Fujitsu launches the fi-7180/fi-7280 and fi-7160/fi-7260 document scanners- a scanner series the company claims provide "a comprehensive approach to document scanning."

All scanners feature the PaperStream IP driver and PaperStream Capture image enhancement sfotware, allowing for compact and clear digital images from a wide range of document types. The models capture up to 80 sheets/160 pages per minute (A4, colour, double-sided, 300dpi), putting them among the fastest scanners aimed at knowledge worker desktops. 

Fujitsu offers four different models-- the fi-7160 and fi-7180 ADF scanners and the fi-7260 and fi-7280 flatbed options.  Read more...

The idea of 3D printers (3DPs) as a growth market might sound far fetched, but not according to Gartner-- the analyst predicts 2013 global enterprise and consumer sub-$100000 3DP shipments are to grow by 49% to 56507 units. 

Shipments will only increase further in 2014 (98065 units with 75% growth) and 2015 ("near doubling of unti shipments"), while end-user spending is to reach $412 million with 43% growth in 2013, up from $325m in 2012, before growing by 62% to $669m in 2014. 

"The 3DP market has reached its inflection point," Gartner claims. "While still a nascent market, with hype outpacing the technical realities, the speed of development and rise in buyer interest are pressing hardware, software and service providers to offer easier-to-use tools and materials that produce consistently high-quality results."  Read more...

According to IDC 2012 EMEA page volume generated on home and office digital hardcopy devices is down by -2.3% to 2 million pages. W. Europe and CEE see declines of -3.1% and -3.2% respectively, while MEA is the only sub-region posting growth. 

W. Europe accounts for over 63% of EMEA total page volume. 

On a global scale 2012 page volume is down from 3.03 trillion in 2011 to 2.98tr, a -1.5% decline caused by a reduction in pages printed on laser devices in developed economies.  Read more...

Japanese designer Mugi Yamamoto has an interesting idea bringing back interest in the tired world of printers-- the Stack, a compact inkjet printer that "eats" its way down a stack of paper.

The concept eliminates the paper tray, the bulkiest element in most printers, and allows for a simplified, compact design the size of an A3 sheet of paper. It is also admittedly attractive, something we never imagined saying in reference to a printer!

Currently available in working prototype form, the Stack consists of a lightweight aluminium structure holding together components cannibalised from from various mobile printers. Rubber wheels regulate paper flow, pulling paper through the machine and allowing it to make its way down the stack.

Printed sheets of paper appears on top of the Stack.