Independent test confirms outstanding quality and performance of Lexmark Linea Print Cartridges for HP LaserJet 4000 Series Printers

Business Wire, August 15, 2000

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2000

Independent third-party test results conducted by Business Equipment Research and Test Laboratories (BERTL) confirm that Lexmark's newly announced Linea Print Cartridges for the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 4000/4050 Series Printers match HP's cartridges on print quality, page yield and reliability.

"Since 1995, Lexmark's Linea Print cartridges have been enormously successful by providing a better value alternative to HP-branded cartridges," said Martin Zutt, director of Aftermarket Cartridge Operations. "With Linea, the customer receives original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-matched performance on print quality, page yield, and reliability at approximately 10 to 15 percent less than OEM costs. All Linea Print Cartridges come with a 100 percent Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee, and our newest members of the Linea family are available as standard and high-yield offerings for users of HP LaserJet 4000/4050 printers."

BERTL recently tested the Lexmark Linea 4000 Print Cartridge against comparable cartridges from HP, Canon and Xerox. "The build quality and overall reliability of the Lexmark cartridges were equal to the Hewlett Packard and Canon cartridges. Xerox's `It's Compatible' line of HP 4000 cartridges were found to be lower quality in terms of both build quality and overall reliability to that of the Lexmark cartridges. The print quality of the Lexmark cartridges were virtually identical to that of the HP and Canon cartridges with all three delivering excellent text and graphics performance," said Mark Nadel, director of Testing at BERTL. The full report is available at http://www.lexmark.com/supplies/laser/linea.html or http://www.digital-times.net.

"These results reflect Lexmark's commitment to ensuring that our Linea cartridges meet our customers' demands for print quality, performance and reliability," said Tom Lamb, Lexmark vice president and president, Customer Solutions Division. "The introduction of the Linea Print Cartridge for the HP LaserJet 4000 family will significantly expand our market opportunity beyond the millions of Linea cartridges sold to date for other HP LaserJet printer models."

Availability

Lexmark Linea Print Cartridges for the HP LaserJet 4000/4050 are available now through a worldwide network of Lexmark authorized supplies resellers. For more details please visit us at http://www.lexmark.com/supplies/laser/linea.html

About Lexmark

Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE:LXK) is a leading, global developer, manufacturer and supplier of printing solutions, including laser and inkjet printers and associated supplies for offices and homes. Founded in 1991, Lexmark employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, markets its products and services in nearly 150 countries, and maintains sales offices or manufacturing facilities on five continents. Lexmark reported nearly $3.5 billion of revenue in 1999 and can be found on the Internet at www.lexmark.com.

About BERTL

Business Equipment Research & Test Laboratories' experience of working with digital systems stretches back more than 20 years to the introduction of the first mini computers and connected digital printing systems. The Lab employs some of the world's most experienced 'Connectivity Analysts' and publishes a wide range of on-line Information Services, e.g. Lab Reports, Machine Data, Industry News, Toner Coverage Software, Advice & Guidance. Business Equipment Research & Test Laboratories has pioneered new methods of testing multi functional devices, introduced a highly sophisticated range of user-relevant tests on 'Connected' imaging output devices and is the developer of the world's leading image analysis software, PageCheck. Information about BERTL is available at: http://www.digital-times.net/

Lexmark and Lexmark with the diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. Linea is a trademark of Lexmark International, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.