Lexmark aims touch-screen printers at SMEs

The Lexmark S605 is one of three all-in-one printers with a touch-screen interface

Lexmark has unveiled a range of wireless all-in-one printers with touch-screen interfaces and a customised application platform.

The three inkjet devices are aimed at small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) and professional home users, and boast 802.11n Wi-Fi support and a 4.3in capacitive touch-screen interface.

"This new line of all-in-one printers enables SMBs to be more efficient and save money in today's economic environment," said Paul Callow, marketing director at Lexmark UK & Ireland.

"We have created our printers' robust new design, innovative features and break-through technologies with their needs in mind."

The range also boasts an 'eco mode' which automatically turns on two-sided printing, faxing and copying to help save paper, and a business card scan mode which can automatically upload contact information into most address book applications.

The myTouch technology provides a graphical icon interface for basic functions. Custom workflows can be set to automate a series of repetitive tasks, and the SmartSolutions technology can be used by third-party developers to create widget-like tailored applications.

This could enable closer integration with various content management systems, for example, as well as offering shortcuts and workflows or group faxing and scan to e-mail templates.

Being web connected, the printers can also handle RSS feeds which can be viewed and managed directly on the touch screen and then printed or emailed directly from the device.

The range also uses Lexmark's Vizix print technology which includes separate cartridges and promises high print speeds and quality.

Steve Purdy, managing director of Lexmark UK, claimed that the new range will give smaller businesses access to much of the same functionality enjoyed by larger enterprises.

He also said that the company hopes to create a community presence around this development platform to enable users and partners to create and share applications for use with the new printers.

The new range is expected to start shipping this month with prices ranging from £199 to £399.