New Canon imageCLASS MF6500 Series Laser Multifunction Devices

New imageCLASS Series Delivers Economical, High-Performance Multifunction

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 3, 2006 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., the nation’s market share brand leader in black-and-white and color laser printer/copier solutionsi, today unveiled a new line of next-generation black-and-white multifunctional laser devices - the imageCLASS MF6500 Series. Replacing the cost and complexities of managing multiple office devices, the new MF6500 Series devices allow smaller offices to have true copy, print, fax, and scan functionality and flexibility all in one machine.

Canon’s new four-product imageCLASS MF6500 series - comprised of the Canon imageCLASS MF6530, MF6550, MF6560 and MF6580 - expands the company’s extensive laser multifunction portfolio and provides small and home offices with a range of options to choose the right solution for their business. Moving from multiple single function devices to a single streamlined, multifunction laser platform device is inherently more beneficial in limited office space environments. Compact MFP models allow for a better use of space while accommodating all the tasks previously performed by four or more machines.

"Small and home offices require the same basic office equipment functionality as larger operations. With limited space, small high-performance multifunction devices are critical to the success of these smaller work environments" said Tod Pike, senior vice president, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Canon’s new imageCLASS multi-function products provide smaller operations with the flexibility to choose the optimal speed, capacity, and value-added features all in a single device"

The new imageCLASS MF6500 Series performs black-and-white laser printing at speeds of up to 23 pages-per-minute (ppm)ii and copying output at 23 copies-per-minute (cpm). Crisp text and images can be produced at an enhanced print resolution of up to 1200 x 600 dpi. Customers can also complete a variety of scanning tasks at speeds up to 23 ppm monochrome for letter-sized output. Scans can also be achieved in color from either the platen glass or the automatic document feeder (ADF) with an interpolated resolution of up to 9600 dpi. The included OCR (optical character recognition) software and file managing software provides even more productivity. For the added benefit of fax capability, the imageCLASS MF6550, MF6560, and MF6580 series incorporates a 33.6 Kbps Super G3 faxiii. A strong list of fax features, including 23 one-touch speed dial numbers, 100 coded speed dial numbers, 256-page memory capacity for the MF6550 and a 1,000-page memory capacity for the MF6560 and MF6580 models, PC Faxing, sequential broadcasting and activity reports make the new imageCLASS products ideal for customers requiring comprehensive faxing applications in a compact desktop product.

Paper handling is achieved with each model incorporating a duplex ADF that can handle up to 50-page originals to allow two-sided copying, printing, scanning, and faxing (on the fax models). Each model is also equipped with a 500-sheet front-loading paper cassette that has been folded into the sleek design of the unit plus a 100-sheet multipurpose tray that accepts a variety of media. Each device can copy up to 8.5 inches x 14 inches (legal) from both the ADF and platen glass.

For added flexibility and user convenience, the MF6530, MF6550 and MF6560 are network capable with an optional print server. The MF6580 incorporates a built-in network interface. For optimal speed when printing and scanning, all three products provide a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interfaceiv.

The imageCLASS MF6500 series also incorporates the Canon Single Cartridge System, which combines the toner and drum in one easy-to-replace unit, resulting in excellent image quality retention and eliminating the complication and warehousing of separate toner and drum consumables.

A further measure of Canon’s commitment to small office/home office customers is the inclusion of a three-year limited warranty with first year on-site service - one of the most extensive warranties in the industry.

The suggested retail price of the imageCLASS MF6530 is $599*, the imageCLASS MF6550 at $699*, the MF6560 is priced at $899*, and the MF6580 with built-in Ethernet for network printing and network PC faxing is priced at $999*. All of these devices will begin shipping to retailers in May 2006.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands" Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2005, with global revenues of $31.8 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

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All referenced product names, and other marks, are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
*All prices are estimated selling prices. Actual prices are set by dealer and may vary. Availability and specifications subject to change without notice.
i Source - Gartner Dataquest - "Printer Quarterly Statistics United States - Database" Camille Iorns February 2006.
ii All ppm and cpm’s based on Letter-sized output unless otherwise noted.
iii Approximate 3-second-per-page fax transmission time based on ITU-T No. 1 Chart (MMR, Standard Mode) at 33.6 Kbps modem speed when transmitting to another V.34 machine. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) currently supports 28.8 Kbps modem speeds or lower, depending on telephone line conditions.
iv USB 2.0 Hi-Speed performance requires Windows XP Service Pack 1 or Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 with pre-installed USB 2.0 port.

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Canon U.S.A., Inc.

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