This IDC study focuses on the color page printer market from a format and engine type standpoint. It analyzes and forecasts the market segmented by A3/A4 and single-pass/multipass devices. It includes a 2008 to 2012 unit shipment forecast. Western Europe is comprised of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Ireland.

"We anticipate a shift in the percentage of total shipments from multipass to single pass, and vendors introducing faster, less expensive single-pass products, while using the current multipass technology to come in at extremely low prices," said Julio Vial, quarterly research manager with IDC's Printers group.