MX-4111N, MX-5110N and MX-5111N employ new CMYK cartridges. The black cartridge has a 40,000-page yield and each color cartridge yields 18,000 pages. The machines also use a black developer package that delivers 150,000 images, a CMY developer package that yields 100,000 images and a drum unit that can deliver 150,000 black-and-white images or 100,000 color images. Other consumables include a 200,000-page fusing belt kit and a roller kit with the same yield. Sharp does not provide pricing for its consumables so it is impossible to calculate operating costs like cost per page.

The new Sharp units are currently available through the firm's direct sales force and its authorized dealer network. The MX-4110N has a suggested retail price of $14,895, and the MX-4111N sells for $17,395. The new MX-5110N and X-5111N are priced at $18,495 and $21,295, respectively. All four of the new units are entering an active market. Although A4 machines are proving to be increasingly popular, the market for A3 mid-tier color workgroup MFPs and digital copiers remains very competitive. Over the past year or so many new comparably-equipped machines have entered this segment including the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCED C5045, Lexmark X950 series, the Ricoh Aficio MP C4501 and C5501, Toshiba e-STUDIO 3540c and 4540c and WorkCentre 7545 and 7556 units as well as other. We expect the Sharp units to be worthy competitors.

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