Panasonic Fax Machine DP C401 User Manual

Digital Multifunctional Device  
Dry Toner  
Electrostatic Imaging  
CRITICAL  
TEST REPORT©  
Digital Multifunctional Device  
Electrostatic Imaging  
WORKiO DP-C401  
Vendor Background  
Panasonic Communications  
& Systems Company  
Two Panasonic Way  
October 2003  
BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
Secaucus, New Jersey  
(201) 348-7000  
The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401 is a black-and-white and color digital  
copier/printer designed for the general office. As such, the unit competes against  
the Canon imageRUNNER 2050 and 2058, Ricoh Aficio CL7000CMF. Minolta  
CF2002 and CF1501, and Sharp AR-C150/2C50.  
Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Specs-At-A-Glance  
As with these competitive units, the DP-C401 is also targeted at replacing  
multiple desktop color printers. The unit features an embedded Xerox controller  
that is based on a Power PC processor, and provides “RIP-while-print,” printing  
while receiving new data, and printing while scanning hard copy, making it  
especially useful for shared workgroup use.  
Rec. MPV. .......... 21,000 pages  
Print Speed..... 22/40 color ppm  
Max. Paper Size ...........12”x19”  
Max. Resolution......... 1200 dpi  
Std. Paper Cap.... 3,140 sheets  
Max. Paper Cap... 3,140 sheets  
Paper Weights. 16lb. bond -110  
lb. index  
VENDOR PRODUCT-POSITIONING STATEMENT  
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The information contained in the Vendor Product Positioning  
Statement below was provided by the product vendor before the results of the test were  
released. It is not intended to serve as a response to the results of the Critical Test  
Report.)  
Color Output/  
Scanning ..................Yes/Yes  
Std. RAM.......................512MB  
Hard Disk........................10 GB  
Network Scanning ..............Yes  
“The WORKiO DP-C401 is the quintessential ‘multi-functional color product.’  
It is for those who work in both a color and black-and-white work environment.  
Its outstanding color quality and performance doesn’t compromise its 40-ppm  
monochrome MFP performance, including an outstanding First Copy Out Time,  
warm-up time, copy and print productivity. Its black and white output is superior  
to that of many monochrome-only devices on the market today. Incredible  
output quality is matched by its powerful standard configuration. The DP-C401  
is a standard printer, scanner, copier with maximum paper supply, memory and  
accessories. Indeed, only two options are available - a multi-position stapler and  
scan-to-e-mail option. It is the complete MFP for today's work environment.” –  
Panasonic Corporation.  
Tested Configuration  
(List Pricing)  
WORKiO DP-C401.....$26,750*  
Finisher..........................$4,395  
Total............................$31,145  
*Includes network printing and  
scanning, 2,000-sheet LCT and  
duplexing  
Other Available Options  
Token Ring Interface ........$595  
Foreign Interface Kit .........$150  
Industry Analysts, Inc.  
Technical Services Division  
1275 Bloomfield Avenue  
Building 3, Suite 50-C  
Fairfield, New Jersey 07004  
Phone: (973) 227-8699  
Fax: (973) 227-3644  
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IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 3  
IMAGE QUALITY  
Image-quality samples were produced using a variety of applications. Image quality was measured from images  
produced using the default automatic settings.  
Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401  
Black Output  
Color Output  
Copier Optical Density  
1.374  
1.418*  
Copy Resolution - (Minimum line  
pair reproduced per millimeter  
[lp/mm])  
6 lp/mm  
3 pt.  
4 lp/mm  
Printer Resolution -  
(Horizontal/vertical point lines  
produced)  
C
Y
M
K
4 pt.  
4 pt.  
4 pt.  
4 pt.  
Copier Halftone Reproduction -  
(Moiré effect noted in auto mode  
expressed as line  
150/30, 20%  
133/50, 20%  
120/30, 20%  
85/80, 50, 30, 20, 10%  
screen/halftone)  
Minimum Copier Halftone  
Reproduced - (Before white)  
85 line screen/10%  
85 line screen/95%  
150 line screen/5%  
85 line screen/95%  
Maximum Copier Halftone  
Reproduced - (Before black)  
Printer Halftone Reproduction -  
(Using an original with halftones  
ranging from 10% to 100%  
Halftone gradations were even.  
Halftone gradations were even.  
coverage in 10% gradations)  
Positive/Negative Line  
Reproduction - (Discernable  
differences between line widths  
when printed in widths ranging  
from 1 - 6 pts.)  
There were no discernable differences  
between the horizontal and vertical widths  
of the negative and positive lines.  
Positive  
1, 2, 3 pt.  
Negative  
1, 2, 3 pt.  
Positive/ Negative Dot  
Reproduction - (Percent of  
correctly printed 1 and 2 pixel  
positive/negative dots)  
1 Pixel  
2 Pixel  
1 Pixel  
2 Pixel  
Positive  
100%  
Negative  
0%  
Positive  
100%  
Negative  
50%  
Positive  
100%  
Negative  
100%  
Positive  
100%  
Negative  
50%  
*Process black – Image Density  
Image-Quality Discussion  
In testing, the Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401 produced above-average black-and-white image quality. The device  
also produced color image quality that was somewhat better than that produced by other workgroup color devices  
tested to date by IATSD. Note that because there is no fuser oil, prints are less shiny, and are more matte in finish  
when compared to prints produced by some other color laser-imaging devices.  
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IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 4  
NETWORK-PRINTER PRODUCTIVITY  
IATSD determined printer productivity using its controlled Windows 2000 local area network with a Windows  
2000 Professional client. Since printer productivity involves many minor variables (such as network  
hardware/software throughput efficiency, network-queue polling times, network-server processing power and  
computer-workstation processing power), the printer-productivity test results below may be difficult to replicate.  
Productivity tests were performed using a 10-page Microsoft Word text document. Timings were performed using  
default printer settings, and timing began from the “click of the mouse” until the complete exit of the print.  
Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401  
Paper Source/Feed/Output  
Advertised Print Speed  
Print Driver  
Tray 1/Long-edge/Finisher  
40 ppm (black-and-white)  
PCL 6  
PostScript Level 3  
9.3 seconds  
26.2 ppm  
Simplex First Page Out Time  
1 Set Simplex  
12.2 seconds  
12.0 ppm  
22.0 ppm  
27.0 ppm  
32.5 ppm  
25.2 seconds  
10.6 ppm  
19.1 ppm  
22.7 ppm  
26.5 ppm  
3 Sets Simplex  
33.9 ppm  
5 Sets Simplex  
35.1 ppm  
10 Sets Simplex  
35.4 ppm  
Duplex First Page Out Time  
1 Set Simplex to Duplex  
3 Sets Simplex to Duplex  
5 Sets Simplex to Duplex  
10 Sets Simplex to Duplex  
14.0 seconds  
21.2 ppm  
27.2 ppm  
28.9 ppm  
29.0 ppm  
IATSD “Snapshot” of Competitive Productivity Test Results  
In the chart below, the Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s black-and-white printer productivity is compared to the  
black-and-white productivity of another color imaging device tested by IATSD, one rated at 38 ppm by its  
manufacturer in black-and-white mode.  
As can be seen, the Panasonic DP-C401 was faster that the other unit in simplex and duplex PostScript modes (it  
also had faster First Page Out Times in PostScript mode), while the other unit was faster in PCL mode.  
PCL Simplex (Sets)  
ppm FPOT*  
PCL Duplex (Sets)  
10 FPOT*  
PostScript Simplex (Sets)  
PostScript Duplex (Sets)  
10  
1
3
5
1
3
5
10 FPOT* 10 FPOT*  
1
3
5
1
3
5
38 11.44 23.8 31.9 34.1 36.0 18.99 19.0 28.4 31.6 34.4 12.69 21.9 30.9 33.5 35.8 21.31 18.0 26.0 31.6 33.4  
40** 12.20 12.0 22.0 27.0 32.5 25.16 10.6 19.1 22.7 26.5 9.30 26.2 33.9 35.1 35.4 14.00 21.2 27.2 28.9 29.0  
*FPOT = First Page Out Time (seconds).  
**Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401 test results.  
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IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 5  
COPIER PRODUCTIVITY  
Black-and-white copy jobs were timed from the press of the “Start” button until the complete exit of the copy  
using a 10-page original, the document feeder and default automatic settings.  
WORKiO DP-C401  
Paper Source/Feed/Output  
Advertised Print Speed  
Simplex First Copy Out Time  
1 Set Simplex  
Tray 1/Long-edge/Finisher  
40 ppm (black-and-white)  
10.1 seconds  
19.4 ppm  
3 Sets Simplex  
27.7 ppm  
5 Sets Simplex  
28.6 ppm  
10 Sets Simplex  
29.9 ppm  
Duplex First Copy Out Time  
1 Set Simplex to Duplex  
3 Sets Simplex to Duplex  
5 Sets Simplex to Duplex  
10 Sets Simplex to Duplex  
15.6 seconds  
19.0 ppm  
26.2 ppm  
27.2 ppm  
28.1 ppm  
IATSD “Snapshot” of Competitive Productivity Test Results  
In the chart below, the 40-ppm WORKiO DP-C401’s black-and-white copier productivity is compared to that of  
another color device tested by IATSD, one rated at 38 ppm in black-and-white by its manufacturer.  
As may be seen, the WORKiO DP-C401 was faster than the other unit in duplex mode, but slower in simplex  
mode.  
Simplex Copies (Sets)  
Duplex Copies (Sets)  
ppm  
38  
FCOT*  
8.6  
1
3
5
10  
FCOT*  
17.3  
1
3
5
10  
26.0  
19.4  
33.3  
27.7  
35.3  
28.6  
36.9  
29.9  
18.7  
19.0  
23.5  
26.2  
24.8  
27.2  
26.2  
28.1  
40**  
10.1  
15.6  
*First Copy Out Time = FCOT (seconds).  
**Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401 test results.  
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IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 6  
Color Versus Black-and-White Productivity Comparison  
In order to compare the differences in print speed between color and black-and-white output, IATSD made copies  
of a full-color, 10-page MS PowerPoint presentation with a solid background. Tray 1, which was configured for 8-  
1/2” x 11” long-edge feeding, was used as the paper source. Copies were output to the center tray.  
Black Output  
Color Output  
Color/Black & White  
Differential (%)  
First Copy Out Time  
1 Set Simplex  
10.05 seconds  
31.52 seconds  
15.49 seconds  
40.06 seconds  
54.13%  
27.09%  
Productivity Discussion  
Interestingly, when printing black-and-white output, the unit was considerably more productive in Adobe  
PostScript mode, than in PCL mode in testing (usually it is the opposite). First Page Out Times for both simplex  
and duplex were also faster in PostScript mode. Indeed, the unit was more productive in Adobe PostScript 3 mode  
than it was in copier mode.  
In both printer and copier modes, the unit was from 27 to 36 percent slower printing a 10-page document  
containing spot color than when printing black-and-white output.  
First Page Out Time in both copy and print modes was faster than most workgroup color MFPs and was as fast (or  
faster) than that of many tested black-and-white imaging devices.  
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IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 7  
PRINT DRIVERS  
The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401 is equipped with PCL 6 and Adobe PostScript Level 3 print drivers.  
Figures 1-2 – The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s PCL 6 print driver. On the top is the “Paper/Output” (main) tab that  
contains most programming options. On the bottom is the “User Settings” tab where users can store and recall the print  
settings used for commonly printed jobs.  
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IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 8  
Figures 3-4 – The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s PostScript Level 3 print driver. On the top is the “Layout” (main) tab.  
On the bottom is the “Advanced Options” tab. Note that this is the standard user interface provided with the Adobe  
PostScript driver development kit. This means that users with previous PostScript experience will be familiar with its use.  
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Page 9  
Print-Driver Discussion  
The PCL and PostScript print drivers do not have the same user interface. This is a minor disadvantage, as it  
complicates support and training since users may have to learn how to use two user interfaces. Additionally, the  
print drivers do not provide bi-directional communication. Instead, users must consult Internet Services in order to  
see if the device is ready, to view installed paper sizes, etc. Finally, the user interface of the Adobe PostScript  
print driver (Figure 4) is rather difficult to use for programming advanced features. However, the interface is the  
same as nearly every other Adobe PostScript print drivers so users who have PostScript experience will have no  
problems programming the print driver.  
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IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 10  
PRINTER-MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE  
Internet Services  
Internet Services is a Web-based network-printer management solution for  
administrators. It may be accessed by launching a standard Web browser  
and entering the printer’s IP address in the address field. Alternately, it may  
be accessed directly at the computer desktop, without having to launch a  
Web browser. With Internet Services, administrators may access the  
device’s embedded printer Web page. There they can view device status  
(“ready,” “load paper,” etc.), and the device’s print queue. They may also:  
Submit a print job by entering a file name without having to open the  
application with which the file was created, thus saving time.  
Make settings for the job, such as duplex/simplex, number of copies, etc.  
Delete pending print jobs.  
Clients may also use Internet Services to view device status and the status of  
the print queue. However, an administrative password is required to change  
network connectivity and configuration settings.  
Network Scanner  
Utility  
Enables users to access stored data in Internet Services’ mailbox. It includes  
a TWAIN Network Scan Driver that enables users to retrieve scanned  
documents stored in Internet Services’ mailboxes.  
Figure 5 – The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s Internet Services’ printer Web page. Internet Services enables users to  
view the DP-C401’s status and availability via a standard Web browser, and does not require the installation of any software  
on the user’s workstation. Administrators may also remotely monitor and configure network settings with Internet Services.  
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Page 11  
Figure 6 – The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s Internet Services indicating current paper levels (in percentage), and  
currently installed paper sizes, types and priority.  
Figure 7 – The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s Internet Services, here indicating in percentage the remaining toner in each  
of the four toner cartridges.  
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Page 12  
Figure 8 – The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s Internet Services. Above, the administrator may create password-protected  
electronic mailboxes where scanned files may be stored and retrieved by users  
Figure 9 – The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s Internet Services job log indicating the status of various print jobs.  
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Page 13  
Printer-Management Software Discussion  
Printer-Management Software Discussion: The WORKiO DP-C401 features Internet Services, an exceptionally  
complete printer Web home page. Internet Services is clearly part of a well-thought-out printer-management and  
usability strategy. It is not an afterthought, which is the case with many competitors.  
In order to view device readiness and status, users consult the printer’s Web home page, Internet Services. Here  
users can check if the device is ready, and the installed paper sizes and types, as well as remaining paper levels.  
Among many other features, there are also links to the administrator’s e-mail address.  
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IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 14  
NETWORK SCANNING  
With the WORKiO DP-C401, users can scan using two methods. First, users may either store a scanned job in  
one of Internet Services’ mailboxes, and then later retrieve the scanned stored document at their desk using  
Internet Services. Users can save scanned documents in JPEG or TIFF format.  
Administrators must set up Internet Services’ mailboxes for their different users. Administrators will typically  
assign mailboxes individual passwords; in order to retrieve document stored from within their particular mailbox,  
the user must enter a password that the administrator sets for them.  
Second, users can also scan and retrieve documents using Job Templates created by the administrator (the  
administrator uses Internet Services to create these scanning templates).  
These Job Templates specify scan settings, such as “full color,” and in which mailbox the scanned document  
should be stored. Administrators can create up to 250 job templates.  
For instance, the administrator can configure mailbox #1 for user “Jon” and assign the mailbox the password  
“Private.” When Jon wishes to scan, he selects mailbox #1 at the WORKiO DP-C401 touch screen, loads the  
document in the document feeder, makes document settings such as simplex/duplex, and presses “Start.” The  
document is electronically stored in his mailbox. In order to access the document, the password “Private” must be  
entered (i.e., note that the administrator may assign different passwords for different users).  
Retrieving Documents Using Internet Services  
Scanned documents stored in Internet Services mailboxes may be viewed, retrieved or deleted using Internet  
Services. The user must:  
1. Launch Internet Services (enter the printer’s IP address in the Web browser’s address field).  
2. To retrieve the entire document, select the Retrieve option.  
3. To retrieve specific pages of the document, check the Enable box, type in the page numbers, and then select the  
Retrieve option.  
4. Open or Save the document.  
Retrieving Documents Using The TWAIN Driver  
In order to import a scanned document into their software application, users must:  
1. Launch their TWAIN-compatible software application (such as Microsoft Word).  
2. Select the TWAIN scanning source.  
3. Select the DP-C401 from Sources, then select OK.  
4. From the File menu, select the command to import the image from the scanner.  
5. Select the scanner for connection from the list, then select Scanner, or “double-click” on the displayed scanner  
name.  
6. Enter the mailbox password, and select Open Mailbox.  
7. Select the desired document, and select Import.  
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Page 15  
Network-Scanning Discussion  
Overall, the Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s network-scanning capability is not as extensive as that of some other  
systems. The WORKiO DP-C401 provides scan-to-FTP sites and scanning to Internet Services’ mailboxes. Users  
scan to Internet Services’ mailboxes by either selecting a particular mailbox at the touch screen, or by selecting a  
pre-configured Job Template at the touch screen. At the desktop, users may retrieve the scanned document by  
either using Internet Services, or by “pulling” documents into their software application. Unlike some other digital  
copier/printers, it does not provide scan-to-e-mail, scan-to-fax or network scanning “on the fly” (i.e., users cannot  
enter a new scanning destination at the device’s control panel).  
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Page 16  
CONTROLS & MAINTENANCE  
Figure 10 The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s control panel.  
Figure 11 – The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s touch screen (main screen).  
Figure 12 – Additional copier features displayed on the touch screen.  
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Page 17  
Figure 13 – Various image-quality options displayed on the touch screen.  
Figure 14 – Job-assembly options displayed on the touch screen.  
Adding Paper: Adding paper is easy, as it basically involves simply adjusting paper-size guides.  
Figure 15 – Adjusting one of the unit’s paper drawers.  
Changing Paper Sizes: Changing paper sizes is simple, as the paper trays are easy to adjust. Additionally, the  
touch screen automatically indicates new installed paper sizes. This means that, unlike with some other systems,  
the user need not program-in new installed paper sizes.  
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Page 18  
Adding Toner: Adding toner is very easy to perform. It is one of the cleanest (if not the cleanest) toner-addition  
processes IATSD has evaluated to date.  
Removing Misfeeds: The short paper path provides minimal misfeed areas with good access as well as detailed  
instructions so that misfeeds can be easily removed. Overall, the unit provides easy misfeed clearance.  
Figure 16 – The finisher’s misfeed-access area.  
Figure 17 – The finisher’s bridge misfeed-access area.  
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Page 19  
Figure 18 – Another view of the finisher’s bridge misfeed-access area.  
Controls and Maintenance Discussion  
Overall, it’s hard to find fault with either the Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401’s control panel and touch screen, or  
with the design of its paper trays and the ease of changing supplies. The control panel and touch screen are  
virtually self-explanatory – both are well-laid out, are not cluttered, and are simple to use. However, while it is  
easy to access and remove misfeeds from the base unit, removing misfeeds from the optional finisher can be  
complicated.  
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Page 20  
Competitive Advantages  
In testing, the Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401 produced excellent black-and-white image quality. The device  
also produced color image quality that was as good or better than that produced by other workgroup color  
devices tested to date by IATSD.  
Efficient printer controller (Power PC), which experienced no difficulty outputting complex color images.  
The WORKiO DP-C401 is easy to use and maintain; for instance, it automatically indicates on the touch screen  
and over the network when new paper sizes are installed.  
Excellent printer Web home page (Internet Services).  
Outstanding, easy-to-use control panel and touch screen.  
Easy and clean supply maintenance.  
At a list price of $26,750 the WORKiO DP-C401 comes “fully loaded” with color network printing, network  
scanning, 2,000-sheet LCT and duplexing. The only items that are optional are the finisher, Token Ring  
interface and foreign-interface kit.  
Ample standard paper capacity (3,140 sheets) and versatile paper-weight handling (16 lb. bond -110 lbs.  
index).  
Competitive Disadvantages  
Relatively long warm-up time when compared to other workgroup imaging devices.  
No manual standby mode or saddle-stitch finisher.  
Adobe PostScript print driver user interface is difficult to use; however, the unit is more productive in  
PostScript mode.  
Priced higher than other digital color copier/printers that have faster advertised speeds than the WORKiO DP-  
C401.  
Limited network-scanning capability. No scan-to-e-mail or network folder. No scanning directly to the user’s  
computer desktop (the user must retrieve scanned documents using the TWAIN-compatible Network Scanning  
Utility and Internet Services).  
Most Suitable For:  
Less Suitable For:  
Black-and-white and color copying and printing.  
Office environments requiring fax and scan-to-e-  
mail capability.  
Small- to mid-size workgroups.  
Production black-and-white and color  
applications.  
Short-run production color applications  
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Page 21  
Conclusion  
The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401 performed exceptionally well in testing. Indeed, it produced black-and-white  
image quality that was better than that produced by many black-and-white only devices tested. At the same time,  
the WORKiO DP-C401’s color image quality and productivity was better than that of many color workgroup  
devices as well. Note, however, that the WORKiO DP-C401’s prints have a less glossy appearance (are more  
“matte”) than prints produced by some other color laser devices.  
The Panasonic WORKiO DP-C401 was also supremely easy to use, as it is equipped with the best user interface  
IATSD has seen to date among color MFPs. It is also exceptionally easy to deploy and manage, as it is easy to  
install on the network, there is minimal software to install and support, and users will require minimal support and  
training on its use.  
As with all office imaging devices, in testing, the unit had several minor weaknesses:  
1. Warm-up time is longer than that of black-and-white MFPs.  
2. When printing in color, the unit pauses at random intervals in order to calibrate one or more of the color drum  
units. This happens with other color MFPs, but not with other black-and-white MFPs.  
3. With the Panasonic DP-C401, there are potential cost and/or management considerations due to the fact that a  
full color page can cost upwards of 8.9¢. Of course, keep in mind that the WORKiO DP-C401’s black-and-  
white supply cost per page is comparable to that of black-and-white MFPs.  
4. There is no bi-directional communication in the print drivers so users have to consult the excellent Internet  
Services printer Web page for device status and configuration information.  
All things considered, the WORKiO DP-C401 is as close to being a perfect color MFP that IATSD has evaluated  
to date. Several options would only enhance the unit, including the addition of a manual energy-save key, saddle-  
stitch booklet-making finisher option and document three-hole punch option. Network scanning with send-to-e-  
mail, authentication and LDAP-compatibility would also be desirable.  
2003 INDUSTRY ANALYSTS, INC.  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
IATSD Critical Test Report – Panasonic WORKio DP-C401  
Page 22  
Contact Information  
INDUSTRY ANALYSTS, INC.  
INDUSTRY ANALYSTS, INC.  
Technical Services Division  
50 Chestnut Plaza  
Suite 900  
Rochester, NY 14604  
1275 Bloomfield Avenue  
Building 3, Unit 50C  
Fairfield, NJ 07004  
Phone: (585) 232-5320  
Fax: (585) 454-5760  
Phone: (973) 227-8699  
Fax: (973) 227-3644  
This test report is part of an ongoing series of Critical Test Reports from Industry Analysts Technical Services  
Division (IATSD). Portions of the report may be viewed free-of-charge at our Web site  
(http://www.industryanalysts.com). Reprints are available for a nominal fee. Reproduction in any form without  
permission is strictly forbidden and will be subject to prosecution.  
2003 INDUSTRY ANALYSTS, INC.  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

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