Product:
Price:
Intended Users:
e-STUDIO2555C Series
$12,926-$24,456
Small, Medium, Large
Speed Color:
Processor:
Memory:
25ppm-50ppm
Unknown
2GB
Product Overview
These new models are part of an overhaul of Toshiba’s entire color MFP line. New features in these models include an upgrade to the e-BRIDGE software that that has “touch and swipe” functionality through the 9″ control panel. Another new feature includes the Self-Encrypting Drive, which is a first for this industry. The way it works is if a hard disk is removed from one Toshiba machine and put into another, the data automatically erases.
There are five models in this family, and their copy/print speeds are the same in both black-and-white and color. The $12,956 e-STUDIO2555C runs at 25ppm, while the e-STUDIO3055C ($15,056) has a speed of 30ppm. The $19,256 e-STUDIO3055C, $23,456 e-STUDIO4555C, and $24,456 e-STUDIO5055C runs at 35ppm, 45ppm, and 50ppm, respectively. All machines copy, print, and scan out of the box, and have optional faxing.
Standard memory is 2GB, and there is a standard 160GB hard drive. An optional reversing document feeder (RADF) holds 100 sheets and performs two-sided scans.
More details are found in our Features section below.
These machines are serious color copiers with a strong set of features. Toshiba was smart enough to build them on an already rugged platform of its own making, adding features to what was already a pretty strong architecture.
Features
As with earlier e-STUDIO models, these machines have an integrated controller architecture, called e-BRIDGE, built directly into the machine. Thus the copier’s operating system runs all of the machine’s functions — copy, print, and scan. This type of design improves multifunctional performance and lowers manufacturing costs as well. The printing function supports PCL, PostScript, and XPS. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are standard.
These machines can output PDF, TIFF, and JPEG files, along with Secure PDF, and they are also XPS-compatible. Printing from and scanning to USB thumb drives is also standard on these models. Advanced scanning features include the ability to scan and save documents in cloud storage (such as Google Docs).
The fax option is based on a 33.6kbps modem with JBIG compression. Dual-line faxing is available as an option. Fax routing via email is supported.
Paper handling is exactly what you’d expect on full-featured office copiers. The machines come with dual 550-sheet paper trays and a 100-sheet bypass. They also offer an optional 550-sheet pedestal. An additional 550-sheet paper tray is available for this pedestal. As an alternative to the second set of 550-sheet trays, a 2,000-sheet large-capacity feeder (letter-size paper only) is offered. That adds up to a maximum input capacity of 3,200 sheets. Automatic duplexing is standard.
The range of output options includes a 3,000-sheet finisher with a 250-sheet top tray and 50-sheet multiposition stapling and booklet maker with saddlestitcher. That unit is capable of making booklets of up to 60 pages from 15 sheets. There is also the multi-position console finisher with 2,000-sheet capacity and 50-sheet multiposition stapling. These e-STUDIO2555C/3055C/3555C models are also unique in offering a low-cost internal finisher with a 1,000-sheet capacity and 50-sheet single-position stapling. 2/3-hole-punch units are offered as options for these finishers.
Security features include IP filtering, disk encryption, and network authentication. Unlike older models, 128-bit secure PDF encryption is standard. Also, as mentioned above, Toshiba has introduced the new Self-Encrypting Drive as a security feature.
- Automatic Document Feeder?
- Duplexing?
- Ethernet Connectivity?
- Wireless Connectivity?
- Mobile Printing/Scanning?
- Finishers?
Shortcomings
These devices’ RADF is only offered as an option (most devices in their speed range offer them as standard feature); also, there is no mobile printing or scanning capability.
About
Toshiba has been on the upswing in the office copier business, thanks to a steadily improving product line. Although it may be among the smaller forces in copiers, the company as a whole is much larger than most of its competitors. Toshiba handouts include Fortune corporate rankings indicating that its global revenues across all product lines are about the same as those of Canon, Ricoh, and Xerox combined.
Product line: In recent years, Toshiba has been raising its copier profile both by re-energizing its U.S. marketing and by becoming more innovative with its products. Its line of e-STUDIO models is quite strong, and the company is starting to make an impact on the market.
Toshiba distribution: Almost all of Toshiba’s brand sales are currently through dealers. However, Toshiba has a subsidiary that has steadily been acquiring dealerships in certain markets in order to operate them as wholly owned subsidiaries. In all, Toshiba has about 350 copier dealers, of which about 70% handle Toshiba exclusively. Toshiba also sells through its wholly owned Toshiba Business Solutions subsidiaries.
