Epson Introduces New $79 Value-Packed Color Ink Jet Printer and New Feature-Rich Color Ink Jet for PC Bundles

Business Wire, Sept 4, 2001

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 4, 2001

EPSON Stylus(R) C60 and Stylus C40UX Incorporate Advanced, New

Printing Technologies and Peak Performance Without Hidden Ink Costs

Epson America today announced two new four-color, desktop color ink jet printers targeted specifically for value-driven customers and PC bundlers.

The EPSON Stylus C60 (priced at $79, following a $20 mail-in rebate) is designed to give customers the maximum combination of quality and affordability, while the Stylus C40UX provides a substantial added value to PC manufacturers' and computer dealers' bundle packages.

Both printers incorporate Epson's award-winning Micro Piezo(R) ink jet technology in addition to several new features that enhance image quality. Special algorithms are now used to automatically detect and smooth the edges of low-resolution graphics often found in Web pages and low-resolution digital photos.

Variable sized droplets -- a feature that previously was available only on higher-end Epson printers -- are now being used with these models to achieve greater detail, brighter colors and sharper images. Additional algorithms have also been developed to achieve greater color accuracy and more lifelike skin tones in photographs.

EPSON Stylus C60

The EPSON Stylus C60 is optimized to deliver the best possible combination of image quality and speed available among any sub-$100 printer on the market.

In addition to using 2,880 x 720 dots-per-inch (dpi) hardware resolution and ink droplets as small as four picoliters, the printer can quickly output up to 12 pages per minute (ppm) of black text and up to eight ppm of color graphics and text. Furthermore, the Stylus C60 can print an 8" x 10" photo on a variety of media using its "Photo" mode in as little as 3 minutes, 11 seconds and offers both USB and parallel connections.

EPSON Stylus C40UX -- Best Value in Bundle Printers

Offering a maximum resolution of 1440 x 720 dpi hardware resolution along with six picoliter droplets, the EPSON Stylus C40UX is designed to add significant value to any PC bundle system. This printer can output black text at speeds of up to eight ppm and color graphics up to 3.5 ppm. Additionally, the Stylus C40UX features a built-in USB interface and an innovative, space-saving design -- ideal for the home user with limited desk space.

"Beyond just speed and print quality, a huge advantage with all of our printers is that there are no hidden ink costs associated with achieving better performance," said Rodrigo Catalan, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. "Whereas some manufacturers don't include the special ink cartridges that are sometimes required to achieve their rated print speeds or peak levels of performance, our printers ship with all of the necessary items in their original boxes to produce peak-performance output, without the hassle of making another trip to the store to spend more money on other ink cartridges."

Other Stylus C60/C40UX Features

Both printers are compatible with Macintosh and Windows Platforms (including XP). They also use quick-drying dye inks that give users the freedom to handle printed images immediately without smudging. A convenient ink level tracking chip is also included on each cartridge to provide users with current ink quantities and on-screen, easy-to-follow instructions that automatically instruct users how to replace empty cartridges.

Warranty & Support

The EPSON Stylus C60 is currently being sold through computer superstores and specialty retail stores nationwide, mail order, PC manufacturers, the Internet and Epson's own site www.epsonstore.com.

The EPSON Stylus C40UX is being bundled with various computer packages from numerous manufacturers and resellers. Each printer carries a one-year Epson Exchange Limited Warranty, enabling customers to receive a replacement printer if a problem cannot be corrected by telephone technical support. The Stylus C60 and C40UX are also supported by the EPSON Connection(SM), a customer support and technical assistance line.

For more information on Epson and its products, call 800/GO-EPSON (800/463-7766), or visit the company's Web site at www.epson.com.

About Epson

Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market.

Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America Inc. has headquarters in Long Beach, Calif.

Note: Epson, EPSON Stylus and MicroPiezo are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corp. Third party brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.