WINDSOR, Conn., July 23 -- Konica Business Technologies U.S.A., Inc. (Konica), the innovation leader in digital imaging solutions and a subsidiary of Konica Corporation, announced that its 7165 Departmental Document System and 7145 Workgroup Document System were recognized as the outstanding products in their respective categories by BERTL (Digital Test Labs) in the 8th Annual BERTL's Best ™ Awards. The Best Awards in the Digital Copier-Printer categories are given to products that deliver outstanding functionality and print and copy performance, as well as productivity-enhancing features, which make them especially good values for the money. BERTL's Best Awards are based on the rigorous analysis of close to 300 corporate-level devices. When compiling its shortlist of Best Award-winning devices or manufacturers, BERTL takes into consideration a number of factors, including its own wide-ranging knowledge of the digital imaging competitive landscape, and contact with buyers who share their product and supplier experiences. "We are proud to see the 7165 and 7145 continue to gain industry accolades when put to the test, and this prestigious award from BERTL is testament to the quality and strength of our technology," said William H. Brewster Jr., vice president, marketing, Konica Business Technologies U.S.A., Inc. "These powerful multifunctional devices were designed to meet the needs of a range of environments, incorporating production-level features, advanced network capabilities and high-performance engines at a price point that makes them widely accessible." Konica 7165 - "Best 61-70ppm Digital Copier-Printer" BERTL analysts named the Konica 7165 Departmental Document System as the standout product in its category for its combination of exceptional performance, flexible document production capabilities and aggressive pricing. Analysts specifically highlighted the multifunctional device's paper handling capabilities, including the ability to accept 12"x18" paper from all paper sources and to draw from up to seven different paper sources for one document. An optional post-sheet inserter also allows users to include photographs or other original documents that could be damaged by the heat of the fusing process. The report noted that, priced very competitively, the 7165's value increases when scanning is a requirement. The device includes scan-to-email and scan-to-FTP capabilities free within the price of its printer upgrade. BERTL analysts also praised the Segment 4 device's advanced document production capabilities, which make it an ideal entry-level production device for printshops and CRDs that want a cost-effective, yet robust device to handle smaller jobs. Also noted by the reviewers were many of the device's user-friendly features, including: "on-the-fly" toner refilling; a piggyback-style print controller instead of an external setup; support for IPP printing, allowing the device to receive print jobs via the Internet; and email notification when conditions that require attention, such as paper jams or low toner, arise. Konica 7145 -- "Best 41-50ppm Digital Copier-Printer" BERTL analysts found the Konica 7145 Workgroup Document System to be very easy-to-use, with functionality that can be accessed from the control screen, a user's desktop, or a new browser-based IP Connexion™ Web Utilities feature. The report highlighted the printing functionality of the Konica 7145, the company's first multifunctional device with built-in network connectivity, stating that it is an ideal solution for businesses graduating from several desktop printers to a more inclusive, centralized networked copy- print system. In addition, scanning features such as scan-to-network and scan-to-email come standard, helping companies increase efficiency and save money through advanced document handling capabilities. During testing, the 7145 also excelled in print quality. According to BERTL analysts, the device offers "excellent image quality and, when put to the test, delivered good productivity across a wide-variety of copy and print tests." Using Konica's Simitri™ Polymerized Toner, the 7145 performed very well on fine lines, produced clear text down to five point sizes, and was able to pick up pixilation on the reproduction of an 85-screen newspaper quality image. Summing up, the report stated that "with its excellent image quality, standard duplexing, variety of finishing options, multifunction upgrades and overall functionality, BERTL analysts have placed the Konica 7145 high on their shopping list for 2003." Pricing and Availability Affordable, competitive high-volume options, the Konica 7165 and 7145 are available through Konica's North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value-added reseller channels. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 7165 is $23,500 and the MSRP for the 7145 is $11,800. Pricing for print controllers, finishers and other options is available upon request.