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-------------------------------------------------------------- This story was printed from ZDNet Australia. --------------------------------------------------------------
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Printers, Scanners and Monitors September 12, 2001 URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/reviews/hardware/printersscanners/soa/Printers-Scanners-and-Monitors/0,139023422,120107191,00.htm
IntroductionFrom Flat Faced monitors, budget printers and cool, compact scanners, we look at the essential PC Peripherals. Samsung SyncMaster 770TFT
Samsung SyncMaster 770TFTThink it's impossible to get your hands on a 17-inch flat-panel display for less than AU$5,500? Not anymore. Samsung has just released its AU$5,489 SyncMaster 770TFT, a 17-incher that offers the equivalent viewing area of a conventional 19-inch CRT. The 770TFT supports a maximum resolution of 1,280 x 1,024 pixels at a 76Hz refresh rate. It can swivel on its base to offer both portrait and landscape views, and supports optional multimedia stereo speakers.
Price: AU$5,489 Lexmark Z12 Color JetprinterWith an estimated price of AU$149, the Z12 Color Jetprinter has the distinction of being the least expensive inkjet printer sold by Lexmark Australia. The printer supports 300-, 600-, and 1,200-dpi resolutions, though it defaults to 600 dpi unless you manually change the settings. We wouldn't recommend using the Z12 to print business reports, presentations, or other documents that require a professional look. But for home users who have the occasional print job, the price can't be beat.
Company: Lexmark
HP ScanJet 4300CThe 36-bit, 600-by-1,200 dpi HP ScanJet 4300C (AU$399) is a reliable scanner with a well-rounded software package that includes Corel Print House 2000. Setup is nearly goof-proof, with an auto-run CD that guides you through hardware and software installation. If you need to scan to PDF, the ScanJet is a bargain, and its copy function is the best we tested.
Company: Hewlett Packard
Canon CanoScan N1220UThe 42-bit, 1,200-by-1,200 dpi Canon CanoScan N1220U (AU$299) commands attention for its slim, stylish design. The unit is unbeatable for scanning in tight, confined places and can even scan on its side via a plastic stand that holds the scanner upright. The CanoScan, only about 2.5 cms thick, weighs 1.49 kgs, thanks in part to CIS technology, which has fewer parts and requires less energy than CCD scanners do. Powered through USB, the CanoScan cuts the need for extra AC adaptors.
Company: Canon
HP DeskJet 350CBiIn our print-cost measurements, we eked out an impressive 62 full-page colour photographs from a tricolour cartridge yielding low per-page cost of AU$1.12. The DeskJet 350CBi also comes with an infrared adaptor and NiMH battery. The HP DeskJet 350CBi is a cleverly designed portable inkjet printer that's small enough to toss into a briefcase. It's solidly built and reasonably priced at AU$542. Company: Hewlett Packard Ph: 13 29 47; Fax: 03 9898 1968 Price: AU$542 Acer P911At first glance, the 19 inch flat faced, no-frills Acer P911 appears to have few redeeming qualities. However, the Mitsubishi Diamondtron tube displays exceptionally sharp images, even at the highest resolutions. We found 10-point text to be quite readable at 1,600 x 1,200, even though the focus became softer as we exceeded 1,280 x 1,024, which was to be expected. Our test screens remained uniformly sharp and evenly lit. If you care about sharp focus and a strong 3 year warranty, but don't need the extras, the Acer P911 is an excellent choice.
Company: Acer
Hitachi CM771Some monitors follow the pack; others blaze a trail. As the world's first flat-face, Invar shadow-mask monitor, the Hitachi CM771 does the latter. Unlike aperture-grille monitors, which require periodic adjustment of convergence settings, the AU$1,285 CM771 has a specially shaped reflection yoke, which, according to Hitachi, is better able to hold its convergence settings. We were wowed by the performance of the Hitachi CM771, especially at 1,280x1,024 and 1,600x1,200. If image sharpness and brightness are more important than conveniences such as a built-in microphone or extra USB ports, this monitor should be your top choice.
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