NEC SuperScript 1260

NEC SuperScript 1260

NEC has set a new price/performance standard with the SuperScript 1260. This 600-dots-per-inch laser outputs at up to 12 pages per minute and will sell for $799--or about $500 less than its main competitor, the 12-ppm, 600-dpi Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 5. (For $799, HP would sell you its 8-ppm LaserJet 6P.) NEC is giving you more printer for the money as it tries to move in on the market leader's turf.

Preliminary tests indicated that the SuperScript 1260's speed is on a par with other 12-ppm printers we've tested. The 1260 also comes with Adobe's PrintGear 1.1 technology, which radically reduces wait times when several documents are sent to a network printer. The included PrintGear software lets you print booklets, posters, and other complex jobs.

As for paper handling, the SuperScript 1260 comes with a 250-sheet paper tray and an 80-sheet multipurpose tray; another 500-sheet tray and a 50-envelope tray are optional. You can use the printer's manual-feed slot for envelopes, transparencies, and other kinds of special stock.

An optional $299 network interface card provides connection to TCP/IP, Novell NetWare 3.1x and 4.x, Windows NT, Windows 95, and EtherTalk networks.

Like many other printer makers, NEC now equips its networkable models with software that lets you use your Web browser to check on problems and otherwise administer the printer from remote locations. For a fast network laser printer, this is one of the best deals around.

SUMMARY

PRO: Groundbreaking price, comes with Adobe PrintGear 1.1. CON: None.