Seiko Epson Co’s Torrance, California-based Epson America Inc has introduced a remarkably versatile 10 page per minute laser printer, the EPL-8000. It supports up to three computers without the installation of a network, and has the ability to accommodate a separate printer control language – PCL 5, Epson, Adobe PostScript or HPGL emulation – from each computer. The EPL-8000 comes with two interface ports that connect to two personal computers and it automatically accepts jobs from either interface without control panel changes. In addition, each interface may be assigned the Hewlett-Packard PCL 5 or Epson language. An optional third interface provides connection to another computer and this permits users to print automatically from three computers and assign either the PCL 5 or Epson language to each interface. Optional identity cards provide HPGL plotter emulation or true Adobe PostScript, and either language can be assigned to any available interface. With the PostScript card installed, the EPL-8000 can switch automatically between PCL-5 and PostScript. Epson claims that Resolution Improvement Technology eliminates jagged edges on characters and lines for resolution that resemble 600 dots per inch. The EPL-8000 has 1Mb of memory, expandable to 2Mb by adding chips in increments of 512Kb. With an optional expansion board and additional chips, the memory can be increased to 7.5Mb. A large paper tray holds up to 250 sheets and a long-life imaging cartridge is said to print 8,000 pages before replacement is needed. For desktop publishing and customised documents, the unit has 14 bit-mapped fonts, 13 scalable fonts and a cartridge slot accommodates additional Hewlett-Packard compatible fonts. The printer costs $2,000 with a two-year limited warranty. Options include the third parallel or serial interface port for $152, the PostScript IC card at $650, an Epson GL identity card at $300, a $65 memory board and second paper tray, $400.
