INK & TONER
Gestetner Dsm-616 Review
 
Editor's Review
Gestetner Dsm-616 by Geoff Coldiron 08/24/2010 OVERVIEW: The Gestetner Dsm-616 Digital Copier System provides a cost effective way to satisfy low-to-medium volume demands in smaller offices that require more normal and infrequent, day-to-day functionality. A company's bottom line is significantly reduced with this all-in-one solution that allows a user to scan documents into network shared storage and PC's, print files, digitally reproduce hard copy documents for archiving, and send and receive faxes, all with just one system. This machine is designed primarily for business applications, producing professional quality black and white output.
Editor's Pros & Cons
PROS: General features include an easy to use control panel, standard 600 sheet paper capacity, paper size accommodation for up to 11" by 17" (legal size), dual component design for a reduced cost per page, and an energy saver mode. Auto paper select, auto reduce/enlarge and combining originals makes scanning and copying virtually effortless, automatically tailoring the output page size to the most efficient and effective layout and configuration. Electronic sorting eliminates the need to manually collate copies, significantly reducing the amount of man hours needed to complete multiple-page copy jobs by having the machine do most of the work itself. A super G3 33.6 Kbps fax modem is a standard option that provides fast fax transmission and reception times, perfect for companies that routinely fax multiple page documents at a maximum size of 11" by 17". Dual memory access allows multitasking of scanner and fax functions, permitting simultaneous fax reception and document scanning. Incoming faxes are automatically stored in memory for one hour if there is a power outage or if the paper tray is empty. Print resolution is at 600 x 600 dots per inch, providing clear and crisp professional quality text document printing and reproduction. Optional Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Firewire and bi-directional parallel communications provide alternative connection interfaces that will accommodate laptops, PDA's and older PC's, as well as a wide variety of operating systems. A complimentary software bundle that contains powerful network printer management utilities is included with all models. Duplex printing allows for temporary, on-board storage of printed documents to eliminate usage of excess table-top storage space. A solid-state scanning element provides reliability and durability with minimal chance of breakdown or light burnout. Weighing only 96 pounds and having a relatively small dimensional footprint, this machine is ideal for places with limited space or home offices. Many advanced digital features can be accessed from the unit's control panel, eliminating the need for a computer interface. CONS: A copying speed of 21 pages per minute is relatively slow for copiers in this class and will not be sufficient for higher volume document copying jobs. Internet and LAN faxing, directly from a PC desktop, requires an optional all-in-one kit that is not included in the base models. Optional paper tray add-ons and upgrades increase the total paper hold capacity to 1600 pages, making this model impractical for anything besides low-to-medium volume small business or small office demands. Speed and quality is traded off more than usual with this model. Achieving the maximum scanning speed requires dropping resolution to 200 dots per inch, sacrificing quality of output with documents that have more elaborate letterheads and company logos. A limit of 256 gradation levels makes copying of images and graphics inadvisable, as quality dramatically suffers in the conversion from color to black and white, leaving output results pixelated. Zoom range is narrower than most comparable models,with a range of 50% to 200%. Scanner memory capacity is limited to 192 MB of RAM that is shared with the copier, printer and fax and the storage memory capacity is limited to 16 MB, putting the burden of storage on network resources, as well as limiting overall functionality.
INK/TONER NEEDS:
With a smaller machine and limited functionality comes smaller toner capacities. Replacement toner, advertised as high-yield for this model, holds a maximum capacity of 9,000 pages at 5% coverage, which is economical considering that this machine is primarily designed and meant for text document printing and copying in a small business or small office setting. 
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DEVELOPER
