Canon iR5075N Printer

There's more with MIND (modular identification network device) which allows you to authenticate with the printer using devices such as PIN keypads, fingerprint recognition, swipe cards or even a retinal scanner. MEAP (multifunctional embedded application platform) supports authentication using PIN codes and employs the printer's control panel for user authentication whilst LDAP support allows you to specify a directory server and gather details on AD users and groups.

Canon takes the issue of disabled users seriously as the printer supports voice guidance. Aimed at visually impaired users this unit issues audible instructions, which confirm what the user has asked the printer to do. Remote operator software is also available allowing wheelchair users to control the printer from a network PC.

Printer management is aided admirably by Canon's optional uniFLOW Output Manager software. From its tidy browser interface you can set up base data on users, groups, cost centres, price profiles and so on and apply printing budgets at the departmental and user levels. Printer clusters allow documents to be sent to colour or mono printers depending on requirements and other uses could be to send large prints to a low-cost, high volume printer rather than a user's desk-side printer. And talking of costs, Canon uses an industry standard method of calculating a click charge which is a set price per page based on costs for labour, parts and toner. Canon advised us that the maximum click charge would be around 0.73 pence per page making for comparatively low printing costs.

It makes good business sense for companies to amalgamate all their printing and copying requirements into a single solution as this allows them to control usage more precisely, cut wastage and implement better security. The iR5075N certainly looks capable of fulfilling this role as it offers a wealth of features and optional extras, is extremely fast and is easy to use and manage.