Survey: Holiday gifts can be budget busters

LEXINGTON, Ky., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Five out of 10 people say they have spent more than they intended to on holiday gifts although slightly fewer, perhaps with the best of intentions, say they think they will overspend during the holidays this year.

That's according to a new online survey of 1,000 computer users commissioned by Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) , a leading provider of printing and imaging products, services and solutions.

Survey respondents were about equally divided on whether they have overspent in the past with 47 percent saying they have spent too much and 48 percent saying they spent about the right amount.

With respect to the upcoming holiday season, 33 percent said they believe they will spend too much while 57 percent said they think they will spend the right amount.

Who are the most frequent beneficiaries of overspending? Kids were most frequently cited (51 percent) followed by spouses or significant others (25 percent). Friends were also cited but much less frequently at 6 percent, the same percentage who said their family pet was the recipient of excess spending. Co-workers were cited a mere 0.3 percent of the time.

On which gifts are they most likely to overspend? Technology led the pack at 32 percent, followed by toys/video games at 29 percent and clothing at 19 percent.

The latest entrants to the high-value technology category are wireless inkjet all-in-one (AIO) printers that pack a productivity punch that is easy on the wallet (1).

Lexmark now offers a full line of the most affordable wireless printers in the market, with pricing starting at just $79.99 (2). Lexmark's wireless AIO printers enable users not only to print, but also to copy and scan as well as to send and receive hardcopy faxes on four-in-one models. The printers also provide advanced photo editing and printing capabilities.

In addition, only Lexmark backs the quality of its wireless printers with an exclusive Protection Guarantee (3) with next business day replacement for up to one year after purchase.

"You don't have to overspend to get great technology. Our new wireless inkjet printers give you the latest printing technology at an affordable price," said Paul A. Rooke, Lexmark executive vice president and president of its Consumer Printer Division.

For more information about wireless printing, visit http://mediakits.lexmark.com/.

Survey Methodology

The online survey was conducted Oct. 12-13, 2007 for Lexmark by MarketTools, a third-party research firm, which maintains online panel communities. Men represented 29 percent of respondents while women represented 71 percent. Respondents represented all regions of the U.S. Respondents were aged 18 through 65. The margin of error is +/- 3 percent.

About Lexmark

Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) provides businesses and consumers in more than 150 countries with a broad range of printing and imaging products, solutions and services that help them to be more productive. In 2006, Lexmark reported $5.1 billion in revenue. Learn how Lexmark can help you get more done at www.lexmark.com.

Lexmark and Lexmark with diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

(1) 802.11 b/g/n wireless network required for all wireless functions. Subject to the range and capabilities of your wireless router and access to electricity.

(2) All prices are estimated street prices in U.S. dollars -- actual prices may vary.

(3) This limited warranty does not cover accidental damage, misuse, theft or loss. See Statement of Limited Warranty available at purchase locations for details. Warranty availability can vary by product and country.