Lexmark X646e MFP User manual

Lexmark X646e MFP

50 ppm Monochrome

Print ▪ Copy ▪ Scan ▪ Fax ▪ Internet Fax

www.BERTL.com

document may only be viewed electronically through the www.BERTL.com Web site and may not be stored in electronic or hard copy format. Any reproduction of trademarks is strictly

prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

What’s Inside

Click on an entry to go to the page listed.

Introduction .........................................................................................................4

Device Features Summary..........................................................4

Paper Handling: Paper Input..............................................................................5

Paper Handling: Input Features Summary..................................5

Reloading Paper Supplies........................................................... 6

What We Liked............................................................................6

What We Would Like to See........................................................6

Paper Handling: Paper Output/Finishing..........................................................7

Paper Handling: Output/Finishing Features Summary................7

Finishing Options.........................................................................7

Finisher Productivity....................................................................7

Routine Maintenance..........................................................................................8

Maintenance Features Summary................................................ 8

What We Liked............................................................................8

What We Would Like to See........................................................8

Paper Jam Removal....................................................................9

Toner Replacement Process.....................................................10

Device Management .........................................................................................11

What We Liked..........................................................................11

What We Would Like to See......................................................11

Status Monitoring.......................................................................12

Job Queue Reporting ................................................................12

Security Settings........................................................................ 12

Address Book Management......................................................13

Cost Control Reporting..............................................................13

Scan Templates.........................................................................13

Email Notification Alerts.............................................................14

Job Log Management................................................................14

Security..............................................................................................................15

Security Features Summary...................................................... 15

What We Liked..........................................................................16

What We Would Like to See......................................................16

Page 2

Lexmark X646e MFP

document may only be viewed electronically through the www.BERTL.com Web site and may not be stored in electronic or hard copy format. Any reproduction of trademarks is strictly

prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 3

Lexmark X646e MFP

document may only be viewed electronically through the www.BERTL.com Web site and may not be stored in electronic or hard copy format. Any reproduction of trademarks is strictly

prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

What’s Inside

Click on an entry to go to the page listed.

Accessibility .....................................................................................................17

User Accessibility for Device Controls.......................................17

User Accessibility for Paper Refilling.........................................17

User Accessibility for Paper Jam Removal................................17

What We Liked..........................................................................17

What We Would Like to See......................................................17

Copy ..................................................................................................................18

Copy Features Summary...........................................................18

Image Quality ............................................................................19

What We Liked..........................................................................21

What We Would Like to See......................................................21

Print on Demand................................................................................................22

Print on Demand from USB Memory Stick................................22

Bookmarking and Held Pages...................................................23

What We Liked..........................................................................24

What We Would Like to See......................................................24

Print ....................................................................................................................25

Print Features Summary............................................................25

Ease of Installation....................................................................25

Print Productivity........................................................................26

Print Driver Functionality ...........................................................27

Image Quality ............................................................................28

ImageQuick Direct Print.............................................................29

What We Liked..........................................................................31

What We Would Like to See......................................................31

Scan....................................................................................................................32

Scan Features Summary...........................................................32

Scan to Email ............................................................................33

Scan to USB Memory Stick.......................................................35

Scan Data Capture Accuracy....................................................36

Scan Data Capture Accuracy Results....................................... 37

Scan Data Capture Productivity................................................38

Scan Data Capture Productivity Results ...................................38

Mixed Media Size Scanning...................................................... 38

What We Liked..........................................................................39

What We Would Like to See......................................................39

Summing Up .....................................................................................................40

About BERTL ....................................................................................................41

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 4

Lexmark X646e

Lexmark’s all new X646e is the MFP version of its

successful T644 monochrome desktop printer.

Unlike many of Lexmark’s earlier MFP offerings, the X646

products—which include an entry level “e” and a more

highly featured “dte”—-are purchased as an MFP with a

scanner module an intrinsic part of the main body unit,

rather than a separate module attached via cables.

This gives the devices a more rugged look which will go a

long way to winning over copier die-hards. It does,

however, result in the absence a few additional benefits

that the previous generation of modular MFP models

offered. Finishing and mail bin capabilities are not available

since the scanner unit blocks the paper output path to a

finisher unit. For many, this will be a small price to pay

compared to the myriad of new features that Lexmark has

bundled into this compact 50 ppm MFP.

The X646e (tested by BERTL) is the first of the Kentucky

printer giant’s MFP range to offer the new large, color touch

screen. This screen puts many copier manufacturers to

shame in terms of its size and color capability especially

when you consider that the suggested retail price of this

fully-featured device is a fraction of a 50 ppm copier

industry alternative.

While the device may have a 50 ppm engine, it is—in our

opinion—best suited to a small to medium size workgroup

rather than an entire department that a typical 50 ppm

copier-based MFP would be expected to accommodate.

This is not due to the engine speed or duty cycle, but rather

the media handling, finishing capabilities, and general build

quality which are much more in line with a workgroup MFP.

It is fair to say that the Lexmark X646e is a true document

portal with no particular leaning for any function (copy,

print, scan, fax) over another. There are some features that

traditional copy or fax purchasers may raise an eyebrow to,

but in reality much of this is down to years of brainwashing

by copier reps who have convinced the buyer that these

features are critical to life itself.

With every generation of MFP, Lexmark is eliminating

feature omissions that have raised concerns from copier

buyers and analysts alike. Now it is more difficult to find

weaknesses in the copy and fax functions than it is to

wonder why copy and fax manufacturers have not included

some of the novel features and user-friendly attributes of

the Lexmark.

One of the most unique new additions to the Lexmark MFP

family is the direct USB port which allows walk-up users to

print files from or scan hard copy documents directly to a

standard USB memory stick.

This feature alone separates the Lexmark X646 product

family from virtually all opposition (at the time of testing)

and offers a valuable time-saving, user friendly range of

features that are proving very popular at BERTL’s

headquarters.

Monochrome Engine Speed 50 ppm

Color Engine Speed N/A

First Copy Out Mono Up to 8.5 seconds

First Copy Out Color N/A

Warm Up Time Info not available

Maximum Monthly Volume 225,000 stated volume

Copy Standard

Print Standard

PSTN Fax Standard

Internet/Network Fax Standard

TWAIN Scan Standard

Network Scan Standard

Device Features Summary

Introduction

BERTL analysts tested the Lexmark X646e MFP model.

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 5

Lexmark X646e

Background

Paper handling is a core requirements of every

device. If a device cannot create documents a

user wants on the paper they need, it does not

matter how fast the print engine is, or how

many pages it can produce in a month.

Paper handling comes down to three key attributes: weight,

capacity, and size.

Weight

The majority of paper used in the general office is graded

between 20 lb. bond/80gsm and 28 lb. bond/105gsm. If a

device cannot handle these weights through the main

paper sources, users are forced to use the low capacity

bypass tray, resulting in a higher user intervention rate.

The straight paper path of the bypass tray lets it handle

heavier paper stocks to create business cards, covers for

reports, product brochures, menus, tickets, programs and

other special documents. Paper weights for this type of job

usually start at 90 lb. index/163gsm with business card

stocks often higher at 110 lb. index/200gsm.

Capacity

Workgroup desktop printers commonly start with either a

500 or 1,000 sheet capacity plus a bypass tray. Workgroup

MFPs usually start with capacities over 1,000 sheets.

Paper comes in reams of 500 sheets. A growing trend is

paper trays with capacities greater than 500 sheets which

let users refill trays that are almost empty with an entire

ream of paper at a convenient time without waste or risk of

overfilling.

A device’s maximum capacity (without increasing the

device footprint) depends upon the paper source

configuration. Standard paper trays typically are universal

or adjustable trays that can accommodate a wide range of

paper supplies. Paper upgrade options on some devices

include additional universal trays or a high-capacity tandem

drawer.

A tandem drawer maximizes letter/A4 capacity by

accommodating dual stacks of paper side by side.

However, larger-sized paper supplies cannot be loaded. To

raise capacity even further, some units can be equipped

with a side-mounted large capacity unit These trays are

also limited to letter/A4 size paper supplies only.

Size

Letter/A4 size paper is used in the majority of day to day

business operations. Legal and financial documents often

are printed on the longer legal (8.5” x 11”) stock size. As a

result, many desktop printers, and some entry-level MFPs

reduce production costs by restricting the maximum paper

dimensions to legal size.

However, some environments also rely heavily on the

larger ledger/A3 sizes for printing spreadsheets,

schematics, design layouts, plans, and for copying books or

magazines.

Standard Paper Capacity

X646e: 1 x 500-sheet

cassette

X646dte: 2 x 500-sheet

cassettes

Maximum Paper Capacity 3,100 sheets

Bypass Tray Capacity 100 sheets

Maximum Paper Size (bypass) 8.5” x 14”

Maximum Paper Size

(main trays)

8.5” x 14”

Maximum Paper Weight

(bypass)

110 lb. index/200gsm

Maximum Paper Weight

(main trays)

28 lb bond/105gsm

Standard Legal Capacity

X646e: 600 sheets

X646dte: 1,100 sheets

Maximum Legal Capacity 3,100 sheets

Standard Ledger Capacity Not supported

Maximum Ledger Capacity Not supported

Standard Paper Sources

X646e: 2

X646dte: 3

Maximum Paper Sources 4

Post Process Insertion (PPI) N/A

PPI Capacity N/A

Paper Handling: Input Features Summary

Paper Handling: Paper Input

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 6

Lexmark X646e

Reloading Paper Supplies

Just like its predecessors, the Lexmark X646e is easy to

reload with paper. In classic Lexmark fashion, the paper

drawer comes out completely, which lets users put the en-

tire tray on a desktop to make adjustments or reload rather

than having to bend over at the device itself. This simplifies

drawer adjustment and paper insertion.

Users can extend the paper size, drop the paper in, and re-

adjust to fit the size of the paper. If too much paper is in-

serted the excess paper will be pushed out from the gap at

the front of the paper cassette as shown.

A change in the paper size in the cassette is automatically

detected and reflected in the copy control panel. Users do

not have to make manual changes.

Excess paper is expelled from the Lexmark X646e, preventing users from

overloading of the cassette.

WHAT WE LIKED:

• The entire drawer pulls out. This makes loading paper

much easier since it can be set down, adjusted and

replenished.

• While lightweight, the drawers still feel sturdy enough to

take the rigors of a general office environment.

• Paper guides are easily adjusted.

• Excess paper is expelled to prevent cassette

overloading, thus avoiding related paper jams.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE:

• Increasing the paper capacity on the drawers by 50

sheets from 500 to 550 would let users refill the paper

drawer with a full ream before the entire tray is empty.

This could encourage users to take initiative and fill up

the drawer before it runs out in the middle of a-job.

• While we were liked the fact that the paper drawer could

be pulled out for reload, users who are not aware of the

feature might pull it out quickly and drop the drawer

causing injury or damage to the equipment. We would

like to see a lock/unlock switch that allows the user to

remove the drawer completely if they wish or have it

locked to prevent complete removal.

Paper Handling: Paper Input

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 7

Lexmark X646e

Background

The paper output handling options on

workgroup products can range from duplex

output to saddle-stitch booklet making

capabilities. Many devices offer a choice of

finishers providing a low cost, minimum

footprint solution, or a high-capacity, fully-featured

solution.

Stapling

Lower cost stapler units often have a 15- to 30-sheet

maximum capacity and are often limited to corner

stapling. Floor-standing, higher cost finishers should offer

50-sheet capability and can handle corner and double

stapling. Saddle-stitch heads up the finishing capabilities,

allowing users to create folded, center-stapled booklets.

Some workgroup device saddle-stitch finishers only

handle 10 sheets (40-page booklets) with others handling

up to 15 sheets (60-page booklets).

Mail Bin Units and Offset Output

Many workgroup devices offer offset stacking (where

each set is offset from the next) to make it easier to

separate jobs. Some offer physical mail bin units allowing

each user to send jobs to their own output area. Most

mail bin units limit delivery to unfinished jobs. A multi-tray

finisher can also offer some form of job separation,

typically used to route different types of job (fax, print,

copy) for easier identification.

Maximum Output Capacity

500 sheets in standard

output area

Duplex Capability

X646e: Optional

X646dte: Standard

Maximum Paper Weight

Through Duplex Unit

28 lb. bond/ 05gsm

Maximum Stapling Capacity No finishing option

Maximum Booklet/Saddle-stitch

Capacity

No finishing option

Hole Punch Options No finishing option

Physical Mail Bin Option No finishing option

Folding Options No finishing option

Paper Handling: Output /Finishing Features Summary

Finishing Options

The Lexmark X646e series does not come with a finish-

ing option. This is a limiting factor which might work

against it in some office environments. Because of its

high engine speed, buyers may compare it against MFP

devices that offer a wealth of finishing capabilities, al-

though at a much higher price tag compared to the Lex-

mark X646e.

Finisher Productivity

Not Applicable

Paper Handling: Paper Output/Finishing

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 8

Lexmark X646e

Background

Workgroup devices sold through retail and

traditional IT distribution outlets usually are

maintained by office workers changing the

all-in-one cartridge units that encase the

entire imaging system. Units sold through

the reseller/dealer community are usually maintained by

office workers and trained service engineers. Separate

long-life parts are more complex to install but offer lower

running costs than the low yield, all-in-one alternatives.

Toner Replacement

Changing the toner or imaging cartridge is a necessary

task that traditionally is avoided by some for fear of the

black dust leaking on clothes or hands. However, most

units today offer clean replacement of toner supplies.

Clearing Paper Jams

The main device issue that office users attempt to

remedy themselves is the occasional paper jam. As a

general rule, the faster the device engine, and the more

paper handling options, the more complex the process of

removing paper jams.

Common jam sources are the duplex unit and poor

loading of paper supplies. The position of the duplex unit

can be a major factor in the ease of paper jams. The

method of loading paper supplies can be a factor in the

overall number of jams that occur.

Toner Yield

10,000 standard cartridge

21,000 high yield cartridge

32,000 extra high yield cartridge

Drum Life All-in-one cartridge

Fuser Life Info not available

Developer Life All-in-one cartridge

Toner Refill During Printing No

End-user replaceable drum unit Yes, all in one unit

End-user replaceable fuser unit Yes

Maintenance Features Summary

Routine Maintenance

WHAT WE LIKED:

• The paper path is simple, very short and direct which

makes finding and removing paper jams an easy process

compared to many copier-based MFPs.

• Users will have no problem locating and changing the

print cartridge. It is accessed from the front of the device

and easily pulls up and out.

• The duplex unit is positioned at the front of the unit allow-

ing duplex jams to be removed easily.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE:

• The paper path runs along the back of the device which

makes removing jams more difficult. We would like to

see more front access which would allow the device to

be placed close to a wall.

• The vivid display panel could be a great tool to display

more information to walk the user through paper jam re-

moval. In current operation, it simply told us to check the

back door or the toner cartridge and made us work out

the best way to remove the paper jam ourselves.

• After paper jams had been cleared, we had to manually

confirm that the job could continue. We would like to see

the device detect that the problem had been rectified and

continue the job automatically.

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 9

Lexmark X646e

Paper Jam Removal

While we did not encounter any jams during the testing of

the Lexmark X646e, we did force some jams to see how

the unit would react. When a jam occurs, the machine

beeps, a red light appears, and the color touch screen dis-

plays an error message.

Routine Maintenance

1. The touch screen displays the message that a jam

has occurred and two areas need to be inspected.

2. Open the back door.

3. Remove the paper jam by pulling forward. 4. Pull the duplex tray out to reveal another jam.

5. Remove the paper jam by pulling out the sheet.

6. Press the Continue button to continue the job.

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Page 10

Lexmark X646e

Toner Replacement Process

To get to the print cartridge users must first open the lower

front door. Then, the green buttons on both sides of the top

door must be pushed in to lift it open.

With both front doors open, the print cartridge is visible. It

comes out with leakage or problem by pulling up and out.

The cartridge can be placed on a nearby table without

making a mess.

The new cartridge is placed in from the top and guides itself

in. Once it clicks in place, the user can close the top, then

the bottom doors.

Routine Maintenance

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Page 11

Lexmark X646e

WHAT WE LIKED:

• Users get a snapshot of a great deal of information

right away. They immediately know the toner level and

paper drawer status and can view vital information

when getting ready to print from the desktop.

• The menu is located to the left of the home screen and

is straight forward. An index is available when portions

cannot be located.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE:

• We would like to see the entire job queue display the

number of sets and pages in each set for all users

through Web server. This function is only available

through Lexmark’s MarkVision utility which is more

likely to be used by the administrator than general of-

fice users.

• There is no indication of the job queue displayed on

the touch screen, forcing users to wait to see when a

job can be processed.

Background

An efficient device management backbone is

needed to take maximum advantage of the

feature set within a device, be it a printer,

fax, scanner or multi-functional product.

Device management is commonly-supported through a

Web server on the device controller. This Web server is

accessed using any desktop Internet browser; the user

simply enters the IP address of the device into the URL

address line.

Administrators and office users have different

management and monitoring needs.

General Office Users

End users want to know if a device is capable of handling

a job. Supply levels and a list of jobs already committed

to print are important.

For MFPs with document storage and communications

capabilities, end users also need desktop management of

print on demand, stored document viewing (to check print

on demand files or incoming faxes) and, for the more

advanced, the creation of scan-to-email or scan-to-file

destination templates.

Administrators

An office or network manager looks for greater control

over the device functionality and setup without leaving

their desk. They may be looking to manage network

setup, establish security for IP filter ranges, apply cost

control measures, check supply levels, and set up

automated email alerts to different staff members when

problems occur.

Due to the nature of the Web server, this capability is

usually limited to an individual device. Many

manufacturers also include a network device

management fleet tool which allows for the monitoring

and management of multiple devices around the network

concurrently. Many also provide plug-ins to the most

popular IT device management utilities to ensure that the

maximum amount of information can be relayed from

their device to the third-party application.

Device Management

The home page of Lexmark’s device Web server gives users a status of

key device functions at a glance. Specific functions are described on the

following pages.

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 12

Lexmark X646e

Status Monitoring

The yellow box in the top left corner jumps out

and lets administrators know that the paper sup-

ply in Tray 2 is low. The screen also indicates

that the toner is 90 percent capable. On the bot-

tom of the screen, this is translated into real

terms: the yield is reported based on 5 percent

coverage. The green means good to go!

Job Queue Reporting

There is no job queue monitoring capability within the

device Web server.

Security Settings

The Lexmark offers advanced security features

which can be set up at the touch screen, using

the Web server or Lexmark’s Mark-Vision ad-

ministrator application.

Device Management

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 13

Lexmark X646e

Address Book Management

Users and administrators can set up email, fax,

and scan profile addresses for local storage on

the device. Each address/location can be

assigned a shortcut number allowing users to

quickly select the entry they need. There is no

way to set up groups—which would have been a

useful feature—and one that is available on rival

units.

Cost Control Reporting

From the Web server administrators can set up

internal account management lists as shown at

the right. The list has to be manually entered

and there is no ability to set up limits or qualify

allowable use. Lexmark works closely with third-

party partner Pharos to deliver extensive cost

control/job auditing capabilities for those who

require them. The functionality of this advanced

cost accounting capability is built into the MFP’s

touch screen control panel, making it one of the

easiest, most affordable, walk-up device control

systems on the market for workgroup MFPs.

Scan Templates

The scan profile lets users create a profile so they can

scan documents back to their PC. Scanning can be

commanded at the desktop or the unit itself. A folder

houses the scans sent to the user PC. Scan profiles can

be set to single use or multiple use. While a variety of

default template styles come standard, users can create

their own as required.

Device Management

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Page 14

Lexmark X646e

Email Notification Alerts

Using the Web server, administrators can set up email

alerts for a variety of device events. The alerts can be

split between two email lists allowing, for example, inter-

nal events (paper low, toner out) to be split off from exter-

nal events (fuser maintenance call required).

Job Log Management

The Web server does not provide job log information on a

job-by-job basis. It does provide valuable statistics on the

patterns of activity for the device including a breakdown

of the size of job and media types commonly used.

This information allows administrators to evaluate work-

flow and usage of the device, which to many will be a lot

more valuable than a huge log list of print jobs that must

then be analyzed to interpret the data.

For those needing to keep a track of all print jobs for se-

curity or regulatory purposes, Lexmark offers its own cost

accounting feature as standard, plus the Pharos option

for greater control and auditing capabilities.

Device Management

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Page 15

Lexmark X646e

Background

High-tech security is never out of the news,

with reports of information theft and hacking

making headlines. By the very nature of their

development, network printers and MFPs are

security risks if not managed correctly.

Advanced network connectivity options open ports to

hackers. Industry-standard Java and Web browser design

elements are vulnerable to virus attack. Large hard drives

store a latent copy of every document flowing through the

device data for years. Devices link directly to core network

components such as the LDAP address list or the central

file server. Plus, fast communication options let insiders

send information to the outside with no method of being

traced.

Security and data compliance buzzwords and regulations

such as Common Criteria certification, HIPAA, Sarbanes-

Oxley, Gramm Leach Bliley, FERPA, SEC, FSMA, and the

Patriot Act look to safeguard information and force compa-

nies to conform to best practices in document and data

security management.

Safeguarding Data

Most MFPs now offer a standard or optional hard drive.

Any company dealing in critical, sensitive information

should determine if they need a data overwrite capability

that has passed Common Criteria (CC) certification. Data

overwrite deletes information on the hard drive by writing a

series of random ones and zeros over the sectors storing

data, usually multiple times. The CC test relates to how

data is deleted from a device’s hard drive after being

used. CC certification carried out by a government-

approved test facility. Many manufacturers get CC certifi-

cation to satisfy government security requirements and it

is a requisite for many government agencies and contrac-

tors. Most MFP devices pass evaluation assurance level

(EAL) 2, with some aiming higher at EAL 3. The higher the

level, the more extensive the testing, and the more secure

the hard drive is deemed

Controlling Access

One of the keys to security is limiting the initial access to

the device both remotely and at the device itself. TCP/IP

and MAC filtering allow the administrator to limit remote

access the device. MAC filtering is more secure; the TCP/

IP address can be copied but the MAC address is a fixed

specification that can not be changed.

IPv6 is now becoming commonplace on network devices.

IPv6 makes it harder to crack or hack into a PC address

range by making the address more complex.

Network authentication is now available on nearly every

MFP and printer, forcing users to enter a user name and

password before access to the device is granted. Most

devices can verify a user by linking to Windows Exchange

user lists, Novell network user lists, and LDAP server lists.

There should also be password encryption at the point of

the login process through SSL or other encryption or other

security technology (such as Kerberos) preventing hack-

ers from watching and capturing user names and IDs as

they travel over the network.

Secure Transmissions

The hard drive (if not equipped with a data overwrite capa-

bility) provides the ability to create secure repositories for

incoming print and fax jobs. Instead of being printed upon

delivery, print jobs and faxes can be stored on the device

and printed only after a PIN has been entered by the au-

thorized user. IPv6 makes it harder to crack or hack into a

PC address range by making the address more complex.

Hard Drive Overwrite Yes

Removable Hard Drive No

Private Print Yes

Encrypted Print Optional

Secure Fax Yes

Encrypted PDF Send No

Network Authentication Yes

LDAP Authentication Yes

Kerberos Authentication Yes

SNMP v3.0 Yes

IPv6 Yes

SSL Yes

IP Filtering Yes

MAC Filtering Yes

Security Features Summary

Security

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 16

Lexmark X646e

Security

WHAT WE LIKED:

• The large touch screen and full 10-digit keypad makes

entering security information such as PINs and user-

names easier than competing units.

• A wide range of advanced security measures are stan-

dard including MAC and Kerberos authentication which

many rivals do not offer. TCP/IP via IPv6, SNMP v3.0,

and integration with a wide range of authentication pro-

tocols make it very difficult to infiltrate information flow

between the device and the desktop users.

• The optional PrintCryption module allows companies to

secure print traffic by encrypting print files as they are

transferred from the desktop to the device.

• The “Confidential” print mode is easy to find on the final

tab of the similar PCL and PostScript drivers.

• Retrieving held jobs is simple and straightforward. From

the home key users have two options. By pressing

Search for Held Jobs, users can type in a portion of the

username and have all the matching names come up

(example: Search for JVilla Result is JVillanella). Users

can also press Held Jobs and search for the specific

folder they wish to print from.

• Administrators can set a default deny access after a set

number of improper pass code entries have been at-

tempted. This nice feature helps ensure security protec-

tion from unauthorized users.

• The device offers the ability to select specific functions

that require security measures before access is

granted. Some manufacturers do not differentiate or

offer limited customization options.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE:

• Secure PDF encryption at the time of scan to email or

scan to file, using the measures built into Adobe

Acrobat, would provide additional document security.

Users scan the confidential document, assign a PIN

code, and tell the recipient the PIN code so the file can

be opened. Several rival devices now offer this feature.

• Secure print is restricted to the release of one job at a

time. We would like to see users have the ability to se-

lect all their secure jobs and release them in a single

step.

document may only be viewed electronically through the www.BERTL.com Web site and may not be stored in electronic or hard copy format. Any reproduction of trademarks is strictly

prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 17

Lexmark X646e

WHAT WE LIKED:

• The large tilting control panel offers easier navigation,

viewing, and data entry than rival units in its class de-

spite costing many times less than some.

• Most routine maintenance is handled from the front of

the device making it easier for wheelchair users.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE:

• While the control panel can be tilted up to make view-

ing from above easier it can not be tilted down to make

viewing from below easier. This would benefit wheel-

chair users, especially when additional paper cassettes

are installed on a desktop-installed device.

• All paper jam access points being located at the front

of the device would make some paper jams easier for

all users to clear.

Background

In the U.S., Section 508 legislation prohibits

government agencies from purchasing de-

vices that are not accessible to those with

physical impairments. For this reason—and

the corporate world’s increased focus on

delivering a better work environment for all—user-friendly

features for physically-impaired users are considered

more and more.

Common design features include tilting control panels

which give wheelchair-bound users a better view of the

screen and larger display options for those with impaired

vision. Voice navigation and Braille also are becoming

increasingly popular. Easy access to the paper path for

jam removal or front access to toner supplies make a de-

vice more user-friendly to all.

User Accessibility to Device Controls

Overall the layout of the Lexmark X646e is well thought

out with the user in mind. The color touch control panel

tilts, making it easier for wheelchair access. The hard

keys, which include numbers and a start key, could be

somewhat larger but are still adequate. The height of the

X646e is adequate when used on a desktop. However,

the X646dte—with the extra 500-sheet cassette and du-

plex unit—may be too high for desktop installation. It may

require a lower mounting alternative to allow wheelchair

users to access the document feeder and see the control

panel.

User Accessibility for Paper Refilling

Paper refilling is easy with no obvious issues for disabled

users. The cassettes can be completely removed from

the device allowing users to place the cassette on a

desktop when making changes or reloading may assist

some users.

User Accessibility for Paper Jam Removal

Removing jams from the front of the Lexmark X626e is

easy by default. The two front doors open to show the

removable print cartridge, exposing much of the paper

path.

However, it is more difficult for disabled users to remove

jams that occur at the back of the machine.

Accessibility

Lexmark X646e control panel in tilted position

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 18

Lexmark X646e

Background

Copying is the standard feature on every

MFP on the market and is increasingly being

offered either as an option or a separate

model within network printer product ranges.

Before being wowed by headline speeds and

advanced features, consider that the most common copy

job is a single set of a simplex document that is five pages

or less with no finishing and no changes to image quality

default settings.

Small, Simple Jobs

Despite the wealth of features that MFPs offer today, most

users will not be prepared to wade through countless

screen menus to get to the point where they can press the

Start button. Think in terms of human productivity, not

device productivity. Reporting the productivity of the

device from the moment the green start button is pressed

until the final page comes out does not consider the most

costly element in the copying process: the user’s time.

Large, Complex Jobs

Even for big jobs—where you may think engine speed

plays a larger role—the simple start-key-to-finish-line

productivity measurement approach again disregards the

user. The user is less likely to wait at the copier for larger

and more complex jobs. They will look for features such

as a quick and easy job setup menu, fast scanning (so

they can return to their desk with the originals faster),

email notification when the job has finished (eliminating

the guesswork of when to return to the device to collect

the job), or the ability to build a job using a mix of pages

scanned from the document feeder and platen.

Features or Benefits?

Many copy features that are overlooked by the masses

are critical time savers in niche workflow environments.

For example, medical offices or car dealerships need to

copy insurance and license cards. A card copy feature

allows the user to scan the first side of the card, turn the

card over, scan the second page, and produce a single-

sided copy with both sides of the card on the single sheet.

This saves 50 percent on paper and the print click cost

charged by the dealer.

Copier Concurrency

Concurrency, the ability to handle multiple tasks at the

same time, varies greatly in workgroup devices. Some

devices can not accept a copy job while a print or copy job

is in progress. If a connected MFP is carrying out either

job, a walk-up user must wait for the job to finish before

they can scan in their copy job.

My Copier

MFP design is moving away from proprietary, closed

systems and embracing open architecture and IT

standards like .NET and Java. This opens the door to

greater flexibility in the way the walk-up experience can be

tailored to each user. Coupled to this ability is the growing

need to account for all device usage for security,

compliance or cost considerations. These two trends can

result in a “My Copier”-type experience where each user is

greeted with their favorite settings when logging in.

Maximum Copy Speed 50 ppm

First Copy Out Time 8.5 seconds

Document Feeder Type

Single pass duplexing

document feeder

Document Feeder Capacity 50 pages

Job Build Yes

Job Build Combining Platen and

Document Feeder Scans

Yes

Scan Ahead Copy Memories Unlimited

No. of Copy Job Programs 0

Customizable One-touch

Buttons on Home Screen

Optional

Max/Min Zoom Ratio 25 percent to 400 percent

Cover Insertion No

Sheet Insertion No

Page Stamp Options Date/Time stamp and overlay

Copy Features Summary

Copy

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 19

Lexmark X646e

Text Mode: The font reproduction is very good for 8 point and good at 6

point. Fine like reproduction faired very well.

Text Photo: The font reproduction is fair with Text Photo mode. The line

reproduction is also fair.

Photo Mode: Reproduction of the text and fine lines is pale and poor with

much detail being lost.

Image Quality

The device comes with text, text/photo, and photo modes

to allow the user to capture and reproduce different

image types. BERTL’s testing included all three modes

with a wide range of copy originals to look for strengths

and weaknesses of the device.

Image quality was to a high standard across a wide range

of original types.

As with most devices, the text/photo mode was the

default setting and the mode which offered the best

overall image quality across the spectrum of copy jobs.

The text mode, which captures information in two-bit

black or white mode, is best used in text only or fine line

situations, and delivers crisp output. However, as the

images on page 20 illustrate, the two-bit capture mode

does not fare as well in more graphic copy jobs where

grayscales and halftone reproduction are required.

Photo mode, on the other hand, uses a halftone

rendering algorithm which produces high quality

reproduction of photographs. However, it does not fare as

well on text and fine lines with poor legibility.

Text/photo uses an algorithm that sits between the more

extreme text and photo modes. This is ideal for

documents with a mix of text and graphics, as can be

seen in the examples.

Copy

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prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Page 20

Lexmark X646e

Image Quality (continued)

Copy

Text/Photo: Crisp lines and text, some loss of grayscale/color reproduction from map. Acceptable reproduction of property photo.

Text Mode: Good reproduction of fine lines and text but some shaded map areas reproduced poorly making the map harder to read.

A lot of fine detail is lost in the photograph in areas such as the foliage and roof tiling where shade reproduction is essential.

Photo Mode: A lot of detail is lost on the map image reproduction. The graphic reproduction of the photos appears in proper context with good

reproduction of fine details such as tiling and foliage.

Lexmark X646e MFP User manual

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