Most laser-printer features aren't used: software is not keeping pace with new capabilities. (Ideas And Trends) (column)

MOST LASER-PRINTER FEATURES AREN'T USED

The problem is a familiar one: Software is not keeping pace with the advanced features built into the newest laser printers.

Primarily due to the lack of simple and effective software, most laser printers are purchased to replace slower, less flexible letter-quality printers, according to a survey conducted recently by laser-printer market leader Hewlett-Packard. HP sampled its 250,000 LaserJet customers, which constitutes about 70% of the installed laser-printer market. More than 90% of those surveyed indicated they used their laser printers for letters, while only 18% printed merged text and graphics.

To date, dozens of companies have introduced low-cost laser printers in the $1,900-to-$3,500 price range. Some recent examples are:

* Epson's $2,495 GQ-3500 printer, which has a rated speed of six pages per minute (ppm), includes seven type fonts and is able to emulate a Diablo 630, an Epson letter quality, or an HP LaserJet Plus.

* Citizen's $2,395 Overture 110, which clips along at a speedy 10 ppm and emulates an Epson FX-286, Diablo 630, or …