printer and another guide

Gestetner DSc 428

The Gestetner DSc-428 is a color multifunction laser printer, copier and scanner that is relatively small in size, but big on features. The Gestetner name is all about solid dependability and in this respect the DSc-428 doesn’t let it down.

The multifunction device arena is a tough one. With competitors such as Xerox dominating the market, it can be a difficult place to compete. Gestetner are giving it a go with the DSc-428 which is definitely a contender. It is a full duplex multifunction device that can produce color and monochrome prints quickly and effectively. Mono print and copy speed is 28 pages per minute, color is 24, both of which are respectable times considering the print quality.

Print quality is good, text is clear and crisp, with all the edges appearing straight and accurate. Graphs, images and pictures were above average with only slight banding in the mono prints. Color documents and charts came out well balanced and pleasing to the eye. It’s easy to over analyze printing when you’re in the reviewing business, but in the end it is the mark one eyeball that makes the judgment, and these print pass easily.

Scanning is also pretty good. The scanned images are of good quality, and color reproduction seemed clear and accurate. There is an optional fax machine but our test sample didn’t have it. We have no reason to think it will perform any differently than the copier, printer and scanner so it should be good.

The DSc-428 also includes 1024Mb of RAM, a decent processor and an 80Gb hard drive. This means that the DSc-428 can handle just about anything you throw at it, at any time. If the machine is busy with something it can store your job until the resource is free. It also means you can schedule jobs for less busy times, like early morning or evening. The hard drive also allows for secure printing, copying and faxing. You can password protect elements of it to ensure the documents are kept private.

Paper and toner is loaded from the large door at the front and just clip into place. Drums last 45000 pages, while toner is good for 8000. The cost is reasonable too, so keeping the DSc-428 running won’t cost the earth. The two paper drawers can hold 500 sheets each, which is expandable to 3100 in total. There is also a 100 sheet bypass tray for odd shaped media.

Overall the DSc-428 is a solid office machine. It offers plenty of features to keep even the most demanding offices happy, while remaining economical enough to be appealing to new business.