The Xerox DocuPrint N4525, IBM InfoPrint 1145 and the Lexmark W820 are based on the same print engine which was originally used in the third generation Fuji-Xerox engine first introduced in 1997 in the DocuPrint N24/N32. A faster version of the N24/N32 was used in the DocuPrint N40 in 1998, then revamped again for the N4025 in 2000. According to a Xerox official, over 40 improvements were then made for the N4525/W820 versions.
The Xerox DocuPrint N4525 was released in March 2001as a replacement for the N4025 and the N3225. There were four models in the series, the base N4525, the duplex-standard N4525DX, the duplex/hard disk-standard N4525CN, and finally the duplex/hard disk/finishing-standard N4525FN.
All four models featured collation, with edge-to-edge printing on all paper sizes (maximum 11"x17"). Auto duplexing was standard on the DX/CN/FN versions.
With the June 2001 release of the W820 wide-format (11"x17") monochrome laser printer Lexmark offered customers dramatically improved performance, print quality, versatility and value. Meant to redefine the way people manage, share and print information, the W820 boasted a print speed of 45 ppm, a duty cycle of 250,000 pages per month, two 500 sheet drawers, and advanced paper handling and optional finishing capabilities. It was targeted at high volume/deparental printing applications. Although the W820's Fuji-Xerox engine is the same as that used in the Xerox DocuPrint N4525 printer, it contains a faster processor (350MHz vs 233MHz).
The base resolution is 600x600, but supports Lexmark's 1200 Image Quality mode.
At an estimated street price of $2,899, the W820 set a new lower price point for wide format printers over 40ppm. The W820 does not replace any other model in the Lexmark line-up.