Test Report Ir400

Test Report
MULTIFUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS
Canon imageRUNNER 400E (40 CPM / SEGMENT 3 Copier/Printer/Fax/PC Fax/Scanner)
450,000 impressions in three months

Manufacturer: Canon U.S.A., Inc. Lake Success, NY Made in Japan Suggested retail price: $18,060 for the base unit (includes DADF-A1), super G3 fax board-F1 and network multi-PDL printer boardH1; $25,463 as tested with the saddle finisher-C2 ($3,938), cassette-feeding unit-R1 ($2,100) and scanning interface boardD1 ($1,365). Type: Console, CCD digital scanner, dual laser beam imaging, bond sheet paper, dry toner, monocomponent developing system, heat and pressure fusing multifunctional device with standard copying, printing, fax and PC fax send capabilities and optional PC scanning. Manufacturers recommended monthly volume: Up to 150,000 copies. BLIs recommended monthly volume for optimum performance: Up to 60,000 impressions.
Test period duration:
GENERAL APPRAISAL
The Canon imageRUNNER 400E, a very versatile 40-ppm Segment 3 laser-based multifunctional unit, with standard copying, printing, fax and PC fax send capabilities and optional PC scanning, performed without a failure throughout its 450,000-impression BLI evaluation, the highest number of impressions ever produced by BLI on a Segment 3 unit, although seven preventive maintenance calls were performed, resulting in an MIBS (Mean Impressions Between Service) rate of 64,285 impressions. Impressively, the test unit misfed only five times, for an excellent misfeed rate of one per 90,000 impressions. Many positive aspects of the Canon
continued
Copyright 2000. WARNING: This material is copyrighted by Buyers Laboratory Inc. and is the sole property of Buyers Laboratory. Duplication of this proprietary report or excerpts from this report, in any manner, whether printed or electronic (including, but not limited to, copying, faxing, scanning or use on a fax-back system), is illegal and strictly forbidden without written permission from Buyers Laboratory. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. To purchase reprints to any BLI reports or articles, contact BLI at (201) 488-0404. Buyers Laboratory Inc., 20 Railroad Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
1791-TR
BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT
Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional
General Appraisal continued

imageRUNNER 400E were established during BLIs testing. For example, it offers an easy-to-use combination touch-sensitive/ hard-key control panel design that incorporates a help function and a check modes (job review) key for easier programming of complex copy jobs. Ease of use was also good from the desktop using the printer drivers supplied with the optional network multi-PDL print controller (an EFI-developed device), and the unit also offers easy procedures for adding toner, clearing misfeeds and adding paper. Moreover, versus previously tested Segment 3 multifunctional models, our evaluations showed that the imageRUNNER 400E offers competitive copying and printing efficiency rates. Also noteworthy is that there is less than a 10 percent drop-off between its BLI-tested copying and printing efficiency (printer efficiency is almost always lower), a very rare finding among multifunctionals in any segment tested to date. However, it should also be pointed out that this units 2:2 and 1:2 copying speeds in 10 different jobs run by BLI technicians were all within one copy per minute of the less expensive Canon imageRUNNER 330E, which has a rated speed of seven pages per minute slower than that of the imageRUNNER 400E. When copying, the test unit produced image quality that earned BLIs highest quality rating for all types of copying jobs (the unit scans originals and outputs both copies and prints at 600 dpi resolution in 256 levels of gray); however, for printing jobs, the unit received BLIs highest quality rating for text and line art originals, but halftones and solids were rated as only fair.
Connectivity/Multitasking
The test unit was connected to BLIs test network via the standard embedded Canon multi-PDL print board, which includes a 10BaseT/100BaseTX network interface. (BLIs detailed analysis can be found under Performance Of Printer Functions). All of the features and functions of the imageRUNNER 400E that would be expected to be available for printing are accessible from the users workstation. Network traffic is reduced since multiple print jobs can be spooled to, RIPped and stored on the units internal hard disk drive. Print jobs can be permanently stored and printed again later, and users can change or reprint jobs without having to resend the job from the networked PC (the ability to change job settings, such as paper size and number of prints, when reprinting stored jobs is a function rarely found in this Segment). Secure printing to up to 100 mailbox locations is also supported. A graphical indication of installed options of the imageRUNNER 400E are automatically displayed on the driver at the desktop and fault messages (e.g., out of paper) were accurate and helpful. Desktop users can check the status of print jobs via the NetSpot or Fiery WebTools software programs. Use of NetSpots features is aided by Canons excellent on-line documentation; moreover, the print drivers are easy to use owing to their good overall layout. Administrators and users can pause, delete or reprioritize jobs, making queue management better than on most competitive systems, and multiple Canon imaging devices can be managed by NetSpot administration software. Moreover,
continued
1792-TR

the Fiery WebSpooler job administration utility is considered by BLI technicians to be superior to the job administration utilities of most other units tested to date in this segment. The imageRUNNER 400Es multitasking capabilities are limited, although similar to those of most other multifunctional models tested in this speed range. For example, only one copying job can be programmed while a print job is in progress; while a copy job is in progress, pre-programming another copying job is not possible. A positive aspect of its multitasking, however, is that the priority level (level 1, 2 or 3) can be set for each mode, an advantage versus most other competitive models. Separate non-resettable counters for each function (copy, print and fax) are available for expanded tracking capability. Copy, fax and print jobs can be separated by programming them to be sent to either the upper, middle or lower trays of the optional saddle-stitch finisher tested by BLI. Jobs can easily be reprioritized at the control panel or at the desktop, a function few other units allow. In addition, the user can establish either copy or fax as the default mode. units in general, regardless of whether they employ digital or analog technology: (1) The imageRUNNER 400E, at 40 ppm, is one of the fastest current fax output solutions on the market. Furthermore, the unit boasts a powerful set of state-of-the-art fax features, including a 33.6-Kbps modem speed, JBIG compression, a relatively large fax memory, ITU subaddressing, duplex send and receive, bulletin board memory box and an optional second telephone line capability. (2) A choice of finishing options, one of which offers saddlestitching, folding and hole punching in addition to stapling (only a handful of competitive models offer this many advanced finishing functions). (3) Standard PC fax sending and optional black-and-white PC scanning are two additional capabilities of the unit offered by only a very few competitive units in this speed range (note, however, that the copy and fax-send modes are unavailable when scanning and that network scanning is not supported by Canon). (4) An auto centering mode. (5) Detailed print job log data (such as account number, total prints produced, etc.) can be exported in comma-delimited format for administration and job tracking purposes, thus enhancing the key operators ability to track print usage data by employee or department. Also, usage data can be printed either directly from the imageRUNNER 400E or with an optional control card printer.
Other Strengths
As with most digital copier/printers, the Canon imageRUNNER 400E offers numerous advantages versus analog units, the most important of which is the ability to serve as a network printer (for a comprehensive listing of the advantages of digital copiers, see the BLI Special Report entitled Making The Transition To Digital Office Copiers: A Buyers Guide). Furthermore, the Canon imageRUNNER 400E also offers the following advantages versus other Segment 3
Shortcomings
The Canon imageRUNNER 400E has several shortcomings versus competitive Segment 3 units: (1) In part because of a drum yield of only 55,000 impressions, well below average for its class, PMs on the unit are specified by
continued
1793-TR

Canon every 60,000 impressions. On BLIs test unit, this resulted in a low overall MIBS (Mean Impressions Between Service) rate, although it should be emphasized that no failures occurred during testing. At BLIs recommended maximum monthly volume rating, the unit will require one PM per month, certainly an acceptable servicing frequency given the test units failure-free track record. (2) There is no program ahead or copy reserve feature while copying. (3) The unit has among the slowest first-copy times for products in Segment 3 both from the platen and the feeder. (4) The unit has one of the lowest per-canister toner yields and per-gram toner yields among previously tested Segment 3 units. (5) There is no 1:1 mode key on the units control panel. (6) The unit received only a fair rating for its ease of changing paper sizes. Based upon the above-highlighted test results and conclusions, BLI considers the very versatile Canon imageRUNNER 400E to be a solid overall performer. Therefore, BLI recommends the unit for combined monthly copying, printing and faxing volumes of up to 60,000 impressions. Guarantee/Warranty: The Canon image-RUNNER 400E is backed by a 90-day warranty. Copy Quality: Text: ..................................... Good. Line art: ............................... Good. Halftones: ............................ Good. Solids: ................................... Good. Print Quality: Text: ..................................... Good. Line art: ............................... Good. Halftones: ............................ Fair. Solids: ................................... Fair. Ease of use: .......................... Good. Ease of maintenance: .......... Good. Estimated waste: ................. Low. Estimated downtime: ......... Moderate (due to the units short PM schedule). Misfeeds: .............................. 5 Misfeed rate: ....................... 1 misfeed per 90,000 impressions Total service calls (including PMs): ................. 7 MIBF: .................................. Not Applicable MIBS: ................................... 64,285 Toner yield
continued
Pricing Analysis And Summary

BLIs pricing analysis of the Canon imageRUNNER 400E took into consideration two different configurations of the unit since the model tested comes standard with printing and faxing capabilities, which are options on most competitive models (only a very small number of models in the 35- to 45-ppm speed range offer faxing). For example, when the retail cost of the imageRUNNER 400E was compared to other connected units in its speed class, it was found to be competitively priced. Versus analog and non-connected digital copiers as a group, the imageRUNNER 400S, the standalone copier version of the imageRUNNER 400E, is significantly less expensive (roughly 9 percent lower, amounting to more than $1,000 less).
1794-TR

(at 6% coverage): ................ 9,117 impressions Cost per copy: ..................... See Cost Analysis
FEATURES
Automatic selection features: Automatic exposure control; automatic reduction/enlargement selection; automatic paper selection; auto start (allows a user to program a copy job to automatically begin copying after the warm-up cycle is complete; originals can be scanned into memory during warm-up); auto sleep mode, auto tray switching; auto image rotation. Book copy: Yes. Bypass: Standard non-intelligent 50-sheet stack-feed bypass. Control codes/tracking: Can restrict access and track usage for up to 300 users/departments for copying and faxing. Once restricted access has been activated, both copy and fax modes can only be accessed using an ID code. A password can also be programmed for each department, so users could be required to enter both a department ID and a user ID. Copy totals for each department can then be printed from the imageRUNNER 400Es control panel. The imageRUNNER 400E utilizes separate non-resettable mechanical meters for each function (copy, print and fax). Document feeder: Standard 50-sheet reversing automatic document feeder (RADF). See Performance of Tested Special Features. Duplexing: Standard stackless duplex unit. See Performance Of Tested Special Features. Energy-save mode: Yes. The energy-saver mode setting is user-programmable for 10% (10% less power; approximately nine seconds before a copy can be made); -25% (30% less power; approximately 20 seconds before a copy can be made); -40% (43% less power, approximately 33 seconds before a copy can be made). Exposure controls: Automatic exposure; touch keys are used to manually control the density over a range of nine settings. Text, text/photo and photo modes. Sharpness mode allows the user to adjust the level of sharpness (over a range of nine settings) to high (text and line copy) or low (photographs). Fax features: Standard; 33.6-Kbps modem speed; MH/MR/ MMR/JBIG compression; duplex send and receive faxing; 200 autodialing destinations (60 one-touch keys and 140 speed-dial codes, which are programmable for various settings and functions, such as send time, send speed, ITU subaddressing, one of five long-distance modes; group dialing (60 groups; up to 199 destinations per group); multi access; relay request; transfer reception; confidential communication with 99 memory boxes; memory reception (documents can be printed only when an ID code is entered); batch sending, bulletin board memory box (allows documents scanned to the bulletin board memory box to be sent to another fax unit/user that specifies the memory boxs subaddress and transmit password); optional dual telephone lines. Image manipulation features: Original frame erase (erases the borders around the original image when the original is smaller than selected paper size); book frame erase (erases the borders and center margin when copying from a bound original; sheet frame erase (creates a " blank border around the edge of the copy); binding erase (erases the shadows on copies created by the binding holes from the original); booklet mode (scanned originals are automatically arranged to make a signature booklet); negative/positive reversal; image combination/image separation (2-in-1, 4-in-1; 8-in-1; simplex/duplex modes); image shift (left and right margins are user-programmable for from 0 to 3/4" in 1/16" increments; top and bottom margins are user-programmable for from 1/16" to 3/4" in 1/16" increments; shift mode (corner and center shift; moves image to the corner or the center of the page; the location of the shifted image is also programmable by the user via the multicopy keys); image overlay (sheet overlaysuperimposes the images from two originals onto one sheet; book overlayallows user to superimpose images from facing pages in a book or magazine onto a single copy); image repeat (image can be repeated up to
1795-TR
FEATURES continued
20 times on a copy); poster mode (referred to by Canon as multi-page enlargement). Insertion features: OHP (transparency) interleaving (blank or copied insert sheets). Interface: Standard Centronics IEEE 1284 Level 2 bidirectional parallel port and 10BaseT/100BaseTX (RJ45) network interface for printing/PC fax functions and optional SCSI-2 interface for PC scanning. Job management features: Interrupt key. Settings for up to nine copy jobs can be stored and recalled plus a previous job setting recall key (referred to Canon as recall mode; when selected, the user can recall the settings for one of the three last copy jobs). Languages: None other than English. Memory: Tested with the standard 64-MB image memory (copy, print and fax; expandable to 96 MB); 2.1-GB hard disk. Part of the memory is reserved for image storage. Operating system support: Microsoft Windows 95, 98 and NT 4.0, Macintosh and UNIX. Output device: Tested with optional saddle-stitch finisher (see Performance Of Tested Special Features; see Accessories for additional output options). Printer features: Canons network multi-PDL print board is based on a 32-bit, 200-MHz MIPS R5000 processor; PCL 5e and Adobe PostScript 3. Mailbox printing (a print job can be stored to a mailbox where it can held until the user prints the document from the control panel either with a password [if the mailbox location was setup with a password] or without a password). See Performance of Printer Functions. Reduction/enlargement features: Variable reduction from 25% to 800% in 1% increments; preset reduction settings of 25%, 50%, 64.7%, 73.3% and 78.6% and preset enlargement settings of 121.4%, 129.4%, 200%, 400% and 800%. XY independent zoom. Entire image mode reduces the image on the original slightly (based on selected paper size and the image size). Remote diagnostics: None. Resolution (maximum): 600-dpi scanning, with 600-dpi output in copy mode; up to 600-dpi printing; up to 600x-600 dpi faxing. User programs: Default settings are programmable by the user via various touch-screen menus. Other features: Weekly timer; optional scanning.
Control Panel
Type: Combination hard keys and a 4-3/4" x 3-1/2" touchscreen graphic LCD display. Help key: Yes (referred to by Canon as the Guide key). Indicators/prompts: Messages are shown on the LCD touch-screen display when a misfeed or problem has occurred or service is required, and a graphic display of the copier is also shown to indicate the location of a misfeed. Quantity display/selector: Three-digit LCD display. Makes 1 to 999 copies. Approximately two minutes after the last copy is made, the quantity select display resets to 1 and all selected features reset to the default setting (reset time is user-adjustable for from one to nine minutes in one-minute increments or to off).
Canon imageRUNNER 400E Control Panel
1796-TR
FEATURES continued
Canon imageRUNNER 400E Accessories
Finisher C1 (Multi-Position Auto Stapler): Suggested retail price, $2,625. The multi-position auto stapler has three trays, top, middle and lower, plus an interrupt tray. In non-sort mode, the top tray holds 300 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 150 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The middle tray holds 1,000 20-lb. sheets of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" or 500 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The lower tray holds 200 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 100 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. In sort and group modes, the top tray holds 300 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 150 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The middle tray holds 750 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 500 8-1/2" x 11"R, 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The lower tray holds 200 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 100 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The top and middle trays have a built-in two-position stapler (upper-left diagonal and booklet, left side of page). Staple capacity, 50 8-1/2" x 11" sheets or 30 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" sheets of 20-lb. bond. The interrupt tray, which is automatically selected when producing copies while in the interrupt mode, holds 50 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 5-1/2" x 8-1/2"R and 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 30 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. Acceptable paper weights, 13 to 32 lbs. Saddle-Finisher-C2 (Saddle Stitch Finisher): Suggested retail price, $3,938. See Performance Of Tested Special Features. Finisher-E1 (Stapler Stacker Finisher): Suggested retail price, $1,234. The stapler stacker finisher has two trays, finishing and output. In sort and group modes, each tray holds 1,000 20-lb. sheets ranging in size from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" or 500 8-1/2" x 14" to 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. Stapling capacity, 30 8-1/2" x 11" and 8-1/2" x 11"R 20-lb. sheets or 15 8-1/2" x 14" to 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. Paper Deck B1: Suggested retail price, $2,351. Holds 3,500 sheets of 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. bond paper. Cassette-Feeding UnitR1: Suggested retail price, $2,100. Includes four additional 500-sheet drawers for 20-lb. sheets ranging in size from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 11" x 17". Cassette-Feeding UnitS1: Suggested retail price, $1,523. Includes two additional 500-sheet drawers for 20-lb. sheets ranging in size from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 11" x 17". Output Indicator Lamp: Suggested retail price, $126. When installed on the Finisher-C1 or Saddle Finisher-C2, the indicator lamp will flash to indicate when printing from the computer or fax, and remain constant once printing is complete. Cassette-M1: Suggested retail price, $131. Cassette-N1: Suggested retail price, $131. Cabinet: Suggested retail price, $243. Document Tray-D1: Suggested retail price, $58. SCSI Cable G: Suggested retail price, $150. Network Interface Kit-TR4: Suggested retail price, $998. Used to connect the imageRUNNER 400E to a Token Ring network. Control Card V: Suggested retail price, $306. Utilizes plastic optical cards ($153 for set 1 to 30; $336 for set 31 to 100; $448 for set 101 to 200) that can be issued to individuals or departments. Can track copies and/or prevent unauthorized use of the copier by using the account number on each card. Data on cards can be cleared or reset. Control Card Printer-A1: Suggested retail price, $147. Allows the Control Card V data to be printed.
1797-TR
TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Test Equipment: BLIs dedicated test network, consisting of NetWare 4.11 file servers, Windows NT 4.0 file servers and Windows 95, 98 and NT workstations.
Reliability
PMs/Malfunctions Meter count (beginning of test) PM PM PM PM PM PM PM Total Misfeeds/Misfeed Rate Service Calls PMs Total Service Calls (including PMs) M.I.B.F.1 M.I.B.S.2 Performed PM Performed PM Performed PM Performed PM Performed PM Performed PM Performed PM 5 / 1 per 90,000 impressions 0 7 7 Not applicable 64,285 Service Required Meter Count (Impressions) 0 60,113 127,486 181,810 256,090 324,801 363,655 419,789 67,373 54,324 74,280 68,711 38,854 56,134 Impressions Between Service
1 Mean Impressions Between Failures (To obtain this number, BLI divides the total number of impressions produced during the test period by the number of service calls required. In actuality, it reflects the average number of impressions produced without a malfunction.) 2 Mean Impressions Between Service (To obtain this number, BLI divides the total number of impressions produced during the test period by the number of service calls, including preventive maintenance calls, required. In actuality, it reflects the average number of impressions produced without a service call.)
Maintenance
When the Please add toner message appeared on the LCD display, the user was required to add toner. Toner cannot be added while the unit is producing copies/prints. A 530g toner canister yielded an average of 9,117 copies in the test when tested in print mode using the BLI Toner Yield Test Original, which has 6% coverage (Canon claims a yield of 10,600 copies per canister when an original with 6% coverage is used). Canon states that the expected yield of the organic drum is 55,000 impressions. PMs are scheduled every 60,000 impressions. The ozone filter must be cleaned every 250,000 impressions. (Unless otherwise noted, all of the above consumables that would normally be replaced during the course of this test met or exceeded the life expectancy specified by the vendor.)
1798-TR
TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

User-Replaceable Consumables
Ease of adding toner: Good. The front cover on the unit must be opened to access the toner reservoir. The user pulls out the toner reservoir until it stops, places the canister on the toner reservoir and locks it in place. The user then pulls the seal forward to allow the toner to fill the reservoir, pushes the seal door inward and removes the toner canister from the imageRUNNER. The user then slides the toner reservoir back into place and closes the front cover.
TONER YIELD (BASED ON 6% PAGE COVERAGE)

Toner Canister Weight
Full 729.2 grams Empty 197.9 grams Net Weight 531.3 grams Toner Yield (Impressions) 9,117 Impressions Per Gram 17.2
Guarantee/Warranty: The Canon imageRUNNER 400E is backed by a 90-day warranty.
Ease of Operation
Documentation: Good. Seven manuals are included with the Canon imageRUNNER 400E: separate manuals for the facsimile, scanning and copying functions (the latter referred to as a Reference Manual) and four printer manuals (two Getting Started Printer Guides, one for PCL and PostScript) for setup, a guide for users and a guide for administrators. In addition to containing basic information on installation, setup and use of the unit, the Reference Manual explains maintenance procedures such as replacing toner and clearing paper jams, as well as information on key operator/system administration functions, and it includes charts and diagrams that were helpful when navigating the imageRUNNER 400Es control panel menu system. All of the manuals are very organized. The copier, fax and reference manuals each contain a master index so the user can look up a feature or function in the copier manual, for example, and be referred to the appropriate page in the fax manual. The four printer guides have individual indexes specific to each manual. Thorough explanations of driver settings and features are included, along with information on Fiery WebTools and Spooler utilities. Although a 20page Quick Start guide that contains information on running the NetSpot software utility is included, the documentation for NetSpot otherwise consists only of on-line documentation from the Help menu, once the software is up and running. While novice users may find the lack of printed documentation a drawback (since the software must be up and running to use it and since an Internet browser is also required), the online documentation was very thorough, covering NetSpot functions, managing devices, managing jobs and step-by-step configuration routines for the various networks supported by the imageRUNNER 400E. It also includes a glossary of terms and a troubleshooting section. Since it is in HTML format, the user can search through the documentation to easily find the topic on which they need information. Numerous hot links throughout the document also aid the user in quickly finding the needed information. Ease of use: Good. The touch-screen control panel menu system is set up well, and the user can easily find desired functions. Three clearly labeled keys (Copy, Fax, Print I/F) are backlighted when selected to indicate the selected mode. The LCD panel, which is adjustable for varying lighting conditions, was easy to read. The special features icon allows users to gain access to more advanced functions. Two usercustomizable settings for commonly used features, which can be selected from 14 choices, can be saved and accessed at the bottom left of the main control panel. Ease of use as a printer was also good, with well-laidout print drivers and good utilities for monitoring the
1799-TR

status of the device and of individual print jobs. Although users dont receive pop-up notification of status, they can check status via the NetSpot or Fiery WebTools software programs. Ease of use as a fax and as a scanner was also good. However, as there is no 1:1 key on the control panel, a user desiring simplex copies when the unit is in 1:2 mode must know to select the Two-Sided key and then deselect the duplex mode to make simplex copies. See Operator error. The user can change the default setting to the 1:1 mode if desired. Feedback to PC workstations: Good. End users have a choice of using Canons NetSpot device management utility or the embedded EFI Fiery WebTools utilities via a Web browser such as NetScape. See Networking and connectivity under Performance Of Printer Functions for details. Ease of removing misfeeds: Good. Non-clamshell design; 15 misfeed locations, including one for the RADF, five for the four-drawer cassette-feeding unit and three for the saddle-stitch finisher. When a misfeed occurs, an image of the copier appears on the touch-panel display, with instructions and a highlighted section of the copier showing the user where the misfeed is located. Ease of loading paper: Good. Paper is simply placed in between the guides of each drawer. There are no corner separators or spring-loaded ramps to lock down. Ease of adjusting paper drawers: Fair. To change the paper sizes in the standard 500-sheet paper drawers and optional cassette-feeding units, the user must adjust the length and width guides inside the drawers. However, in order for the machine to detect the correct paper size, the user must turn the paper size dial to the desired size. Although the dial is conveniently located on the front of the drawer, is clearly labeled and easy to locate and set, failure to set the dial to the correct paper size will result in the machine registering the wrong size paper within the drawer. Operator error: If the paper size dial is not set to indicate the correct paper size when changing the paper size in the drawers, walk-up users, as well as PC users, will be misinformed of the correct paper size and may copy/print/fax onto the wrong size paper. Also, as there is no 1:1 key on the control panel, a user desiring 1:1 copies when the unit is in duplex mode must know to select the Two-Sided key and then deselect the particular duplex mode in order to make 1:1 copies; otherwise, the duplex copies produced will be wasted. If the user fails to put the imageRUNNER 400E back on-line after scanning, print jobs will back up until the unit is placed back on-line.
Throughput Capabilities/Materials
Standard paper supply: The Canon imageRUNNER 400E is equipped with two 500-sheet user-adjustable drawers and a 50-sheet non-intelligent stack-feed bypass. The two 500-sheet drawers accept sheets ranging in size from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 11" x 17" and in weight from 17 to 20 lbs. The 50-sheet non-intelligent stack-feed bypass accommodates sheets ranging in size from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 11" x 17" and in weight from 17 to 32 lbs. Maximum number of available on-line paper sources with options (including bypass): Seven. Maximum on-line paper capacity with options (including bypass): 5,550 sheets. Maximum image size: 10-13/16" x 16-3/4". Makes copies from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 11" x 17". Paper output: The optional finisher has a top tray, middle tray and a lower tray. All three trays can be utilized by the copier, facsimile or printer. There is also an interrupt tray that receives interrupt copy or non-sort finishing jobs (see Performance of Tested Special Features). Ability to process self-adhesive address labels: Avery #5351 labels performed satisfactorily in the tests. Ability to process transparencies: 3M-PP2500 clear transparencies performed satisfactorily in the tests. Void area: There is a void area of 1/8" along the leading edge, 1/8" along the trailing edge, 7/64" along the top edge and 5/64" along the bottom edge of the copies.
1800-TR

Performance of Copier Functions
Copy Quality
Density of solid black copied image (based on eight readings corresponding to eight different locations on the original): Density of original: Range, 1.69 to 1.76 (on a scale of 0 to 2.5, with 2.5 being as dark as would be possible under most circumstances). Density of copy: Range, 1.40 to 1.45 (on a scale of 0 to 2.5, with 2.5 being as dark as would be possible under most circumstances). Density range for copiers tested to date: 0.96 to 1.63.
HALFTONE FIDELITY READINGS

Halftone Level 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Coverage Of Original 100% 94 91 82 78 51 28 14 Coverage Of Copy 100% 98 97 94 87 61 42 20 % Difference 0% 4 7 15 12 20 50 43
Halftone fidelityaverage of two readings for each of eight levels of halftones, with the first level being a solid black and the eighth level being the lightest; negative values indicate a loss of coverage. Ideally, the copy of a halftone would have a coverage reading that is equal to that of the original halftone; thus, 0% difference is optimal.
Average difference between copy of halftone and original halftone (root mean square value): 25%; range for copiers tested to date, 4% to 59%. Copy quality: Text: Good. Line art: Good. Halftones: Good. Solids: Good. Copying speed (8-1/2" x 11" copies): First-copy time from the platen: 6.8 seconds (time was the same regardless of the automatic modes selected). First-copy time from the document feeder: 9.6 seconds (time was the same regardless of the automatic modes selected). Number of copies per minute: 40 Number of copies per minute (including first copy): 35
Copier Productivity
Warm-up: About one minute and 29 seconds from a cold start.
1801-TR

COPIER THROUGHPUT SPEEDS/EFFICIENCY
(Based on a 10-Page Document)
COPY MODE
1 Set (non sort/sort modes) Total Time Images per Minute Efficiency1 3 Sets Total Time Images per Minute Efficiency1 5 Sets Total Time Images per Minute Efficiency1 10 Sets Total Time Images per Minute Efficiency1 20 Sets Total Time Images per Minute Efficiency1
OVERALL EFFICIENCY2
1:1
24.0 25.0 62.5% 55.1 32.7 81.8% 1:26.0 34.9 87.3% 2:42.3 37.0 92.5% 5:15.2 38.1 95.3% 83.9%
1:2
31.3 19.2 48.0% 1:09.4 25.9 64.8% 1:46.5 28.2 70.5% 3:22.1 29.7 74.3% 6:32.3 30.6 76.5% 66.8%
2:2
1:08.4 17.5 43.8% 2:24.1 25.0 62.5% 3:40.1 27.3 68.3% 6.49.3 29.3 73.3% 13.10.3 30.4 76.0% 64.8%
2:1
1:03.0 19.0 47.5% 2:05.9 28.6 71.5% 3:05.8 32.3 80.8% 5:37.0 35.6 89.0% 10:38.0 37.6 94.0% 76.6%
Finishing Time (seconds) One Staple Two Staples

2.4 4.3
1.6
7.3
0.6
10.7
19.0
36.2
1 BLI obtains this percentage by dividing the tested cpm by the rated cpm of the copier, and then multiplying by 100 to determine the efficiency ratings for each run length. 2 BLI obtains this percentage by averaging the efficiency ratings for each copy mode.
Performance of Printer Functions

General: The Canon imageRUNNER 400E was tested as a network printer using the Canon Multi PDL BoardH1 and Network Interface Board K1, both of which are standard on the imageRUNNER 400E. BLI technicians found that all the basic features of the device (i.e., duplexing, finishing, etc.) that would be expected to be available for printing were selectable via the printer drivers, which were easy to use, with a good layout. Halftones: Fair. Solids: Fair. Comments: Output produced by the Canon imageRUNNER400s PostScript printer driver at its highest resolution (600 dpi) did not perform as well as other laser multifunctional products in its class. Text and lines were sharp and there were distinct transitions between grayscale levels. However, the halftones appeared grainy, solids were washed out and toner splatter was evident throughout the page.
Print Quality
Text: Good. Line art: Good.
1802-TR

Compatibility: Good. The Canon imageRUNNER400 was tested for compatibility with Microsoft Word for Windows 97, Microsoft Excel 97, Lotus 1-2-3 Version 4.0 for Windows, Adobe PageMaker 6.5 and WordPerfect for Windows 6.0a. During testing, 49 individual application test files, which contain text, graphics, halftone images, etc., are printed. The output produced enables BLI technicians to evaluate memory usage, file processing, font-rendering, tables, charts and grayscale capability. In addition, the test files also test for compatibility with each of the five applications listed above. The Canon imageRUNNER 400E was found to be fully compatible with all five Windows programs used in testing, with no problems encountered during testing. Networking and connectivity: Good. The Canon imageRUNNER 400E has a standard 10BaseT/ 100BaseTX network interface (RJ-45 connector, with autoswitching) and comes with Canons NetSpot network configuration and management utility (BLI tested Canons NetSpot Version 3.0.2.39), which is provided in two versions, an administrators version and an enduser version. The administrators version allows the system administrator to configure, monitor and manage the Canon imageRUNNER 400E over a TCP/IP, IPX, NetBEUI or AppleTalk (Phase 1 or Phase 2) network. Its ability to perform network management for multiple Canon devices is a plus. Both the end-user and administrator versions of NetSpot were easy to install in all environments. Set up in a tab menu system that BLI technicians found easy to use, NetSpot worked well. Like other advanced network administration software programs tested, NetSpot first establishes communication over the network with the imageRUNNER 400E (network device) via its Media Access Control (MAC) address. The system administrator must ensure that the device is connected to the network and on the same network segment in order for communication to be established between NetSpot and the imageRUNNER 400E. Once the communication has been established, the administrator can choose the setup tab and select the protocol that he/she wants to configure. There are options for IPX, TCP/IP and AppleTalk. BLI technicians found the menus for each option were very thorough and contained all of the setup information. The one criticism of the administrator version of NetSpot cited was that when setting up the IPX protocol under NetWare, there is no provision to create a new print server or print queue objects from within the NetSpot setup utility. Consequently, a system administrator would have to use NetWares NetAdmin program to create these objects before running NetSpot and assigning these objects to the imageRUNNER 400E. (Canon states that the most recent version of NetSpot (3.1.3) does have this provision.) Although most system administrators are well versed in NetAdmin, this minor inconvenience is the only thing lacking from this otherwise very thorough and comprehensive device configuration software package. NetSpot also allows the administrator to reset the network board using the software, flash the network board EPROM with a more current version of firmware and send a test print. Since NetSpot can administer multiple imageRUNNER 400Es as well as a mixed environment of imageRUNNERs and other Canon network devices (such as the GP200 or a LASER CLASS printer) simultaneously, the administrator can sort and create groups of devices on the network by IPX devices, IP devices and NetBIOS devices. NetSpot automatically detects unconfigured devices, and the administrator can then select and configure them. Preferences, such as for network timeout, display of the start-up window when NetSpot is launched, auto discovery of time and count settings and auto refresh rates, can be set by the administrator. The Features tab displays a graphical representation of the imageRUNNER 400Es installed options, which is automatically updated to show its current configuration status. The Status tab displays the current status of the imageRUNNER 400E and any error or warning messages. Yellow messages indicate a problem that will not prevent the unit from operating (e.g., one tray is out of paper), while red messages indicate a problem that will not allow the unit to run. The messages were accurate and helpful. A graphic of the imageRUNNER 400E under this tab on the screen shows the administrator if the units door or one of its drawers is open and which tray is out of paper. The Jobs tab displays the current active jobs in the internal print memory of the imageRUNNER 400E (not
1803-TR

the jobs located in the print queue of the network server). The administrator can pause or delete jobs in the imageRUNNER 400Es print queue. Once a job has been printed, it is erased from the queue and cannot be reprinted via NetSpot (i.e., jobs cannot be stored and printed later). The administrator can move print jobs that are ready (waiting), as well as jobs that are paused and held, higher or lower in the queue. However, in a TCP/IP environment, NetSpot is limited in that users who want to monitor print jobs must use Fiery WebSpooler (reviewed below), because the Jobs tab is not displayed and no access to the print job queue is provided. Only when the imageRUNNER 400E is running in an IPX/ SPX environment (such as Novell NetWare using the NDS configuration) can jobs be monitored via the Jobs tab. The end-user version of NetSpot is essentially the same as the administrator version, except for its lack of access to setup/ configuration information. Users can access all jobs in the queue of the imageRUNNER 400E and delete or hold any job. Consequently, a user could accidentally delete the wrong print job. As with the administrator version, users have access to the Status tab, which displays error codes and problems such as paper-out messages, and to the Features tab, which shows, in real-time, the units features and functions, such as duplexing, sorter stapler, etc. Since NetSpot can simultaneously administer multiple imageRUNNER 400Es and other Canon network devices, users can select a device that is not in use or that has the options (such as duplexing) required for a particular print job. Unlike with many other systems tested to date, users can quickly see what size paper is loaded and how much paper is left in each drawer via a real-time paper gauge that displays full, two-thirds full, one-third full and empty. NetSpot also monitors any other Canon devices on the network, such as a GP200 or a LASER CLASS printer. Monitoring all of a vendors devices on the network in one window, using one piece of software is a convenience not offered by many other network multifunctional devices BLI has tested. Overall, NetSpot is a very useful administration tool. TCP/IP Configuration Screen Via NetSpot
NetSpot Features Screen
1804-TR

Fiergy WebTools: The internal EFI Fiery print controller incorporates EFIs WebTools software. WebTools includes WebSpooler version 4.5, Status and WebLink. As this software is resident on the print controller of the imageRUNNER 400E, no loading or setup is required at a users workstation. All that is required is that the users PC be running TCP/IP protocol, be connected to the same network segment as the imageRUNNER 400E and have a Web browser such as NetScape or Internet Explorer, installed. The user simply launches the Web browser and enters the IP address of the imageRUNNER 400E in the browser Location box. WebTools automatically loads. The system administrator can set WebTools to display all or some of its functions, such as Status and WebLink only. Status will display the current status of print jobs being RIPped (processed) and printed by the ImageRUNNER 400E. Information provided on RIP status includes: user name, document name and amount of document processed in kilobytes. Information provided for print job status includes user name and document name. WebLink allows the imageRUNNER 400E system administrator to designate a hot link to a Web sitefor example, the companys Web site or a site from which the most recent version of the imageRUNNER 400Es print driver can be downloadedthat can be accessed by selecting the WebLink button. The site address can be set by the system administrator. WebSpooler allows the user to view and manage cur-
WebTools Status Screen
1805-TR
WebSpooler Screen rently spooling print jobs, RIPping print jobs and previously printed jobs. Any spooling or RIPping print jobs can be paused or deleted. Print jobs that have previously printed can be reprinted (reRIPping is required). Completed print jobs are stored on the Canon imageRUNNER 400Es 2.1-GB hard disk. Previously printed jobs that are stored on the imageRUNNER 400Es hard disk can have print settings changed before reprinting takes place. Changes that users can make include image refinement (on or off), portrait or landscape printout, rotate image 180 degrees, collate off, collate, group, cross-collate or cross-group, staple can be selected, duplexing (long edge or short edge binding) and media type (plain paper, transparency, blank interleave and printed interleave). Currently printing, spooling and RIPping jobs are displayed. BLI technicians found WebSpooler to be very easy to use and very useful, offering a greater degree of flexibility in print job control than NetSpot, particularly for end users.
1806-TR

Job log and accounting: The image-RUNNER 400E retains a list of all printed jobs that can be recalled in its entirety or by specifying job dates. This job log, which can be printed or exported as a commadelimited text file so it can be imported into a database for custom database applications, includes the user name, file name, file size in megabytes, number of pages printed, etc., This feature, which is more advanced than the job tracking features of other network multifunctional models tested, would be very useful in an environment that requires job tracking and/or departmental billing. Mailbox: The mailbox feature, which supports up to 100 mailbox locations, is set up via the units control panel with a specific name of each mailbox location. When a mailbox is set up by the administrator, it can be designated as a secure mailbox or a non-secure mailbox. With a non-secure mailbox, a user may submit a print job without a security code so it can be held and then printed when the user arrives at the unit. To retrieve a mailbox job, the user must access the printer screen menu, which contains a mailbox icon and enter a security code. Mailbox security codes can be set only at the control panel. Once a user prints a document from the mailbox, the document is automatically deleted. The user can view Details, which displays information relating to the Job Reprint Screen From WebSpooler selected print job, such as Set Time, Host Name, Number of Pages, TX/RX number, and Print Sets number. Unlike with some previously tested units with a mailbox function, the user cannot select and change various job settings.
1807-TR

Print drivers: Since the print controller is an EFI Fiery system, the imageRUNNER 400E shares many of the same characteristics as other units with EFI print controllers. The imageRUNNER 400E is provided with PostScript and PCL 5e printer drivers for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT 4.0. There are two separate CD ROMs, one containing the PostScript drivers and one containing the PCL 5e drivers. Both the PCL and PostScript drivers provide device-specific support for all of the imageRUNNER 400Es basic print functions, such as staple sorting, duplexing, paper tray selection, 11" x 17" paper, selection of the manual bypass tray, etc., as well as more advanced features, including watermarks, interleaving and the ability to print a documents first page from a different paper source. The PCL 5e drivers are more advanced than the PostScript drivers in that they contain real-time graphics representing the imageRUNNER 400E and the options installed, and are easier to use, with easy-to-find finishing and paper source tabs. Moreover, an administrator can set up the system so that users from Windows 95/98 workstations can get feedback on paper size and supply simply by clicking on each drawer. The PCL driver for Windows NT will display size, but not supply, and the PostScript drivers do not provide this capability. Users can also use NetSpot or WebTools to check paper supply before printing. BLI technicians also noted that there are organizational differences between the PCL and PostScript drivers, and between the PCL drivers for Windows 95/98 and the PCL drivers for Windows NT. The same is true for the PostScript drivers.
WebSpooler Job Log
Windows 95/98 PCL Print Driver Screen
1808-TR
Windows 95/98 PostScript Driver Screen
CANON IMAGE RUNNER 400E COPY AND PRINT QUALITY INDEX

Magnified view of black text. Unit set to With 600 dpi PS Refine On Printed on plain-paper stock. Magnified view of black text. Unit set to With 600 dpi PS Refine Off Printed on plain-paper stock. Magnified view of black text. Unit set to With 600 dpi PCL Printed on plain-paper stock. Magnified view of black text. Unit set to Copy - Standard Printed on plain-paper stock.
1809-TR

Printer Productivity
BLIS TESTED PRINT SPEEDS
Pages Per Minute (PPM)
Average Speed (excluding first page)
Average Speed (including first page)
10
20
30
40
First-Page-Out Time: 12.96 seconds at 600 dpi. Note: BLIs print speed is computed using BLIs Test Original (with 6% page coverage). The test page is printed in a quantity equal to double the vendors rated print speed for the device in each mode tested (e.g., if the vendors rated print speed is 60 ppm, 120 pages are printed). Note that the manufacturers rated print speed may differ from BLIs tested print speeds because the manufacturers test methods may differ from BLIs methods. The Canon imageRUNNER 400Es print speeds were tested at 600 dpi using the PostScript drivers.
1810-TR

COPY/PRINT EFFICIENCY COMPARISON
1:1 Mode Efficiency
Efficiency 100.0% 80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 20.0% 0.0%
10 20 1 3 5 cie nc y
Copy Mode Print Mode
1:2 Mode Efficiency

Efficiency 100.0% 80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 20.0% 0.0% Copy Mode Print Mode
10
20
Number of Sets
BLI obtains the percentage for each mode by dividing the tested ppm by the rated ppm of the device, and then multiplying by 100 to determine the efficiency ratings for each run length. BLI obtains the overall efficiency percentage by averaging the efficiency ratings for each copy/print mode. For the one-set job, only the non-sort percentage was included when calculating overall efficiency. Productivity comparison charts represent test results using the optional finisher.
Note: This test was performed using the highest resolution (600 dpi), a network connection via a standard 10BaseT/ 100 BaseTX network interface (RJ-45 connector) on a PC workstation using Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating system.
1811-TR
ve ra ll E ffi ci en cy
ve ra ll
Number of Sets
Ef fi

Performance of Standalone Fax Functions
Fax scanning speed: The average scanning speed, obtained from scanning into memory three originals using standard resolution and normal contrast settings; timing begins when the Start button is pressed and continues until the last page exits onto the exit tray. Fax scanning speed with 4% page coverage original: 3.07 seconds per page; range for fax machines tested to date 1.61 to 35.25 seconds. Fax scanning speed with 12% page coverage original: 3.08 seconds per page; range for fax machines tested to date, 1.62 to 34.06 seconds. Transmitting documents: Good. The unit supports multi access (dual access) and, thus, is programmed to transmit documents from memory, i.e., outgoing faxes are scanned into memory prior to being transmitted. Multi access allows the user to scan a document into memory while another document is already being transmitted from memory and allows the user to quickly retrieve a scanned document and resume other activities while the fax is being transmitted, thus improving productivity. The three available soft-switch settings available to the user are Memory Sending, Direct Sending and Manual Sending. Memory Sending stores all pages into memory before dialing the destination. Direct Sending stores the pages into memory while dialing and connecting. Manual Sending bypasses memory and transmits documents in real time after a connection and handshake have been made. The destination(s) can be dialed before inserting the document(s) into the feeder (which would allow, for example, the user to reference a fax number on the cover page). When transmitting documents, up to 200 autodial destinations (60 one-touch keys/140 speed-dial codes) can be selected at the time of transmission. Broadcasting to up to 60 groups, each of which can contain up to 199 fax numbers, is supported. Memory capacity: According to Canon, the imageRUNNER 400Es 64-MB memory holds at least 640 pages (upgraded 96-MB memory holds 1,000 pages), based on the ITU-T Test Document No. 1 (also known as the Slerexe letter). Due to the units large memory capacity, BLIs test technicians did not test its capacity. Transmitting from memory after a failed communication: Good. When the Canon imageRUNNER 400E was subjected to excessive line noise during the tests, it was found that the destination was automatically redialed after the communication was terminated (it will automatically be redialed up to two times at two-minute intervals; user-settable for up to 10 redial attempts at up to 99-minute intervals), and when a connection was made after redialing, the affected page and the remaining pages, plus the first page of the document, were transmitted. Since the first page is likely to be a cover sheet, this method makes it more likely that the remaining pages of an interrupted transmission will get delivered to the intended recipient. Alternatively, the system can be programmed to resend the entire document or to delete the document from memory and make no further attempts. A transmission report was not automatically printed following the error. Transmitting from memory when the file exceeds memory capacity: Because the size of the units memory makes it unlikely that a document would exceed the memory capacity, BLI did not perform this test. Legal-to-letter reduction: During testing, a legal-size (8-1/2" x 14") document that was transmitted to the Canon imageRUNNER 400E with letter-size (8-1/2" x 11") paper loaded was printed on two pages even though the machine was set to automatically reduce receptions. However, it should be noted that if the Canon imageRUNNER 400E is configured with a paper tray loaded with 8-1/2" x 14" paper, the device will switch to that tray and print the fax at 100 percent of its original size.
Performance of PC Fax Functions

General. The Canon imageRUNNER 400Es PCL fax driver enables the system to perform PC faxing. The PCL fax driver is installed much like a printer driver would be. The fax driver is an available option while running the Canon imageRUNNER 400Es printer driver setup utility. The installer must know what print port the imageRUNNER 400E is connected to, just as if he or she were installing a print driver.
1812-TR

Composing and sending a PC fax: Fair. The printto-fax driver was easy to use. It allows the user to construct a cover sheet from one of several default templates. Since it is a print-to-fax driver, the user must select print from the application being run (e.g., from MS Word 97, the user would select File, then Print). In the Printer Name box, the user would select Canon imageRUNNER 400E PCL (FAX) from among three drivers. Then when the user selects OK to print the job, the Canon imageRUNNER 400Es fax properties screen would appear. At this point, the user would select a name from a preprogrammed fax address book (which contains all of the fax-related information) or enter the name and fax number of the intended recipient. While BLI technicians found the PC fax driver to be easy to use, BLI technicians prefer for a software program to automatically switch between drivers when switching between faxing and printing. Comprehensive on-line help is available within the print-to-fax driver, and it is possible to search for a specific topic by selecting Index from the Windows Help menu. Receiving a PC fax. Not applicable. PC fax reception is not supported by the imageRUNNER 400E. Printing a PC fax: Not applicable. PC fax reception is not supported by the imageRUNNER 400E. PC-fax logs/reports: Good. A fax log containing information on fax jobs can be generated from the fax menu on the control panel. Information on fax jobs will also be displayed on the Fax Monitor menu on the units control panel. No information is sent back to the PC workstation from which the fax job was initiated.
imageRUNNER 400E Print-To-Fax Screen
imageRUNNER 400E Print-To-Fax Screen
1813-TR

Performance of Scanner Functions
The black-and-white PC scanning option consists of the IR ScanGear version 1.0 software, which includes a TWAIN-compliant driver for Windows 95, 98 and NT 4.0 and an installation utility on CD-ROM. Also provided is a SCSI interface for the imageRUNNER 400E. The user must supply a PC running Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0, with a SCSI interface and a SCSI-2 cable and third-party TWAIN-compliant imaging software. BLI installed the imageRUNNER 400E TWAIN driver on a Windows 95 workstation and used Adobe PhotoShop 5.5 and PageMaker 6.5 to evaluate the scanning function. Network scanning was not tested by BLI, as other TWAIN-compliant, third-party software would be required to distribute scans over a network. Installation of the scanning interface in the imageRUNNER 400E requires a Canon service technician. The TWAIN-compliant scanner driver has to be installed on a user-supplied PC with a SCSI interface using the installation utility on the supplied CD-ROM. BLI technicians found that the installation utility was very easy to use and once installed, the third-party software BLI used in testing had no problems locating and using the TWAIN driver. A setup function within the TWAIN driver allows scanning defaults to be set for the type of scanner installed on the imageRUNNER 400E (ADF or RDF). When the scanner import feature is selected from within the third-party imaging software (such as Adobe PhotoShop), the Canon imageRunners TWAIN driver will automatically launch. The drivers menu will be very familiar to Microsoft Windows users and allows selections such as image type (black-and-white text, 256level grayscale or text enhancement), resolution settings from 150 to 600 dpi, brightness, contrast and gamma control, as well as features such as zoom in, zoom out, move image, and rotate 90 degrees. An inconvenience of scanning with the imageRUNNER 400E is that when the SCSI port is active for scanning, the copy and send paper fax modes become unavailable. When scanning is completed, the imageRUNNER 400Es PC scanning function must be manually taken offline for copying and faxing functions to be re-enabled.
PERFORMANCE OF TESTED SPECIAL FEATURES

Reversing Automatic Document Feeder (A1)
Satisfactory. The reversing automatic document feeder will automatically feed and invert up to 50 sheets of 20lb. bond ranging in size from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" or up to 25 sheets of 20-lb. bond ranging in size from 8-1/2" x 14" to 11" x 17". Acceptable paper weight, 15 to 28 lbs. When feeding a stack of mixed originals with automatic paper selection and Dif. Size Original mode selected, the unit will automatically determine the most appropriate paper source for each original or if Auto Zoom is selected, the copier will automatically select the appropriate copy ratio for each original. Lead edges must be must be the same size. Controls/indicators on unit: None. Simplex-to-duplex copying procedures: Good. Since the first original of the set is fed first through the RADF, the system does not need to count the originals, nor does the operator have to press an odd or even original key to begin 1:2 copying. Copying begins once originals are scanned. Document feeding speeds (8-1/2" x 11" originals; speeds were the same regardless of the automatic modes selected): 1:1 copy mode: 40.3 originals per minute. 1:2 copy mode: 38.0 originals per minute. 2:2 copy mode: 10.3 originals, or 20.6 images, per minute. 2:1 copy mode: 10.7 originals, or 21.4 images, per minute.
Finisher
The saddle-stitch finisher has three trays, top, middle and lower, plus interrupt and booklet trays. In non-sort mode, the top tray holds 300 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 150 8-1/2" x 11"R, 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x
1814-TR
PERFORMANCE OF TESTED SPECIAL FEATURES continued

17" 20-lb. sheets. The middle tray holds 1,000 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets, or 500 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The lower tray holds 200 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 100 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. In sort and group modes, the top tray holds 300 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 150 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The middle tray holds 750 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 500 8-1/2" x 11"R, 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The lower tray holds 200 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets or 100 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. The top and middle trays have a built-in twoposition stapler (upper-left diagonal and booklet, left side of page). Staple capacity, 50 8-1/2" x 11" sheets or 30 8-1/2" x 11"R, 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" sheets of 20-lb. bond, The interrupt tray, which is automatically selected when producing copies while in the interrupt or non-sort modes, holds 50 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 5-1/2" x 8-1/2"R or 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. sheets, or 30 8-1/2" x 11"R , 8-1/2" x 14" or 11" x 17" 20-lb. sheets. Acceptable paper weights, 13 to 32 lbs. When folding and saddle stitching is selected, finished booklets are delivered to the booklet tray. The booklet tray holds 25 sets when one to five sheets are used, 15 sets when six to 10 sheets are used, or 10 sets when there are 11 to 15 sheets used. Saddle-stitcher capacity, 15 sheets. When the limit of a tray is reached, the paper is automatically delivered to another tray. When the number of impressions required exceeds the finisher capacity, the unit will stop copying so that the job can be offloaded. The imageRUNNER 400E will automatically continue the job without user intervention once copies are offloaded. When the imageRUNNER 400E is configured with network printing and faxing, the upper, middle and lower trays of the finisher can be assigned a function. For example, all copies could be delivered to the upper tray, fax receptions to the middle tray and printed images to the lower tray. Two functions can be assigned to a single tray. Controls/indicators on unit: None.
Stack-Feed Bypass
Satisfactory. The 50-sheet non-intelligent stack-feed bypass has double-geared, adjustable side guides that move in sync to accommodate sheets ranging in size from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 11" x 17" and in weight from 17 to 32 lbs. To access feeding from the stack-feed bypass, the user must select the bypass paper source from the touchscreen display (the paper size is displayed). Copying begins when the Start key is pressed. The display counts down as copies are produced. All pages fed from the stack-feed bypass are delivered to the top tray in the finisher. A screen is displayed that prompts the user to select the paper size when paper is placed in the stack-feed bypass.
Duplexing Unit
Satisfactory. Stackless duplexing of sheets ranging in size from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" to 11" x 17" and in weight from 17 to 20 lbs.
1815-TR

CANON IMAGERUNNER 400E MULTITASKING EVALUATION (TWO CONCURRENT TASKS)*
Secondary Primary Function Function SEND PAPER FAX RECEIVE PAPER FAX PC FAX SEND PRINT SCAN COPY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 SEND PAPER FAX Yes2 Yes2 Yes2 Yes1 No4 Yes1 RECEIVE PAPER FAX No3 No3 No3 Yes2 Yes1 Yes2 PC FAX SEND Yes2 Yes2 Yes2 Yes1 Yes1 Yes1
PRINT Yes1 Yes5 Yes1 Yes2 Yes1 Yes2
SCAN Yes1 Yes1 Yes1 Yes1 No7 No8
COPY Yes1 Yes5 Yes1 Yes2,9 No4 No6
Primary and secondary functions take place simultaneously. (15) Secondary function is completed after primary function. (13) The phone line is busy with the primary function. (3) During the primary function, the user cannot access the Copy, Fax or Print/IF keys. (2) The primary function was temporarily paused to output a page of the secondary function. (2) The Canon imageRUNNER 400E does not support copy reserve. (1) Document feeder/scanner is in use. (1) During the primary function, the user cannot access the scanner feature. (1) If the copy job is non-sort, or involves only a single copy, the primary and secondary functions take place simultaneously. (1)
NOTE: (X) indicates number of occurrences. A Yes indicates that the user can initiate the secondary function while the primary function is taking place and that no further user intervention will be required for the secondary function to take place.
*The multitasking test was conducted with all functions set to a priority of 1.
Note: In addition to a single-user multitasking test, which evaluates a units ability to perform two functions concurrently (see chart above), BLI also tests a multifunctional products ability to handle multiple jobs that would be likely to stack up in a multi-user networked environment. Depending on the number of different functions, three to six different job matrixes are run on each multifunctional device. The job streams within each matrix are designed to test not only for concurrent operation of various functions, but also to uncover peculiarities pertaining to multitasking as it relates to various software programs (Adobe Acrobat, Adobe PageMaker, Microsoft Word 97, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint), various paper sizes, various copy/print job sizes and various copy/print modes (e.g., simplex, duplex, finishing).
General summary: The imageRUNNER 400E was able to run all six of BLIs multitasking job matrices, i.e., those involving copying, printing, outgoing PC fax and walk-up faxing; however, due to its lack of copy reserve capability, it could fully complete only one of those job matrices. The PC fax driver is separate from the PostScript and PCL 5e printer drivers, so PC faxing had to be performed using the specific PCL fax driver. All other multitasking job matrices were performed using the PostScript printer driver. Print jobs are spooled to, RIPped and stored on the imageRUNNER 400Es printer hard disk, reducing network traffic. Print jobs are processed in the order in which they are received. In testing, up to one copy job could be reserved while another job was printing. If the imageRUNNER 400E
1816-TR

is in use for copying or printing, the print job is stored in a reserve (spool) queue on the imageRUNNER 400Es hard disk. BLI technicians noted that Collate should be deselected on the Microsoft screen when attempting to print multiple stapled sets using any of the above listed software programs. Otherwise, all sets are stapled together as one set, a problem common to several other multifunctional devices tested by BLI when using Microsoft Office software. BLI technicians also noted that when the unit is receiving a facsimile, rather than delaying printing or copying until the entire fax has been received, a pending print or copy job can commence and the imageRUNNER 400E will then print the fax after pending copy or print jobs. Mode priority: The initial function can be set to copy or fax for walk-up users. Through the Additional Features menu, a user can choose a priority setting from 1 to 3 for each function (copy, fax and print). When each is set to the same number (all 1s or all 3s) there is no priority; first job (function) in, will be first out. BLI technicians noted that when copy priority was set to 1 and print priority was set to 2 or 3, the print job would spool entirely to the imageRUNNER 400Es hard drive and wait for the copy job to complete before starting. Interrupt: The interrupt key is used for interrupting copy jobs only to run another copy job. Print and fax jobs cannot be interrupted using this key. Memory allocation: Tested with the standard 64-MB image memory (copy, print and fax; expandable to 96 MB); 2.1-GB hard disk. Part of the memory is reserved for image storage. Print jobs are processed on the imageRUNNER 400E print server and remain there until the previous print job has finished. Program ahead (reserve copy job) while copying: A copy job cannot be programmed and initiated while another copy job is in progress. Program ahead (reserve copy job) while printing: One copy job can be preprogrammed and scanned while printing is taking place. Device/feature contention issues. None. The interrupt output paper tray will accept output from non-sort copy jobs while a print job is running. Control panel status messages/job access: Good. Control panel status messages were found to be accurate on the imageRUNNER 400E. A detailed fax job list could be displayed by pressing a fax monitor icons accessible from the system monitor icon on any of the function screens. An indicator on the LCD flashes to indicate a print job is printing and the Print Monitor screen shows up to four print jobs at a time, including the time the job was input, the job status, and the number of pages remaining for the current job. To view job five, the user must scroll to the next monitor screen. A Details screen allows the user to check the job settings for each job. The current jobs in the Reserve queue can be deleted by selecting the job, then pressing the Cancel icon and yes. Device status: Good. Device status is provided via WebTools or NetSpot monitoring programs. See Networking and connectivity under Performance Of Printer Functions. Paper size/supply gauge: Yes/Yes. Paper-level and paper size information is provided via feedback from the imageRUNNER 400E to the PCL print driver for Windows 95/98 (only paper size information is fed back to the PCL print driver for Windows NT). In addition, the user can check paper levels and size from the PC if NetSpot software is loaded and running in the background. The NetSpot status window shows paper levels of full, two-thirds full, one-third full and empty. Status of jobs in queue: Good, via both the NetSpot and WebTools software, although pop-up messages are not provided (users must be running the software and access the status information), and good via the control panel. At the control panel, the name and status of print jobs printing and in queue to print appear at the lower section of the screen, along with name of the user that sent the job. Via a Print Monitor screen, users can access a complete list of print jobs in queue. Since the monitor window displays only four print jobs at a time, the user must scroll to the next monitor window to view job five. Error messages: Good. No pop-up messages were available other than the default messages provided by the network operation system, but users can obtain feedback at their workstations via Fiery WebTools Status and WebSpooler and Canons NetSpot network administration utility. See Performance of Printer Functions.
1817-TR
COST ANALYSIS
Rental: Contact your local Canon dealer or subsidiary. Service pricing: BLI uses $0.015 (1.5 cents) as an average service cost per page for all volume bands. This average service price includes all parts, labor and photoconductor replacements (and excludes toner, developer and fuser oil, if applicable). For actual service contract pricing, contact your local Canon dealer or subsidiary.
COST PER PAGE (PURCHASE)

Monthly Volume 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 35,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 115,000 120,000 150,000 Depreciated1 Purchase Price 4.244 2.829 2.122 1.698 1.213 0.849 0.566 0.424 0.369 0.354 0.283 Service2* 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 Paper3 0.627 0.627 0.627 0.619 0.619 0.619 0.619 0.619 0.619 0.619 0.619 Supplies and4** Consumables 0.373 0.373 0.373 0.373 0.373 0.373 0.373 0.373 0.373 0.373 0.373 Total Per Page 6.744 5.329 4.622 4.190 3.705 3.341 3.058 2.916 2.861 2.846 2.775 Life-Cycle Cost5 $40,464 $47,961 $55,464 $62,849 $77,805 $100,230 $137,610 $174,960 $197,409 $204,912 $249,750
1 The suggested retail price of the unit as tested, $25,463 was depreciated over a five-year period using a straight-line method. 2 The cost of service was computed using an estimated price of 1.500 per copy (based on the average for copiers tested). 3 The cost of paper was based on an estimated price for 5,000-sheet cartons of 8-1/2" x 11" 20-lb. bond: 1-4 cartons, $36.15 each; 5-9 cartons, $34.80 each; 10-19 cartons, $33.05 each; 20-49 cartons, $31.35 each; and 50+ cartons, $30.95 each. 4 The cost of toner was based on BLIs tested toner yield when using an original with 6% coverage (see Maintenance) and Canons suggested retail price of $34 per 530g cartridge. 5 Life-cycle cost for each monthly volume is calculated by multiplying the total cost per page by the monthly volume by 60 months (five years). *Note that beginning with test reports published as of November 1997, BLI began using an estimated cost of 1.5 cents per page for service, based on the average for models tested by BLI, whereas previously, BLI used the manufacturers suggested service contract pricing, or when such pricing was not available, estimated pricing (based on 15% of the units base suggested retail price. Please keep this in mind when comparing cost-per-page information with that of other models tested.
1818-TR
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical system: 120 V, 60 Hz, AC, 12 amps. The unit tested had a three-wire cord (grounded), 8' and 7" in length, and carried UL, but not CSA, approval. Energy Star compliance: Canon states that the imageRUNNER 400E meets the criteria for Energy Star compliance. Voltage variations: Voltage variations between 100 V and 130 V had no significant effect on image quality. Noise: Scale A, 68 db (single-point reading; running noise). Range for RADF-equipped copiers tested to date by BLI, 60 to 82 db. Paper fault: None. (Georgia-Pacific Spectrum Xerographic Bond and Georgia-Pacific GeoCycle recycled paper containing 20% post-consumer fiber were used in this test unit.)
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Copier/Accessories
imageRUNNER 400E Finisher-C1 Saddle Finisher-C2 Finisher-E1 Paper Deck-B1 Cassette-Feeding Unit-R1 Cassette-Feeding Unit-S1
Height
21-1/4" 41-1/4" 41-1/4" 14-1/4" 20-1/2" 17-7/8" 17-7/8"
Width
23" 26-3/6" 26-3/6" 21-3/4" 12-3/4" 23" 23"
Depth
28-3/8" 22-7/8" 22-7/8" 22-5/8" 23" 26-1/4" 26-1/4"
Weight
183 lbs. 71.8 lbs. 99.2 lbs. 26.4 lbs. 90.4 lbs. 104 lbs. 104 lbs.
(This report has been reprinted with the written permission of Buyers Laboratory)
3/00
1819-TR
1820-TR

Test Report Ir400

Transféré par

Informations du document

Description originale:

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Test Report Ir400

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Test Report

450,000 impressions in three months

Test period duration:

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

General Appraisal continued

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

General Appraisal continued

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

General Appraisal continued

Pricing Analysis And Summary

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

General Appraisal continued

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Control Panel

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

TONER YIELD (BASED ON 6% PAGE COVERAGE)

Guarantee/Warranty: The Canon imageRUNNER 400E is backed by a 90-day warranty.

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

HALFTONE FIDELITY READINGS

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

Finishing Time (seconds) One Staple Two Staples

Performance of Printer Functions

Text: Good. Line art: Good.

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

NetSpot Features Screen

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

WebTools Status Screen

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

BUYERS LABORATORY TEST REPORT

Canon imageRUNNER 400E Multifunctional

TEST RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS continued

WebSpooler Job Log