Compaq Computer Corp’s new Peripherals Division was yesterday due to launch its long-awaited network laser printers – and they are two very fast large-capacity systems. The Pagemarq 20 page-per-minute and Pagemarq 15 page-per-minute come with Adobe PostScript Level 2 and PCL 5 as standard, and they handle A5 to A3 paper. Both systems use print engines manufactured by Fuji Xerox Ltd and these have been customised through a joint-technology exchange. Compaq designed the controller boards using RISC processors from Advanced Micro Devices Inc, and the finished systems are assembled both in the US and the Netherlands. The Pagemarq 20 uses 20MHz Am29000 processors and is claimed to be twice as fast as Helwett-Packard’s LaserJet IIIsi in PostScript, and the Pagemarq 15, with 16MHz Am29000 processors, is claimed to be 50% faster. The first accomodates 1,500 sheets in three TwinTrays holding 500 pages per tray, and the Pagemarq 15 holds 1,000 sheets with an optional second TwinTray. Both printers connect to NetWare and AppleTalk networks with up to five interfaces active simultaneously. Also optional Ethernet, Token Ring and AppleTalk interfaces operate without a dedicated print server. Both systems switch between PCL and PostScript without user intervention and for permanent storage of PostScript fonts acc essible throughout the network, there are optional 1Mb and 2Mb programmable font mod ules and an internal 60Mb hard drive. The Pagemarq 20 is designed for departmental networks of more than 20 users while the Pagemarq 15 is for computer aided design and engineering environments. Available now, the Pagemarq 20 costs UKP3,300 and the Pagemarq 15 sells for UKP2,625 in the UK.
