Boring Old Corporate Printers Get Colorful

Yes, I know it's hard to get excited about big, honking network printers, but take a look at what Panasonic is doing with them: Panasonic's new C3 multifunction printers will eschew the usual beige case in favor of color bodies. The new printers will be available in red, yellow, or blue. For old sticks in the mud, black is available.

Note that these aren't printers designed for a teenager's bedroom. They're big office printers, designed for multiple users and all-day activity. It's the first time I've heard of this kind of design shift in the stodgy corporate printer market.

Why color? Panasonic says color in the office improves worker morale and productivity. While the effect of a single piece of hardware being red instead of white might not be enormous, it is at least a start. Here's what various colors are said to do to you on a subconscious, psychological level. I was amused to find that the dark green walls of my office are "masculine, conservative, and imply wealth."

What do you think? Would you put a yellow (enhances concentration and speeds metabolism) or red (the color of love) printer in your office?