HP, Epson battle out in 10ppm laser printer market

Vinita Suvarna-Bhatia

The laser printer in the 10ppm range has seen the entry of Epson's 5800 and HP's 1000. While both were stocked with channel partners since September, HP officially launched the product on 1 October. At the moment these are the only two laser models in the 10ppm range. Recently Wipro e-Peripherals also announced its plans to launch a 10 ppm laser printer, the Wipro 1400. It will be priced at Rs 14,000, making it the cheapest in its segment.

Epson's 5800 has a list price of Rs 21,000, with the channel selling it at Rs 16,800. HP's 1000, on the other hand has a list price of Rs 23,400, with channels selling it at Rs 17,800.

Although HP's printer is priced slightly higher than Epson's, response to the product has been good, according to sources. Says Bishwajit Singh, proprietor of AB Engineers, which sells both brands, "We have sold 12 units of LJ 1000 and only two units of 5800." He feels that given HP's dominant position in the laser printer market, Epson might not be able to give stiff competition.

There is another reason for the good response to HP LJ 1000. Stocks of its successful 6L Pro, a 6ppm printer, were not available in September. And with the strong demand for this model, partners pushed LJ 1000 in its place, pointing out to customers the cost advantage of getting a 10ppm at almost the same price as that of a 6ppm.

In fact, HP too has built its strategy for the new model to focus on this very advantage. Says Tarunjeet Sarao, Country Category Manager, Imaging and Printing Services, HP India, "We want our customers to know that they can now get a 10ppm laser printer for the same price as other 6 and 8ppm printers in the market." HP also has a 12ppm laser printer, the LJ 1200, which lists at Rs 25,000, selling at Rs 23,000.

(CNS)