On top of utilizing the ECOSYS toner system that minimizes overall cost of ownership dramatically, the Kyocera Mita FS-1100 model has a shockingly fast first page out time and great overall print statistics all around. With impressive, over the top features such as a standard 2 year warranty, as opposed to most brands' one year, this Kyocera Mita should be more than enough to catch any smart buyer's eye.

ECOSYS devices not only cost as little as half the price for consumables as other cartridge based systems, but they are also designed to be completely maintenance free, further reducing the overall operating costs. The unit comes standard with USB connectivity, but also offers optional network connectivity and administration. Kyocera makes things even more user friendly with their special Kyocera single platform technology that makes it possible for the same driver to be used for every Kyocera PCL/PostScript printing device on the network, regardless of how big or small.

The KM-NET Viewer allows visual status monitoring for ultra convenient print data, while general print speeds and performance are outstanding. Printing at up to 28 pages per minute on A4 sized paper, the Kyocera Mita FS-1100 outperforms many printers in its product category, but its remarkable 6 second first page out time is virtually unmatched for a printer this small. Warm up time runs at an acceptable 19 seconds.

With a maximum monthly duty cycle of 20,000 pages per month, one with think that the Kyocera Mita FS-1100 would be perfect for high volume, but Kyocera recommends an average of only 2,000 pages per month for maximum lifespan of the product. Its dimensions are very reasonable, with a footprint of 375 x 393 x 250 mm (W x D x H) and its approximate weight including toner is still only 10 kgs.

A single 250 sheet paper tray is the only form of standard paper storage the unit offers but, luckily, the tray is compatible with custom media sizes. For especially thick media, a single sheet manual feed slot is included in the hardware for access to a straight through paper path. An additional 250 sheet paper feeder can be added for a total of 500 sheets of storage, and the unit's output bin is well equipped with a capacity of 250 sheets. A duplexor is not included, but manual duplexing software comes with the package.

Processing is made possible by a PowerPC 405F5 that can put out 360 MHz of speed, while standard memory rests comfortably at 32 MBs, plus the unit's "ECOmemory." A single SDRAM DIMM slot allows for memory expansion all the way up to a total of 544 MBs. Also left available on the device is a Compact Flash type 1 memory card slot that can hold up to 2 GBs of forms, fonts, logos, and macros for ultra fast printing of commonly used data. With such a low overall operating cost, the Kyocera Mita FS-1100 is the ideal small printer for those looking to make a long term investment.