Brother Announces New Color Multi-Function Center Models with Built-in Networking & Digital Media Slots

Business Wire, Sept 9, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

BRIDGEWATER, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2003

Four New All-in-One Models to Be Launched...Targeting Home, Home Office and Small Business Users

Brother International Corporation announces the coming introduction of four new color inkjet Multi-Function Center(R) (MFC) products targeting a range of home, home office and small business users.

Each one of the new Color MFCs features color inkjet printing, color faxing, color copying, color scanning and PC fax capability, designed for Windows(R) and Mac(R) platforms. The new color inkjet line-up includes two sheet fed based models, the MFC-3220c and MFC-3320cn (estimated street prices of $129.99 and $179.99 respectively), and two flatbed models: the MFC-3420c and MFC-3820cn (estimated street prices of $179.99 and $229.99 respectively). All models will be available in October.

The "flagship" models of this new line-up are the MFC-3320cn and MFC-3820cn. They offer a mix of outstanding features and performance enhancements, including built-in Ethernet networking (TCP/IP and Rendezvous(TM) compatible), PhotoCapture Center(R) digital camera media slots for Memory Stick(R), CompactFlash(R), SmartMedia(R) and Secure Digital cards and a Super G3, 33.6K bps modem. Both of these models are ideal products to target the growing trends of networking and convenience digital camera printing in home, home office and small business environments.

"Each new model provides outstanding value and performance at amazingly affordable price points," said Don Cummins, Vice President of Marketing at Brother. "But, the most innovative achievement we have made is providing two models that combine built-in networking and digital media compatibility for under $250. We have made these capabilities affordable, not only for those who already have a home network and digital camera, but even those considering them for the future."

NETWORK-READY (TODAY OR IN THE FUTURE)

Whether there is already a network in place (in need of a color inkjet device) or a multiple PC environment that is only a "network router" away from becoming a network environment, the MFC-3320cn and MFC-3820cn are ideal solutions.

With built-in Ethernet interfaces, everyone in the home or office can share access to the coveted color all-in-one device. Although the MFC-3320cn and MFC-3820cn are "wired" solutions, they can be used in either a "wired" or "wireless" network environment. In a "wireless" network environment, you simply plug in the MFC-3320cn or MFC-3820cn directly to the "wireless router," and any remote PC on the network can now utilize the wide spectrum of multi-function features. Those features are:

-- Built-in Ethernet Port: connects to your wired or wireless

router. Supports TCP/IP and Rendezvous(TM).

-- Network Printing: from any computer on your network.

-- Network Scanning: directly scan from the MFC-3320cn/MFC-3820cn

to any networked Windows(R)-based PC. Simply press the scan

button and select the PC; the image will scan directly to the

selected computer.

-- Network PC Fax Send: send a fax from within your application

through the network to the MFC-3320cn/MFC-3820cn. The MFC will

then dial the fax number and send the fax.

-- Internet Fax: send and receive faxes via the Internet using

the Internet fax feature with a standard E-mail address.

(SMTP/POP3 Mail Server Support and account required.)

-- PhotoCapture Center(R): Access your digital camera media cards

using an FTP browser to copy and edit your pictures.

The Rendezvous(TM) protocol offers an effortless "zero configuration" convenience to Mac(R) OS X 10.2.4 or greater users. Installation and setup are as simple as plugging in the device and attaching the network cable. That's all it takes to see it as an accessible device in the Mac(R) Print Center. There is no need for tinkering with drivers or settings.

Networking is not available on MFC-3220c or MFC-3420c.

PHOTOCAPTURE CENTER(R) FOR DIGITAL CAMERA MEDIA

Common to both the MFC-3320cn and the MFC-3820cn is the Brother PhotoCapture Center(R) function which includes built-in media card slots for Memory Stick(R), CompactFlash(R), SmartMedia(R) and Secure Digital media cards. Users can easily print a preview index page (thumbnail images of all photos on the media card) or print individual digital photos from the media card: with or without the PC being connected.

A "Scan-to-Card" function allows for documents to be easily scanned from the platen or feeder and then stored to, or retrieved from, any of these media cards. When connected using the network option, The PhotoCapture Center(R) function also allows users to view and download files stored on a card from any computer on the LAN using a standard Web browser.

The PhotoCapture Center(R) function is not available on MFC-3220c or MFC-3420c.

VERSATILITY, HIGH QUALITY & PERFORMANCE

Each of the four new models (MFC-3220c, MFC-3320cn, MFC-3420c and MFC-3820cn) shares the following key features ...

-- Print speeds up to 14ppm for monochrome and up to 12ppm for