New Digital Copier: Sharp Announces Pricing and Availability of Imager Series of Advanced Digital Document Systems

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, June 15, 1998

Sharp Electronics Corporation Thursday announced pricing and availability for the first three models in the new IMAGER series of advanced digital document systems. Designed to offer greater levels of productivity than traditional copiers and network printers, the new AR-280, AR-285 and AR-335 will be available later this month at suggested list prices of $9,615, $10,885 and $11,580, respectively.

Based upon Sharp's core laser engine technology, these digital workhorses will compete in the mid-volume copier market and are designed to be easily upgraded to perform as robust workgroup printers. Productive paper handling with full finishing capabilities is accessible from the desktop via two print controllers currently being developed separately by Electronics for Imaging (EFI) and Sharp Laboratories of America (SLA).

These new IMAGER series machines feature advanced digital technology such as electronic (E-RDH) scan once/print many, unlimited trayless duplexing, and one GB internal memory. The AR-280 and AR-285, operating at 28 pages per minute, are Sharp's first entries into the Segment 2 digital market. The AR-335, operating at 33 pages per minute, fulfills the requirements of the Segment 3 digital market.

Unlike many other competitive models, all three IMAGERs copy and print at 600 dpi output resolution at full engine speed for both print and copy. Another distinguishing feature of the IMAGER series is the optional three-tray finisher with multi-position stapling and offset stacking. The top two trays (one for face-up output, the other face down printing) have a capacity of 500 sheets each and the offset lift tray can hold up to 1,500 sheets.

The AR-280, AR-285 and AR-335 can be purchased through Sharp's nationwide network of authorized dealers, one of the largest such networks in the office technology market.

For more information on Sharp's full line of digital and analog copiers, network printers and multifunction facsimile machines, contact the Business Products Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 201-529-9600. For on-line product information, including specification sheets, visit Sharp's Web site at www.sharp-usa.com.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the modern office environment. Sharp's leadership is shown through its number one ranking in the U.S. facsimile market since 1987, its number three position in U.S. copier sales, and the development of cutting-edge laser printing technology. Along with the introduction of the IMAGER series of digital document systems, Sharp's Business Products Group has created the concept of the Networkplace, a work environment where people are empowered to accomplish more with technology that exploits the potential of the office network. To support its more than 50 product lines, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 3,100 people nationwide.