The Imaging Channel

Kyocera Mita has refreshed its entry-level A4 monochrome line with the launch of the FS-1035MFP/DP and FS-1135MFP, which replace the FS-1028MFP/DP and FS-1128MFP. The new FS-1035MFP/DP is a print, copy, and scan device and the FS-1135MFP is a four-function machine that adds fax capabilities. The two machines are based on the same print engine as their predecessors but the print speeds of the new units have been improved to 37 ppm compared to 30 ppm with the older units. Like the FS-1028MFP/DP and FS-1128MFP, the FS-1035MFP/DP and FS-1135MFP are relatively barebones devices that are aimed at small-to-medium sized workgroups. With the exception of additional memory and two paper trays, Kyocera Mita does not market optional accessories for the machines so consumers must be satisfied with what they receive "off the shelf."

Although the 1035MFP/DP and FS-1135MFP share the same print technology as the FS-1028MFP/DP and FS-1128MFP, the new machines employ a new replacement toner cartridge. The new cartridge features the same toners used in previous generations of A4 devices but it is physically keyed so that it can only be inserted into the latest machines. In addition to the replacement toner cartridge, the 1035MFP/DP and FS-1135MFP require a maintenance kit, which includes a drum, every 100,000 pages. Because its channel partners set pricing, Kyocera Mita does not offer a recommended retail price for its consumables so it is impossible to calculate operating costs for the new machines. The firm's long-lived Ecosys drums, however, ought to allow the new machines to print a page at a competitive price.

The low-end of the A4 monochrome market has seen some activity since the start of 2010 but most of the new MFPs have come from printer OEMs. On the printer side, Kyocera Mita will feel pressure from very inexpensive machines such as the Brother MFC-7460DN and MFC-7860DW, the HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn, and the Samsung SCX-4729FD and SCX-4729FW. The low-end printer-based units are slower and have less robust duty-cycles but sell for just a faction of the cost. Moving upmarket, Kyocera Mita will face more direct competition from other printer-based machines like the Dell 3333dn and 3335dn, HP’s LaserJet M3035, and Lexmark’s X460 series. We expect that the FS-1035MFP/DP and FS-1135MFP will do well against similar machines from copier companies such as Canon's new imageRUNNER 1700 series and Xerox’s WorkCentre 4250 series. The Kyocera Mita machines have lower acquisition prices and presumably lower operating costs than the copier-based units. The advantage the machines from the copier companies have is they offer more robust feature sets and more optional accessories.

Standard

KMnet Admin, KMnet Viewer, PDF Direct Print, Status Monitor, Command Center, RAM-based Private Print capabilities

Optional

N/A