KONICA MINOLTA's Newest Compact Color Laser Delivers Premium Color for Power Users; magicolor 2450's Robust Feature Set, Enhanced Print Quality, and User-Friendly Design Give Wide-Ranging Appeal to Small and Mid-Sized Businesses.

MOBILE, Ala. -- KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC.:

Highlights

--The magicolor 2450 packs a business-class feature set and enhanced print quality into an ultra-compact design.

--Measuring a mere 16.9" (W) x 19.8" (D), this simple-to-use printer is an easy desktop fit.

--The magicolor 2450 produces 9600 x 600 dpi-class resolution on various paper stocks, so users won't pay premium media prices to get the best output from their printer.

--For detailed text and graphics and photorealistic images, the printer's color quality is further enhanced with Photo ART(TM) contone technology and Simitri(R) polymerized toner.

--Its pre-installed front-access supplies, auto-installation software, intuitive front keypad, and resourceful printer management utilities mean setup and everyday use are extremely easy.

--The magicolor 2450 produces up to 20 ppm in black & white and 5 ppm in color, regardless of print quality selected.

--Driving the printer's productivity is a high-performance, next-generation Emperon controller, 300 MHz PowerPC(R) processor, and 128 MB DDR SDRAM.

--The magicolor 2450 supports both Windows(R) and Macintosh(R) operating systems and includes PostScript(R) 3 and PCL(R) 6 printer emulations for seamless printing throughout the workgroup.

--For network printing in busy workgroups, the magicolor 2450 includes a built-in 10/100BaseTX Ethernet(R) interface, as well as Hi-speed USB 2.0 and parallel ports.

Today KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. introduced the latest model in its award-winning magicolor 2400 Series of color laser printers: the magicolor 2450. Retaining the Series' popular compact design, the magicolor 2450 is equipped with more power, greater versatility, and excellent color quality for general office and design applications. While it may be small, this user-friendly color laser has a business-class feature set usually found only in high-end departmental or specialty graphics printers.

The magicolor 2450 is one of two new printers to feature KONICA MINOLTA's next-generation Emperon printing architecture. More than just a controller, Emperon provides great performance, excellent 9600 x 600 dpi-class quality, and unsurpassed compatibility with its PostScript 3 and PCL 6 languages and mixed OS support. Emperon is also responsible for the printer's ease of use, offering convenient printer management tools, a simple set-up process, and a common user printing experience for KONICA MINOLTA's printer and MFP product lines.

Compact and Easy to Use

This true desktop printer, which is up to 30% smaller than comparable models, fits easily into any environment. Like other magicolor 2400 models, the magicolor 2450 has simple, full-front access for reloading supplies and clearing media jams, so there's no need to waste desk space to access the back of the machine.

A hallmark of KONICA MINOLTA laser printers is their ease of use, and the magicolor 2450 is no exception. It uses auto-run installation software to automatically detect the printer on the network and guide the user step-by-step through printer setup. And it ships with pre-installed, 4,500-page toners so users can get up and running in just a few minutes.

The magicolor 2450 is also loaded with features that make daily operation a breeze. Comprehensive software print drivers simplify printing with options such as collation, fit-to-page scaling, separation pages, watermarks, tray selection, and secure printing. It has a desktop Status Monitor which utilizes a pop-up window on the user's screen for notification of print job status and supply levels. The PageScope(TM) suite of printer management utilities provides real-time supply status, as well as remote printer management and configuration for both individual users and IT professionals.

Packed with Printing Power

For greater versatility and increased processing power, the magicolor 2450 uses an easy-to-access Emperon controller, which is designed to process and deliver pages quickly and seamlessly. The controller provides compatibility with the most popular printing languages--PostScript 3 and PCL 6--and with both Windows and Macintosh operating environments. Emperon supports multiple network protocols, including TCP/IP, EtherTalk(R), and NetWare(R). And, it greatly improves printer performance and image quality while simplifying the entire printing process.

The magicolor 2450 is equipped with a 300 MHz PowerPC CPU, which gives users the power needed for processing complex files, including high-resolution graphics and images. The printer comes standard with 128 MB DDR SDRAM, which doubles file data throughput and delivers print jobs quickly. A 10/100BaseTX Ethernet interface provides high-speed network printing for busy workgroups. USB 2.0 and parallel ports are also included for stand-alone operation.

"Our small and mid-sized business customers are continually challenged to do more with less," said Stephen Fletcher, president and COO of KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS. "Our goal with the design of the magicolor 2450 was to provide these customers with a robust color laser that gives them greater productivity and better print quality, in a size and price that fit the space and budget needs of the typical small and mid-sized business."

Brilliant, Consistent Color

Print quality in the magicolor 2450 has been dramatically enhanced with 9600 x 600 dpi-class resolution, made possible by Photo ART, KONICA MINOLTA's contone printing technology. Photo ART delivers superior photographic detail and smooth color gradients, giving documents greater audience appeal.

For consistent, accurate color from first page to last, the magicolor 2450 uses Enhanced Automatic Image Density Control (eAIDC). This technology automatically calibrates the printer for optimum print quality, even during intensive, long-term use. Advanced users will appreciate the automatic ICC-based color matching and dynamic contone screening built into the magicolor 2450. These advanced color features provide automatic color correction and optimization of print quality for professional or novice users.

The magicolor 2450 uses KONICA MINOLTA's Simitri Polymerized Toner, which encapsulates uniform-sized toner particles in a wax base. This toner produces much clearer, sharper output, finer text, and better halftones. It also reduces toner consumption up to 30% and keeps the printer cleaner. Because Simitri Polymerized Toner requires less energy to produce, it also helps lower CO2 emissions and reduces the discharge of other air pollutants.

"We believe our small and mid-sized business customers will find that the magicolor 2450 gives them a definite competitive advantage," stated Fletcher. "It provides the type of high-resolution, superior-quality output typically found on more expensive, high-end printer models. The magicolor 2450 makes it more affordable for these customers to produce the kind of vibrant, persuasive documents that certainly match, if not far exceed, the quality of anything produced by their big-budget competitors."

The magicolor 2450 has a one-year exchange warranty and ships with a pre-installed set of supplies, including cyan, magenta, yellow, and black all-in-one imaging cartridges. The printer is available through KONICA MINOLTA's network of distributors, authorized dealers, and e-commerce partners. To find the location nearest you, call 800-523-2696 or visit www.buymagicolor.com.

Product Pricing & Specifications

Printer        Specifications                                Price US
                                                              $ (Est.
                                                              Street)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
magicolor 2450 -- 5 ppm color / 20 ppm b&w                  $599.00(a)
               -- Up to 9600 x 600 dpi-class resolution
               -- 128 MB RAM std. / 640 MB RAM max.
               -- Emperon controller and 300 MHz PowerPC CPU
               -- Ethernet (10/100BaseTX), Hi-speed USB 2.0,
                  and parallel interfaces
               -- PostScript 3 and PCL 6 printer emulations
               -- Windows Server 2003/XP/2000/NT4/Me/98SE &
                  Macintosh OS9.1+, OSX (v10.2+) compatible
               -- PageScope suite of printer management
                  utilities
               -- Enhanced Automatic Image Density Control
                  (eAIDC), Automatic ICC-based color matching,
                  dynamic contone screening
               -- 200-sheet input std. / 700-sheet input max.
               -- Up to 90 lb. Index (up to 163 g/m2) paper
                  weight
               -- Dimensions with cover (W x D x H): 16.9" x
                  19.8" x 13.4"
               -- 35,000 page/month duty cycle
               -- One-year exchange warranty
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Accessories &                                                Price US
 Supplies                                                     $ (List)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower Input    500-sheet Letter
 Feeder                                                       $299.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower Input    500-sheet A4
 Feeder                                                       $299.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Automatic      For two-sided printing
 Duplexer                                                     $399.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Hard  IDE 40 GB for fonts & forms storage; direct
 Disk Kit       PDF printing; electronic collation; proof-
                then-print, secured job, print & hold, and
                stored job functions                          $349.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Memory Upgrade 128 MB DDR SDRAM DIMM                          $129.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Memory Upgrade 256 MB DDR SDRAM DIMM                          $149.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Memory Upgrade 512 MB DDR SDRAM DIMM                          $349.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyan Toner -   1,500 prints
 Standard
 Capacity                                                      $69.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Magenta Toner  1,500 prints
 - Standard
 Capacity                                                      $69.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yellow Toner - 1,500 prints
 Standard
 Capacity                                                      $69.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Toner -  4,500 prints
 High Capacity                                                 $84.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyan Toner -   4,500 prints
 High Capacity                                                $129.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Magenta Toner  4,500 prints
 - High
 Capacity                                                     $129.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yellow Toner - 4,500 prints
 High Capacity                                                $129.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Toner Value    Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow - 4,500 prints each
 Kit - High
 Capacity                                                     $349.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Drum Cartridge Approximately 45,000 monochrome/11,250 color
                prints                                        $149.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation   On-site installation by qualified service
                technician                                    $299.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1-Yr. Extended Plan begins at the end of the printer's
 Exchange       existing warranty
 Warranty                                                      $79.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2-Yr. Extended Plan begins at the end of the printer's
 Exchange       existing warranty
 Warranty                                                     $139.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1-Yr. Extended Plan begins at date of warranty purchase
 Exchange Post
 Warranty                                                      $99.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2-Yr. On-Site  Plan begins at date of printer purchase
 Warranty
 Upgrade                                                      $269.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1-Yr. On-Site  Plan begins at date of warranty purchase
 Post Warranty
 Upgrade                                                      $269.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: consumable yields based on 5% coverage, continuous mode

(a) Price after introductory $100.00 mail-in rebate valid 5/2/05
    through 6/30/05.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC.

KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC., is an innovative developer, manufacturer, and supplier of document printing solutions. The product line includes color and monochrome laser printers, and associated supplies and accessories for general office, electronic publishing, graphic design, advanced imaging, and home office applications. KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. headquarters are in Mobile, Alabama USA, and its products are distributed through a broad network of e-commerce, retail, reseller, and distribution partners.

Editors' Note:

If your publication prints direct reader contact information, please use the following:

KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC.
One Magnum Pass
Mobile, AL 36618
[phone] or [phone]
Internet Address (http://www.printer.konicaminolta.com)

KONICA MINOLTA and the KONICA MINOLTA logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC. magicolor is a trademark or registered trademark of KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. Simitri is a trademark or registered trademark of KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.