Canon this afternoon launched the imageCLASS MF4270, a multifunction laser printer it hopes will blur the lines between home printers and bulky office units. The new system is one of the smallest yet that can print in duplex and saves half the paper while still fitting on a desk in a home office. It also boasts 100Mbps Ethernet to share its printing across a smaller network. The most recent laser printing technology also ensures quick output of 21 pages per minute at a native 1200x600 DPI, according to Canon.

A top-mounted scanner provides 24-bit color, 9600 DPI scanning that provides either direct copying or faxing courtesy of a built-in fax unit. Canon expects the MF4270 to arrive by September at $299, a price closer in line with conventional home all-in-ones than office printers.