RAMSEY, N.J., Nov. 19 -- Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. today announced that three of its high-volume multifunctional devices -- the Konica 7155 and 7165 Departmental Document Systems and the Konica 7085 Production Printing System -- have received "Editor's Choice" awards from Better Buys for Business, publisher of the nation's leading independent buyer's guides for office equipment. "Editor's Choice" awards are issued to those products in each category that deliver maximum value to customers, with the selection process based largely on the strength of a product's features and specifications, as well as how it stacks up against the competition. "Since their introduction, these three products have continually garnered industry accolades," said William H. Brewster, Jr., vice president, marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. "We stake our reputation in the high-volume digital printing and copying market on reliability, advanced engineering, superior image quality and usability. This recognition from Better Buys for Business proves once again that our products stand up to the test." Konica 7155 and 7165 Departmental Document Systems Recognized in the Better Buys for Business Buyer's Guide as "two of the strongest machines at this level of the high-volume market," the Konica 7155 and 7165 Departmental Document Systems offer print and copy speeds of 55 pages per minute (ppm) and 65ppm respectively, enhanced scanning, and production finishing capabilities such as three-folding, multiple post-sheet insertion and saddle-stitching. Better Buys for Business noted that the devices are "sure bets," and feature "reasonable prices, great paper handling and productivity, and innovative technology." Designed for the high-volume, print-on-demand applications of the departmental workgroup, the 7155 and 7165 are identical machines except for the speed. They each feature Konica's Simitri Polymerized Toner, which produces smaller, more uniform particle sizes and results in higher image quality. In addition, they both scan original documents at the rated speed of their engines -- a paper handling feature that Better Buys for Business noted can not be taken for granted on models from other vendors. Recognized as "capable digital models with advanced technology and paper handling," the report highlighted the following standout features of the 7155 and 7165: * an upscale finisher with a 200-sheet upper tray, 2,500-sheet lower tray, booklet-maker and saddle stitcher; * total paper capacity of 6,600 sheets and support for 110-lb. index from all paper drawers; * a modular, Section-508 compliant touch-screen control panel that allows users to view the print and copy queue and promote, demote or delete jobs, and that can be tilted to reduce glare; * direct scan-to-email and scan-to-FTP capability bundled with the optional print controller; * full-engine speed printing at 600dpi resolution. Konica 7085 Product Printing System Konica's most advanced production printing offering, the 7085 is a completely re-engineered machine, and Better Buys for Business noted that, "while on the surface it gives the appearance of being simply a faster version of older Konica siblings, this couldn't be further from the truth." Lauded for its "rugged" durability and "host of advanced high-volume capabilities," the Konica 7085 Production Printing System is built to handle the demands of central reprographics departments and print-on-demand environments with print and copy speeds of 85ppm, advanced image quality, production-level finishing capabilities and robust network connectivity. Better Buys for Business was particularly impressed with the 7085's ability to handle multiple types of paper, including 110-lb. index from all of its paper drawers and the device's 100-sheet document feeder that scans originals at 85ppm, matching the copier engine speed. Featuring Simitri Polymerized Toner, the 7085 was also recognized for its consumables -- the drum and developer yield is 1,000,000 impressions, and toner yield is 60,000 impressions. As a true production-level printing system, Konica built multiple features into the 7085 that help increase efficiency. The following features were recognized in the report: * an optional 4.3GB hard drive that enables time/date stamping, message stamping, watermarking and page numbering, and allows users to store frequently copied documents such as forms and manuals in the machine; * a uniquely designed print controller that is mounted within the frame of the machine and features Intel's MMX technology for better multitasking ability; * support for both tandem copy and tandem printing functions simultaneously, achieving very high rates of speed when multiple devices are combined. Pricing and Availability The Konica 7155, 7165 and 7085 are available through Konica Minolta's North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value-added reseller channels. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 7155 is $17,950, the MSRP for the 7165 is $23,500, and the MSRP for the 7085 is $39,000. Pricing for the print controllers, additional memory and finishing options is available upon request.