In addition to offering features BLI has praised in the past, such as exceptional scanning functionality and Sharpdesk, Sharp’s new MFPs (including the MX-2600N and MX-3100N) build upon those, most notably with the industry’s first standard integrated retractable QWERTY keyboard. “Sharp’s QWERTY keyboard is the next step in its MFP evolution to provide users with all the functionality they need from the control panel of its MFPs,” said BLI Assignments Editor George Mikolay. Indeed, while some other vendors offer the option to plug in a separate QWERTY keyboard into their MFPs, no other vendor has integrated one into its devices. “As the scanning capabilities of MFPs are utilized more and more, the entering of e-mail addresses and longer and more secure passwords is made much simpler with this keyboard versus using the touch-screen keypads typically found on competitive MFPs,” said BLI Manager of Laboratory Testing Pete Emory. Moreover, the optional keyboards of competitive devices are not elegant solutions because they require a work surface to be situated near the MFP to support the keyboard. “Because it makes it easier for users to enter index data, the QWERTY keyboard also helps to make these Sharp devices more functional with integrated software applications, while also making documents easier to retrieve later,” Emory said.
Indeed, the new keyboard is one of a number of design elements that demonstrate Sharp’s aggressive commitment to its Open Systems Architecture (OSA), which allows third-party software providers to customize applications that extend the functionality of the MFP. Sharp’s latest MFPs also feature a higher-resolution colour touch-screen display and the third generation of Sharp OSA. Whereas the previous generation of Sharp OSA used “Template forms” for the entering of data, the new Sharp OSA development platform provides more flexibility by relying on the full HTML capability of the MFP’s Web browser. The new units, which incorporate a new textured exterior and rounded edges, also come bundled with a remote front panel utility, which allows an administrator to remotely take control of the devices’ front panels from a PC workstation and to see exactly what the user sees.
“Sharp is extremely proud to be recognized by BLI for our innovations in both design and functionality,” said Keiichi Katsuta, President of the Division Sharp Information Systems Europe. “Sharp remains committed to providing customers with enhanced functionality that enables them to increase their productivity, and this award for innovation is a testament to our commitment. Advancements such as the retractable keyboard, remote front panel and the aesthetic design are a result of the direct feedback from our customers on how we can provide them with the best possible user experience.”
About Buyers Laboratory
Since 1961, Buyers Lab has been the leading independent office-equipment testing lab and business consumer advocate. In addition to publishing the industry's most comprehensive and accurate test reports on office document imaging devices, each representing months of exhaustive hands-on testing in BLI's US and UK laboratories, the company has been the leading source for extensive databases of specifications and pricing on copiers, printers, fax machines and multifunctional products. The company's databases cover over 10,000 products and have a long-standing reputation for being the industry's most trustworthy and complete source for global competitive intelligence. They are available to BLI subscribers online via the company's bliQ competitive information service. This encyclopedic resource also provides quick and easy access to BLI's First Look Reports, Field Test Reports, Lab Test Reports, Solutions Reports, and BLI-produced articles.
In addition to the testing of office equipment for its subscribers, Buyers Lab provides consulting services to buyers and a vast array of confidential for-hire private testing services that include document imaging device beta and pre-launch testing, performance certification testing, consumables testing (such as toner, ink and photoconductors), software and solutions and print media testing (including virgin and recycled papers).
For more information on Buyers Laboratory, please call (852) 8200 4502, visit www.buyerslab.com, or e-mail loretta.pang@buyerslab.com.
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