A Good, Long Run

Dave Carey, product marketing manager for Agfa's computer-to-film division, says imagesetters are still finding homes for one major reason: Price.

"Imagesetters can handle a variety of tasks," he says, "and although they can cost as much as $74,000, you can also get one for as little as $14,000."

According to Carey, imagesetters are one way for wary in-plant managers to take their shop into the digital arena. Used equipment is very inexpensive, he adds, and for a high-productivity shop, it just doesn't make sense to entirely avoid going digital.