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THE

COLOR LASER PRINTER

& BUSINESS INK JET

PRINTER GUIDES

www.betterbuys.com

•Color laser-class

printers for the office

from $499

•Color ink jet printers

for the office from

$99

•Updated for 2007

•Editor’s Choice

Awards

Guide Number:188

Independent Consumer Guides to

Document Imaging Equipment

Xerox Phaser 7760

The Color Laser Printer Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

vEditor’s Choice Awards — page 2

The best values in each product category — as determined by our expert editorial staff

vVendor & Product Profiles — pages 3–56

Acomprehensive list of every model on the market, provided in alphabetical order by

manufacturer

Brother — page 3 Lanier — page 24 Savin — page 44

Dell — page 5 Lexmark — page 25 Sharp — page 44

Gestetner — page 7 OKI — page 30 TallyGenicom — page 46

Hewlett-Packard — page 8 Panasonic — page 35 Toshiba — page 47

IBM — page 15 Ricoh — page 36 Unisys — page 48

Konica Minolta — page 16 RISO — page 41 Xanté — page 48

Kyocera — page 21 Samsung — page 42 Xerox — page 49

vSpecification & Price Charts — pages 70–124

Easy-to-read, side-by-side specs and prices so you can compareall models covered in

this guide

vValue-Added Content

Buying Tips — page 3

Industry Briefing — pages 57–65

A–Z Guide to Features and Technology — pages 66–69

Guide Number: 188. Press Date: November 2006.

Replaces: The Color Laser Printer & Business Ink Jet Printer Guides — Guide Number 178

Reproduction of any part of this guide by any means is expressly prohibited. Periodical postage is paid at Malvern, PA, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Better Buys for Business,370 Technology Drive, Malvern, PA 19355.

To order additional copies of this guide, call 800 247 2185. If calling from overseas, call 610 296 4031. Canadian orders, call 905 849 8972.

The Business Ink Jet Printer Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS appears on page 125

Better Buys for Business

About the Award

What is an Editor’s Choice Award?

This award signifies the best values in each product cate-

gory, as determined independently by our expert editori-

al staff.

How often are awards given?

Our Editor’s Choice ratings are awarded once per year

with each updated guide.

What are the selection criteria?

In each Better Buys guide, we evaluate models from all

major manufacturers. Machines are rigorously analyzed

to determine (1) the strength of their features and specifi-

cations and (2) how they stack up against competitors.

Our independent Editor’s Choice Awards go to those

models that we believe will deliver the highest levels of

performance and offer the greatest value for consumers in

agiven price range.

What categories are judged?

There are four awards categories: economy models,

workgroup models/letter-size (priced under $1,000),

workgroup models/letter-size (priced over $1,000), and

workgroup models/ledger-size.

Where can I find information about each

brand and model?

The pagereferences at the right show where to turn for

write-ups in the Vendor & Product Profiles section and

for entries in the Specification & Price charts.For exam-

ple,“Ricoh Aficio CL3500N — pages 36 & 106” means

that the product profile appears on page 36 and the spec-

ifications and price appear on page106. The models in

parentheses are relabeled versions of the ones immediate-

ly above them and share our Editor’s Choice rating.

Economy Models/Letter-size ($499 and under)

Lexmark C530/C532 family — pages 26 and 94–96

OKI Printing Solutions C3400n — pages 31 and 100

Ricoh GX3000/GX3050N/GX5050N — pages 39 and 109

Samsung CLP-600N — pages 43 and 113

Workgroup Models/Letter-size ($500 to $999)

Lexmark C534 family—pages 26 and 94–96

OKI Printing Solutions C5500n/C5800Ldn — pages 31 and 100

Ricoh Aficio CL3500N — pages 37 and 106

(Gestetner C7521n — pages 7 and 72)

(Lanier LP222cn — pages 24 and 92)

(Savin CLP22 — pages 44 and 114)

Samsung CLP-650N — pages 43 and 113

Workgroup Models/Letter-size ($1,000 and over)

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 4700 family —

pages 12 and 79–80

Kyocera FS-C5015N/FS-C5025N — pages 21 and 89–90

Lexmark C770/C772 family—pages 27 and 96–97

(IBM Infoprint Color 1654 family — pages 16 and 84)

(IBM Infoprint Color 1664 family — pages 16 and 84–85)

(Unisys UDS 579-DN1 — pages 48 and 118)

Workgroup Models/Ledger-size

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 5550 family —

pages 14 and 81–82

Lexmark C920 family — pages 29 and 98–99

(IBM Infoprint Color 1567 — pages 16 and 85)

(Toshiba e-STUDIO360 CP — pages 48 and 117)

Konica Minolta magicolor 7450 — pages 19 and 88

Ricoh Aficio CL7200 — pages 39 and 107–108

(Gestetner C7528n/nD — pages 7 and 72–73)

(Lanier LP332cdn/cdtn — pages 25 and 93)

(Savin CLP128 — pages 44 and 114)

Xerox Phaser 7760 family — pages 55 and 124

EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARDS

From the nation’s leading independent authority on office equipment

Look for the Editor’sChoice

emblem inside the guide.

Editor’s Choice

Award Winners

COLOR LASER PRINTER

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

BROTHER

Bridgewater, NJ

908 704 1700

www.brother.com

Vendor Profile

Brother International — the US subsidiary of Brother

Industries, Ltd., of Nagoya, Japan — has created a repu-

tation for value by selling low-cost small- and home-

office-oriented equipment. A solid presence in the mono-

chrome laser printer market, the company has been try-

ing to make its way into the color market.

The company’s color models are respectable, but break-

through offerings from other vendors mean that Brother

has to play catch-up to stay viable in this market.

Brother sells its color laser printers through the tradi-

tional two-tiered computer equipment channel: national

distributors and value-added resellers (VARs). While

Brother makes its own engines for most of the laser prod-

ucts it sells — including monochrome printers, faxes, and

multifunctional machines — it uses other companies’

engines in its two current color laser products.

Product Profiles

Brother HL-2700CN

8ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Sum-up: A good bargain with strong standard features.

The HL-2700CN can print up to 8ppm in color and

31ppm in black-and-white. That’s acceptable for a print-

er that costs $500. It is notable that the HL-2700CN is

Ethernet-ready(the CN suffix stands for “Color,

Networked”) and offers PostScript 3 (as well as PCL 6)

Vendor & Product Profiles

This section provides an overview on each vendor (complete with contact details) followed by

analysis on each model offered for sale in the color laser printer market. General information about

the market, including discussions of technology as well as advice on how to buy a color laser print-

er, follows this section.

Buying Tips

Color Laser Printers

4Resolution is not an issue for the majority of offices; it

should not determine your choice.

4Take monthly duty cycles with a grain of salt. Use them

for comparison purposes only, but don’t expect to get

the full page count month in and month out.

4The street price of a printer is usually in inverse pro-

portion to the price of toner. The cheaper the machine,

the more expensive per page.

4Cost per page is based on an industrystandard cov-

erage of 5%. If you use lots of graphics, shaded boxes,

and/or small type, your costs will be higher.

4List prices are what the dealer starts negotiating with;

you should be able to settle for one-third off that price.

4PostScript is a must if you use Illustration or page lay-

out programs. For other office uses, PCL or host-

based printing is fine.

4Extra memory is a big plus if you use PostScript; good

if you run multipage and multicopy jobs (electronic col-

lation); it adds nothing to host-based printing.

4Most users don’t need hard disks on their printers. An

exception is for high-security printing, often-used

forms, or truly enormous electronically collated jobs.

4It’s great to have thousands of pages of input, but not

if you have only a 250-sheet exit tray.

4Toner saver and automatic duplexing can be money

savers — but only if you get people to use them.

standard. These features are sometimes costly add-ons to

otherwise inexpensive color printers — in a few cases,

they are simply not available. Like many network-

enabled printers these days, the HL-2700CN has an

embedded Web server that allows for remote

administration.

On the other hand, an automatic duplex unit is avail-

able as an option, but at $999 list, it is no bargain. Instead

of a hard drive, you can use CompactFlash cards in a

built-in slot, which gives you a little extra memory for

handling some of the software extras outlined below. The

HL-2700CN starts with 64MB of memory but can be

extended to a quite good 576MB. The standard paper

supply is based on a 250-sheet paper tray, and you can

add another 530-sheet paper tray for $549, list.

Brother includes some nice software features, especially

for an economy model. The machine has secure print

capability, so that you can send jobs and have them held

at the printer until you enter a password. This helps keep

sensitive material away from prying eyes. It also allows

you to reprint the last job without reprocessing the print

data, a handy time-saver when there is a paper jam or the

toner has run out in the middle of your job. You can store

frequently run jobs (like forms) and print them directly

from the printer. There’s also a stop job button on the

unit. Toner-saver mode is available as well.

The engine images at 600dpi resolution and supports up

to 2,400dpi through image enhancement, a respectable

number in the “highest-dpi” resolution game in which

many vendors engage.

Costs per page are around 3.5¢ per black-and-white

page (well above average) and 14.3¢ for color (also above

average), but these are list prices. You can get a better

deal on supplies if you look.

The 8ppm color speed looks rather slow compared with

the latest generation of single-pass printers that print at

16–28ppm. However, the black printing speed of 31ppm

is excellent.

One big competitor of this printer is the Lexmark

C532n, which also is Ethernet-ready and has PostScript

standard.

You might also want to take a look at the OKI Printing

Solutions C5500n, which sells for $599, and is faster in

color at 20ppm (24ppm in black-and-white). That printer

lacks PostScript, which may or may not be important for

your office.

If you were going to crank out color pages all day long,

you probably wouldn’t consider this model. But for the

small office or workgroup that has a mix of color pages

and a steady stream of black-and-white work, this is a

solid choice.

Chart entry — page 70

Brother HL-4200CN

26ppm full color

26ppm black & white

Sum-up: Good features and speed, but the price is too high.

This color printer offers both 1,200dpi resolution and

26ppm speed in color and black-and-white. The model’s

street price is $1,300.

Among the HL-4200CN’s features are 64MB of stan-

dard memory (expandable to 320MB) and an optional

20GB hard drive — an important option for a color print-

er that may be called upon to handle complex files and

make collated sets. Note that when you print in color at

1,200dpi, you take a speed hit down to 13ppm. However,

600dpi is sufficient for most color jobs.

What’s also noteworthy about this printer are the stan-

dard features that sometimes are extras on other models.

Ethernet comes standard, a big plus, as does PostScript 3.

Finally, automatic duplex is included in the basic package

as well.

The standardpaper capacity starts at 600 sheets, and

the maximum capacity is 2,100 sheets. A 400MHz con-

troller and up to 320MB memory capacity ensure consis-

tent machine performance. Brother also touts its highly

interactive control panel, with excellent animated help

features. The printer is rated for a solid monthly duty

cycle of 60,000 pages.

Per-page operating costs are a mixed bag. A black-and-

white page costs around 2.5¢ to print, whichis no bar-

gain. The color page cost is around 10.4¢, near average.

Better Buys for Business

Brother HL-2700CN

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $173.99 10,000 $0.017 $0.017

Cyan toner $178.99 6,600 $0.027 N/A

Magenta toner $178.99 6,600 $0.027 N/A

Yellow toner $178.99 6,600 $0.027 N/A

OPC belt/black $503.99 60,000 N/A $0.008

OPC belt/4-color $503.99 15,000 $0.034 N/A

Waste toner bottle $12.99 12,000 $0.001 $0.001

Fuser unit $577.99 60,000 $0.010 $0.010

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1431 $0.0365

14.31 3.65

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

While a few years ago the Brother HL-4200CN would

be considered a competitive choice, it is now at the high-

er end (price-wise) of general color laser printers. Its fea-

tures are respectable, but other models offer more for a

lower price. Check out the Konica Minolta magicolor

5400 family, which is considerably less expensive for

roughly similar features. This Brother model needs an

upgrade or a price reduction to compete.

Chart entry—page 70

DELL

Round Rock, TX

800 999 3355

www.dell.com

Vendor Profile

Dell Computer, the number one computer retailer in the

US, is now putting its name on a growing set of printers.

Just a few years ago, it entered the color laser printer mar-

ket with three models based on Fuji Xeroxengines.

Dell sells its printers both online and through catalogs.

The company, through its catalogs and Website, also sells

printers under other vendors’ brands, but it is moving

more and more toward selling its own brands.

Dell printersaredistinguished by lowstreet prices and

reasonable consumables costs. These are straightforward

models, intended for small-office use. They are so low

priced that they have set off a series of price reductions

by rivals.

Note that Dell printers are set up to work with

Windows PC computers only, natural enough in that

Dell is primarily a computer maker supplying printers for

its clients. Remember also that unlike most of its com-

petitors, printers are a sideline for Dell. Furthermore,

note that Dell’s support ratings have been slipping badly,

something that should enter into your considerations.

That may not make as much difference with printers,

since they are far simpler than the combination of hard-

ware and software that Dell must support in its personal

computers.

Product Profiles

Dell Color Laser Printer 3010cn

5ppm color

25ppm black & white

Dell Color Laser Printer 3110cn

17ppm color

31ppm black & white

Sum-up: Low-cost color printers, yet with reasonable costs

per page.

These new color laser machines (based on the discontin-

ued Color Laser Printer 3000cn and Color Laser Printer

3100cn, respectively) have remarkable performance and

Brother HL-4200CN

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $62.99 9,000 $ 0.007 $ 0.007

Cyan toner $157.99 6,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Magenta toner $157.99 6,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Yellow toner $157.99 6,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Print head cartridge $419.99 30,000 $ 0.014 $ 0.014

Transfer Roller $57.99 25,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

Fuser unit $241.99 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1047 $0.0257

10.47 2.57

Dell Color Laser Printer 3010cn

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $40.00 2,000 $ 0.020 $ 0.020

Cyan toner $70.00 2,000 $ 0.035 N/A

Magenta toner $70.00 2,000 $ 0.035 N/A

Yellow toner $70.00 2,000 $ 0.035 N/A

Drum/black $169.99 42,000 N/A $ 0.004

Drum/4-color $169.99 10,500 $ 0.016 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1412 $ 0.0240

14.12 2.40

features for the price. Even with many under-$500 color

laser printers to choose from these days, the prices are

eye-opening: the Color Laser Printer 3010cn goes for

$379, while the Color Laser Printer 3110cn, with better

features, is selling for $499.

Despite their competitive pricing, these are not dumb-

ed-down models. While the 3010cn prints at a pokey

5ppm in color, it runs at a decent 25ppm in black-and-

white. The 3110cn ups those figures to a respectable

17ppm in color and 31ppm in black-and-white. Both

come with Ethernet standard, and they have adequate

memory: 64MB on the 3010cn, upgradeable to 576MB;

and 128MB on the 3110cn, upgradeable to 1,152MB.

And they have reasonably powerful processors: 300MHz

on the 3010cn, and 400MHz on the 3110cn.

The 3010cn does not have PostScript, while the 3110cn

does. And while the 3010cn starts with a 150-sheet paper

tray, the 3110cn supplements this with another 250-sheet

tray. You can add a third, 500-sheet paper tray to the

3010cn for a total of 900 sheets, or add a 550-sheet tray

to the 3110cn for a total of 950 sheets. Output is limited

to 250 sheets on both models.

Cost per color page is 14.1¢ in color (rather high) for the

3010cn, and 9.4¢ (not bad) for color for the 3110cn. The

black-and-white per-page cost for both models is 2.4¢

(very reasonable for low-end color lasers). Output is lim-

ited to 250 sheets, with no option for expansion.

As you would expect, these are pretty basic models.But

the low prices make them very desirable small-

office/home-office laser machines. The toner prices

aren’t bad for the low end of the market. On the other

hand, you now have the option, for a little more money,

to get machines that print far faster in color. Look at the

$499 Lexmark C532n, which has PostScript, Ethernet,

and 20ppm color printing. The $599 OKI Printing

Solutions C5500n costs a bit more, but is similarly

impressive. Also note the Hewlett-Packard Color

LaserJet 3600n, which at $699 delivers 17ppm color.

Dell is the rock-bottom choice for price. But given the

low prices of color laser printers in general, you might

find a little bit more value without breaking the budget by

looking elsewhere.

Chart entries — pages 70–71

Dell Color Laser Printer 5110cn

35ppm color

40ppm black & white

Sum-up: Excellent performance for the price.

Dell stole a march on other printer vendors by offering

this impressive platform before anyone else and at a price

that challenged big name competitors to reduce prices

faster than they may have wanted to. At just under

$1,000, the 35ppm (color) and 40ppm (black-and-white)

Color Laser Printer 5110cn offers very good performance

at a low price. That was amazing a year ago, though other

vendors have managed to get back in the race more

recently.

Better Buys for Business

Dell Color Laser Printer 3110cn

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Blacktoner $110.00 8,000 $ 0.014$0.014

Cyan toner $215.00 8,000 $ 0.027 N/A

Magenta toner $215.00 8,000 $ 0.027 N/A

Yellow toner $215.00 8,000 $ 0.027 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0944 $ 0.0138

9.44 1.38

Dell Color Laser Printer 5110cn

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $90.00 18,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Cyan toner $230.00 12,000 $ 0.019 N/A

Magenta toner $230.00 12,000 $ 0.019 N/A

Yellow toner $230.00 12,000 $ 0.019 N/A

Drum/black$169.99 35,000 N/A $ 0.005

Drum/4-color $169.99 35,000 $ 0.020 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0825 $ 0.0099

8.25 0.99

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

The printer isn’t lacking in other features. Ethernet is

standard as is automatic duplexing. The processor is a

robust 400MHz, and PostScript and PCL are standard.

The printer ships with 128MB of memory, and you can

extend that to 1,152MB.

We estimate the cost per page as excellent: 8.7¢ in color

and around 1.0¢ in black-and-white. These are well below

average and match the costs of far more expensive mod-

els from other vendors. The black page price is particular-

ly attention-grabbing.

Paper supplies consist of a 150-sheet bypass and a 500-

sheet paper tray. You can buy either a 500-sheet or a

1,000-sheet add-on as well. One limitation, and it is com-

mon in this market segment, is its small 250-sheet output

tray.

But the low prices and good speed make this a very

desirable small-office/home-office laser machine. Based

on toner prices, it looks to be reasonable in terms of oper-

ating costs.

You should also look at the Lexmark C770n, which is

slower in black-and-white and color, but comes with

Lexmark’s more extensive software offerings.

This is a pretty basic workgroup printer, but its price

and speed are real selling points. This machine is a bar-

gain and has ignited a rush by other vendors to lower

prices.

Chart entry — page 71

GESTETNER

Greenwich, CT

203 967 5000

www.gestetner.com

Vendor Profile

Awhile back, Gestetner was merged into Savin, which is

asubsidiary of Ricoh. Gestetner was best known as a

vendor of digital duplicators, especially in the school,

church, and government markets. Nowadays it also sells

relabeled Ricoh printers, copiers, and fax machines under

the Gestetner brand through a network of dealers. It pre-

viously used a series of direct-sales branches as well, but

these have been merged into Ricoh’s direct organization.

Note that Gestetner announced the names of its three

printersbased on the Ricoh GelSprinter series. These are

the GX3000, the GX3050N, and the GX5050N. These

correspond to the similarly named Ricoh products on

page 39.

Product Profiles

Gestetner P7431cn

8ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL1000N

Chart entry — page 71

Gestetner C7521n

22ppm full color

22ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL3500N

Chart entry — page 72

Gestetner C7526dn

26ppm full color

26ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio SP C410DN

Chart entry — page 72

Gestetner C7528n

Gestetner C7528nD

28ppm full color

32ppm black & white

Same familyas the Ricoh Aficio CL7200

Chart entries — pages 72–73

Gestetner C7531dn

31ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio SP C411DN

Chart entry— page 73

Gestetner C7535n

35ppm full color

35ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL7300D

This model has been discontinued

Chart entry — page 73

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HEWLETT-

PACKARD

Santa Clara, CA

800 752 0900

www.hp.com

Vendor Profile

Hewlett-Packard (HP) needs little introduction in any

discussion of printers, a market in which it exercises

commanding leadership. Its current generation of color

laser models is based on Canon engines, as are its mono-

chrome laser printers. HP is offering a variety of separate

product families aimed at different segments of the

market.

Up until recently, HP’s models were the undisputed

industry standard simplybecause they sold far better than

all the competition. But the competition, especially

Lexmark, Dell, OKI, Konica Minolta, and Xerox, keeps

forging ahead. HP has responded with lower prices and

higher speeds.

HP has become a leader in connectivity for its printers,

offering a variety of internal and external connectivity

options. In addition to a variety of servers, many that are

Web-ready, HP is putting increasing emphasis on wireless

connectivity. Many of the models offer IEEE 802.11b

(Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth wireless protocols. In general, the

company offers the widest variety of connectivity options

in the business.

Image quality: When it comes to image quality, we

aren’t going to engage in specification-driven debates

about who has the highest resolution, and we don’t think

you should be swayed by these types of arguments either.

Most of the printers in this guide deliver perfectly accept-

able image quality for mainstream documents — and if

you’re interested in professional-level presentations or

graphics printing, a good number of these models offer

higher resolutions for that kind of work, too.

HP has implemented laser-modulation technology that

it claims boosts the quality to 2,400dpi, even 3,200dpi

levels. HP calls this “ImageREt 2400” and “ImageREt

3200” — the “REt” standing for “resolution enhance-

ment technology” and the “2400” or “3200” loosely

referring to the dpi quality level to which this supposedly

equates. However, the number 2400 or 3200 is not a

measure of dpi — instead of being a specification, it is

merely a four-digit number selected by HP on account of

the positive connotations it carries.

Either way, ImageREt is by no means the only HP tech-

nology at work under the hood to optimize image quali-

ty. HP also stresses its automatic color calibration

process, which ensures consistent quality between

machines and, over time, on the same machine under

varying environmental conditions.

Hewlett-Packard has come up with a number of fea-

tures that enhance the usability of its color printers. The

newest models use a newly improved toner called

ColorSphere. This product gives more accurate particle

diffusion and better toner particle distribution, resulting

in higher gloss and a wider color gamut. In other words,

the color pages are much more vivid, which is especially

useful for printing photographic images.

Second, HP updated its Web Jetadmin remote adminis-

tration utility, already the best-known in the industry.

Version 8.0 comes with excellent tools for color access

control and color usage costs.

Finally, a recently introduced universal driver for HP

printers means that you can have a single up-to-date driv-

er for all your HP printers, rather than a tangle of differ-

ent drivers. Aside from saving software clutter, this will

mean that HP printer users will get the same basic dialog

box no matter what model they print to.

Product Profiles

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 1600

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 2600n

8ppm full color

8ppm black & white

Sum-up: Decent color speed for a low price, but black speed

is slow.

These new models appear to be HP’s entry into the ongo-

ing race to put out the cheapest color printer on the mar-

ket. The $299 (street) Color LaserJet 1600 and $399

(street) Color LaserJet 2600n are certainly inexpensive.

And for those prices, their 8ppm color printing speed

stacks up well against competing bargain-priced models

suchas the 5ppm Xerox Phaser 6120N ($299), the 5ppm

$299 Konica Minolta magicolor 2500W, and the 5ppm

Konica Minolta magicolor 2530 DL ($399). But the HP

printersalso print at 8ppm in black-and-white, and that

could be a concern for potential users.

Aside from that issue, these machines hold up well as

basic desktop color printers.The Color LaserJet 1600 is

the base model, printing at 600dpi resolution. It comes

Better Buys for Business

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

with 16MB of nonexpandable memory and, as you’d

expect, uses host-based printing instead of PostScript. It

has a 250-sheet standard paper tray, and you can add

another 250-sheet tray for a total of 500 sheets of input.

Standard output is a modest 125 sheets with no options

for expansion. This machine has a 20,000-page monthly

duty cycle.

The Color LaserJet 2600n adds Ethernet and has a

35,000-page duty cycle. Otherwise, these machines are

identical.

Consumable costs are high for these machines, with

color toner running 15.4¢ a page and black-and-white

costing 3.9¢ a page. That’s based on HP’s list prices; we

expect moderate discounts from street prices for toner.

These printers have HP’s two-line LCD control panel

which provides status info and alerts of printing prob-

lems.

These machines are pretty typical low-end color laser

printers. Their color printing speed is decent, but the slow

black printing concerns us, since typical business users

would do most of their printing in black-and-white. In

the $300 – $400 price range, they could get better black

printing speed. But in terms of low-priced color printing,

these are impressive. The Color LaserJet 2600n suffers,

however, in comparison to OKI Printing Solutions

C3400n ($399), which prints at 16ppm in color and

20ppm in black-and-white with comparable features for

the same price.

Chart entries — page 74

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 2605dn

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 2605dtn

10ppm full color

12ppm black & white

Sum-up: Improved color speed at very reasonable price

points.

If nothing else, Hewlett-Packard’s new Color LaserJet

2605 family indicates the company is listening to its cus-

tomers.

The Color LaserJet 2605 models seem to be a response

to what was most likely the major gripe about the Color

LaserJet 2550 models: their slow 4ppm color printing

speed.

The Color LaserJet 2550 family represented a break-

through in terms of price: they were HP’s entry into the

under-$500 color laser printer market.

Now come the $500 Color LaserJet 2605dn and $700

Color LaserJet 2605dtn, which more than double the

Color LaserJet 2550’s 4ppm color speed, printing at

10ppm in color.That’s remarkable performance at this

price level.

Yet, there’s a drawback, even though it may be a minor

one to some users: the 2605 family’s 12ppm black-and-

white speed is slower than the 2550 models’ 20ppm. Both

have PostScript 3 and standard Ethernet.

On both models, the optional paper supply is limited to

one 250-sheet tray. Both machines are well equipped with

300MHz processors and 64MB of standard memory.

Like other recent color laser printers from HP, these

models utilize the company’s ColorSphere toner. They

also have HP’s ImageREt 2400 color technology, which

interpolates the printers’ maximum 600dpi color resolu-

tion to 2,400dpi print quality.

These are compact units designed to fit comfortably on

desktops in busy, cramped workspaces.

Output is limited to a skimpy 125 sheets, which is stan-

dard for HP’s low-end color laser line.

The printers are designed with HP’s customary focus on

ease of use. The front-panel two-line display enables

users to monitor print job status and consumables sup-

plies, and toner cartridges are accessible through a single

door.

As one would expect, consumables prices run high for

this family, with color toner running 15.4¢ a page and

black-and-white costing 3.9¢ a page. That’s based on

HP’s list prices; we expect moderate discounts from street

prices for toner.

These models seem to be aimed at the user who wants

adecent-quality desktop color laser printer and is not

Hewlett-PackardColor LaserJet 1600/2600n/2605

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $75.00 2,500 $ 0.030 $ 0.030

Cyan print cartridge $83.00 2,000 $ 0.042 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $83.00 2,000 $ 0.042 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $83.00 12,000 $ 0.007 N/A

Drum/black $173.99 20,000 N/A $ 0.009

Drum/4-color $173.99 5,000 $ 0.035 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1547 $ 0.0390

15.47 3.90

requiring top-notch black-and-white performance. For

the money, they’re definitely excellent values, although

their limited features and high consumables costs may

lead potential buyers to consider slightly more expensive

models such as the OKI Printing Solutions C5800Ldn,

which sells for $799 (street) and prints at 24ppm in color

and 28 in black-and-white, or HP’s own Color LaserJet

3800, which also costs $799 (street) and prints at 22ppm

in color and black-and-white.

Still, the Color LaserJet 2605dn and 2605dtn models

represent a step in the right direction by HP of upping the

quality of lower-level color laser printers while keeping

costs low.

Chart entries — pages 74–75

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3600

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3600n

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3600dn

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3600dtn

17ppm full color

17ppm black & white

Sum-up: This small-workgroup printer series offers host-

based printing only but good color speed.

The Color LaserJet 3600 models are HP’s lowest-cost

printers that offer the same speed in black-and-white and

color. They start at $599. At 17ppm, they replace the

16ppm Color LaserJet 3550 printers, and they add a little

more in the way of standard paper input. The 360MHz

processor is quite good for a desktop/small workgroup

printer.These printers are reasonably priced, starting well

under the magic $1,000 level.

Note, however, that unlike the slower Color LaserJet

2550 models, these printers do not offer PostScript or

PCL. If you want PostScript, you’ll want to look at other

HP models.

Thereare four models in this family:

lThe base-level Color LaserJet 3600 ($599)

lThe network-capable Color LaserJet 3600n ($699)

lThe 3600dn, which has automatic duplexing ($999)

lThe Color LaserJet 3600dtn, whichadds more paper

capacity ($1,599)

The 3600 and 3600n machines have 64MB of memory,

while the 3600dn and 3600dtn come with 128MB. The

3600dtn also adds a 500-sheet tray. There is no option for

memory expansion. That’s no big issue, given the lack of

PostScript. HP calls its own printing language JetReady,

and it works basically like GDI. These machines are also

Mac- and Linux-compatible. HP rates them for a maxi-

mum monthly duty cycle of 50,000 pages, but recom-

mends a much lower volume, of up to 3,000 pages.

The models have a sleek curved design, simple and ele-

gant and suitable for desktop use. Connectivity is via

USB and Ethernet (optional on the 3600). Wi-Fi is avail-

able as an option on all four models.

Paper supplies include a 100-sheet bypass (which can

handle heavier stock, including envelopes and trans-

parencies). All of the models have a 250-sheet standard

paper tray. You can also add an optional 500-sheet paper

tray, for a total of 850 sheets. (That 500-sheet tray is stan-

dard on the dtn model.) On the output side, there’s a 250-

sheet standard output tray.

Like other recently rolled-out HP printer series, this one

comes with ColorSphere toner, which is designed to

show very good color gloss and consistency (useful in

printing photos or marketing materials). It also comes

with preinstalled cartridges, so the printer is ready to go

out of the box. These starter cartridges can print 5,000

black-and-white pages, 4,000 color pages. That’s a nice

head start before you have to worry about installing

supplies.

Consumables costs are at 2.2 cents for black-and-white

and 12 cents for color. These are moderate prices.

This is a formidable, speedy printer family at a low

price. It has the HP administrative tools and a good-look-

ing toner technology. The base model is far faster in color

Better Buys for Business

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3600/3800

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $132.99 6,000 $ 0.022 $ 0.022

Cyan print cartridge $129.99 4,000 $ 0.032 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $129.99 4,000 $ 0.032 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $129.99 4,000 $ 0.032 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.120 $0.022

11.97 2.22

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

than most other printers starting at under $700. But you

should look at the OKI Printing Solutions 5500 and

Lexmark C522 machines. They offer comparable color

speeds, and the Lexmark adds on PostScript as well.

If you want a solid HP model and a moderate sticker

price, this is the family to check out.

Chart entries — pages 76–77

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3000

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3000n

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3000dn

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3000dtn

15ppm full color

30ppm black & white

Sum-up: A workgroup printer series with superior black-and-

white speeds and the ability to control color use.

This printer family features fast speeds in black-and-

white and pretty good speed in color. Unlike some other

HP models, this one is more suited for an environment

where standard black-and-white office printing is

required and color printing is more occasional. That’s a

description that fits many offices.

These printers come with a powerful 533MHz proces-

sor. The printer series supports both PCL and PostScript

printing, whether from Windows PCs, Macs, or various

flavors of UNIX systems. As with other newer HP print-

ers, the color functions can be blocked for some users or

for certain hours so you can have some control over the

cost of color printing in a mixed-use environment. That

makes especially good sense with this printer family,

which you can use as your standard office printer most of

the time, with color as an added feature.

There are four configurations:

lThe base model, the Color LaserJet 3000 ($999),

whichfeatures 64MB of memory and 350 sheets of

standard input.

lThe Color LaserJet 3000n ($1,199), which features

128MB of memory plus a built-in Ethernet port.

lThe Color LaserJet 3000dn ($1,499), which adds stan-

dard automatic duplexing.

lThe Color LaserJet 3000dtn (its price was not avail-

able as we went to press), which adds an extra 500-

sheet tray as a standard feature.

All of the models have USB connectivity. Wi-Fi wire-

less and gigabit Ethernet connectivity are also options.

A100-sheet multipurpose tray handles transparencies

and envelopes. A 250-sheet tray is standard on all mod-

els, and a 500-sheet input drawer is optional. (It is stan-

dard on the 3000dtn.) HP recommends a volume of up to

5,000 pages per month, but its maximum duty cycle is

50,000 on the 3000n and 3000dn, and a full 60,000 pages

on the 3000 and 3000dtn.

Preinstalled toner cartridges have capacity for 6,500

black-and-white and 3,500 color pages.

Consumables costs for this family come in at 16.5¢ per

color page and 2.9¢ a page for black-and-white — both

on the high side.

This is a very practical series for offices where color is a

desired, but not constantly used, feature. The price is rea-

sonable enough. What would make it more useful is

more paper capacity: the 850-sheet total input limits the

sizeof the workgroup that can use it. There are other

models in this price range that offer more than twice the

paper capacity,notablythe Xerox Phaser 6300 family and

the Panasonic WORKiO DP-CL22. But those models are

similarly limited in output to a 250-sheet tray, so the

paper capacity is less of an issue.

The Color LaserJet 3000 family offers good features for

afair price. It also offers the HP name and the upgraded

administrativetools and improved color toner that come

with the brand.

Chart entries — pages 75–76

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3000

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $134.99 6,500 $ 0.02 $ 0.02

Cyan print cartridge $127.99 3,500 $ 0.04 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $127.99 3,500 $ 0.04 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $127.99 3,500 $ 0.04 N/A

Drum/black $173.99 20,000 N/A $ 0.01

Drum/4-color $173.99 5,000 $ 0.03 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.17 $ 0.03

16.53 2.95

www.BetterBuys.com

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3800

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3800n

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3800dn

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 3800dtn

22ppm full color

22ppm black & white

Sum-up: Capable small-workgroup printers with good fea-

tures.

The Color LaserJet 3800 family is a few steps above the

Color LaserJet 3600 family in most features, including

speed and, of course, price. But the most significant dif-

ference between the two families is that the 3800 models

come with PCL and PostScript, which are lacking in the

3600 models. In addition, the 3800 family supports direct

PDF printing.

The 3800 series replaces the discontinued Color

LaserJet 3700, upgrading the speed from 16ppm to

22ppm in both color and black-and-white. These

machines are aimed at small-to-mid-size offices.

There are four models in the Color LaserJet 3800 fami-

ly. They are:

lThe Color LaserJet 3800 ($799), which is the base

model with 96MB of memory and 350 sheets of paper

capacity standard.

lThe Color LaserJet 3800n ($999), which is Ethernet-

ready and comes with 160MB of memory.

lThe Color LaserJet 3800dn ($1,299), which adds

duplexing and comes with 288MB of memory.

lThe Color LaserJet 3800dtn ($1,549), which adds a

500-sheet paper tray.

All of these models have a 350MHz processor. They

max out at 544MB of memory. A 20GB disk drive is

available.

As noted already, PostScript and PCL are standard fea-

tures, so the added memory and even the disk drive may

be welcome for those who run long, complex jobs. In

terms of connectivity, parallel, USB, and Ethernet

(optional on the 3800) are available, and Wi-Fi connectiv-

ity is as well. These machines also offer gigabit Ethernet

connectivity. Mac and a variety of UNIX (Linux, AIX,

Citrix) drivers are included.

The paper supplies are the same as those for the Color

LaserJet 3600 printers. They include a 100-sheet bypass

(multipurpose tray), a 250-sheet paper tray, and an

optional 500-sheet tray (standard on the 3800dtn). There

is a 250-sheet output tray. Heavy index stock can be run

through the bypass.

These models come with ColorSphere toner, which is a

nice improvement in color quality. It also comes with pre-

installed cartridges, so the printer is ready to go out of the

box. These starter cartridges can print 6,000 black-and-

white pages, 6,000 color pages. We like this trend, espe-

cially since the first set-up of a printer can be a real

headache.

HP hadn’t determined all the consumables costs before

we went to press. We have seen preliminary toner prices,

and they are in line with those of similar models.

HP has flooded the small workgroup color printer mar-

ket with well-featured, reasonably priced models that are

all strong contenders in terms of price and features. The

Color LaserJet 3800 family starts under the magical

$1,000 point. Its features are straightforward but ade-

quate for most offices. It stands up well with similarly

priced printer families, such as the Lexmark C770 and

OKI Printing Solutions C6100 models. Add to that the

HP name and the excellent admin tools, and for many

offices this might be the preferred color laser solution.

Chartentries — pages 78–79

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 4700

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 4700n

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 4700dn

Hewlett-PackardColor LaserJet 4700dtn

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 4700ph+

31ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Sum-up: A departmental color printer series that is an

impressively fast upgrade to an already good product line.

The Color LaserJet 4700 family offers few frills, but it is

areliable, fast color printer series at a moderate price. At

31ppm, it’s a major speed upgrade from the popular

22ppm Color LaserJet 4650 family, though it otherwise

has similar features and prices. The Color LaserJet 4700

has a street price of $1,799 for the basic non-networked

version. It is the least expensivemodel in its class (thatis,

printers that print at about 30ppm in both color and

black). The network version, the 4700n, has a street price

of $1,999. Anetwork version with duplexing, the

4700dn, goes for $2,499. The 4700dtn adds two extra

standard paper trays and goes for $3,399, while the

4700ph+ ($4,999) adds a finisher, even more paper capac-

ity, more memory, and a hard disk.

The Color LaserJet 4700 series is based on a Canon

engine that produces both full-color and black-and-white

pages at 31ppm. That makes it considerably faster in

color than earlier generations of Hewlett-Packard print-

Better Buys for Business

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

ers and among the faster color laser printers on the

market.

The Color LaserJet 4700, 4700n, and 4700dn come

standard with a 100-sheet multipurpose tray and a 500-

sheet paper tray capacity. The 4700dtn comes with three

500-sheet trays standard, for a standardcapacity of 1,600

sheets. The 4700ph+ comes with a total of 2,600 sheets

of input standard.

Output capacity is 500 sheets, whichis better than

some, but still low for heavy-duty workgroup use. The

finisher on the 4700ph+ has single-position stapling of up

to 30 sheets at a time, and its output tray holds up to 750

sheets. That’s more limited than more robust multiposi-

tion stapling solutions found on other machines in this

guide, but is suitable for simple office work. The finisher

is available as an option for the other models in the fam-

ily.

There are a variety of features that enhance the 4700

family’s attractiveness. The printers are powered by a

533MHz processor; that is quite competitive. Processing

power has become more important as the files that users

print have grown in complexity.

The familyhas outstanding base memory of 160MB for

the 4700 and 4700n, 288MB for the 4700dn and 4700dtn,

and 544MB for the 4700ph+. This memory can be

expanded to 544MB, which is excellent.

A40GB hard drive (along with the added memory)

allows the machine to process multipage, multi-set jobs in

one shot rather than processing each set separately. This

is known as multiple original printing, and its presence

makes the printer a credible choice for handling a work-

group’s printing needs. (The hard drive is optional on all

4700 models except the 4700ph+, where it is standard.)

There is an embedded Web server through which an IT

manager or other user can oversee the printer remotely

using a standard browser. These models also have job

retention features. These include proof and hold (which

allows you to send a job to the printer, print only the first

copy for proofing, and then either release the job from the

printer control panel or delete it if you find mistakes in

the proof) and private (or secure) printing (which allows

you to send a confidential job to the printer and hold it

for release at the control panel to avoid it being seen by

prying eyes). HP has been gradually introducing these

features to all its laser printers, after first introducing

them on its upscale monochrome models. (To activate

these features, you need the hard drive.)

In terms of connectivity, aside from USB and Ethernet,

there is optional IEEE 802.11b or g connectivity that

allows you to print to the machine from a PC over a wire-

less (Wi-Fi) network. Gigabit Ethernet is supported as

well. Mac and a variety of UNIX drivers are available as

well.

As with other newer HP models, these printers feature

HP’s ColorSphere toner for superior color, especially for

photographic images.

The consumables costs for the Color LaserJet 4700, at

around 9.2¢ in color and about 1.6¢ in black and white,

are pretty much in line with industry averages. The high-

capacity cartridges, though very convenient in the long

run, will involve a major initial cash outlay once the

starter cartridges run out, however the color cartridges

have a street cost of over $250!

The Color LaserJet 4700 is a capable printer family. If

you need a color printer that will serve a department,

then the extra$1,000 you’ll spend over the slower models

is definitely worth the price. Similarly priced models with

somewhat slower speeds include the OKI Printing

Solutions C7550 family and the Kyocera FS-C5030N.

The Color LaserJet 4700 series offers a menu of useful

features and is solid in the areas where a color printer

should be,like image quality and speed. The finisher,

though somewhat limited in capacity, is a real rarity in

the color laser printer world, especially at this segment of

the market. It’s rare that HP needs to be the price/per-

formance leader in any segment, given its brand name

advantage. But, at least for now, it has set a standard in its

market segment with the Color LaserJet 4700 family.

HP’s other newer color laser printers (the LaserJet 3600

and 3800) are quite well done and you can’t go wrong

buying them. The 4700 family is, however, a real stand-

out that gets our Editor’s Choice Award.

Chartentries — pages 79–80

www.betterbuys.com

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 4700

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $178.99 11,000 $ 0.016 $ 0.016

Cyan print cartridge $253.99 10,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $253.99 10,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $253.99 10,000 $ 0.025 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0925 $ 0.0163

$9.25 $ 1.63

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 5550n

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 5550dn

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 5550dtn

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 5550hdn

27ppm full color

27ppm black & white

Sum-up: Affordable ledger-size printers with good speed.

The ledger-size Color LaserJet 5550 family runs at

27ppm in both black-and-white and color. These power-

ful machines are suited for large departments that need

color printing.

There are four members in this family:

lThe Color LaserJet 5550n ($3,549) comes with

PostScript and PCL, along with Ethernet connectivi-

ty. It starts with 160MB of memory, a 100-sheet

bypass unit, and a 500-sheet paper tray.

lThe Color LaserJet 5550dn ($3,749) adds automatic

duplexing.

lThe Color LaserJet 5550dtn ($4,999) adds more mem-

ory (288MB) and a second 500-sheet paper tray.

lThe Color LaserJet 5550hdn ($6,299) adds a 20GB

hard disk (optional on the other models). It also

comes with four 500-sheet paper trays, for a total of

2,100 sheets of input. While the printer series can

handle paper stocks up to 53lbs., it cannot handle

110lb. card stock, which might be a concern for some

users.

All of these models are driven by a 533MHz processor,

and they can be expanded to a maximum of 544MB of

memory. All of the models can be upgraded to the full

2,100 sheets of input that comes standard with the

5550hdn. HP claims that its ImageREt 3600 image

enhancement is even better than the ImageREt 2400 soft-

ware available on most of its other color printers.

Like other HP printer products, this series has nice

management features, including an embedded Web serv-

er that works with HP’s Web Jetadmin program. There’s

afour-line interactive display that allows you to check

supply levels and diagnose and fix problems. The sup-

plies consist of four all-in-one cartridges that are easy to

replace through a front door. Consumables costs of 1.9¢

in black and 9.8¢ in color are moderate.

This is a strong ledger printer family. It does, however,

lack finishing equipment, even as an option. If you want

finishing, you should look at the Ricoh Aficio CL7200, a

less expensive ledger printer with both a finisher and a

booklet maker as options. Another strong competitor is

the Lexmark C920 family, which also has a finisher. Or

you can look at HP’s own Color LaserJet 9500hdn. If

you don’t need finishing but do need ledger-size printing,

the Color LaserJet 5550 series looks like a solid buy. It’s

earned our Editor’sChoice Award.

Chart entries — pages 81–82

Hewlett-PackardColor LaserJet 9500n

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 9500hdn

24ppm full color

24ppm black & white

Sum-up: Ledger-size printers with good finishing options

(9500hdn only).

The Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 9500 is a family of

ledger-size color printers. They are durable machines

with solid features and, at least on the high-end model,

excellent output capabilities. Note that this is no desktop

model. Fully equipped, it is four feet tall.

These laser machines run at 24ppm both in color and

black-and-white. That speed is supported by a fast

500MHz processor. Note that they are bested in speed by

HP’s newer 27ppm Color LaserJet 5550 family. Both are

rated by HP for an impressive 200,000 pages a month.

PostScript is a standard feature, as is Ethernet support

through an internal server. These models do not, howev-

er, offer a USB interface, though parallel connectivity is

standard.

In other ways, the two members of the family, the

9500n and 9500hdn, are quite distinct. As you might sus-

pect from the hdn suffix, the 9500hdn offers a standard

hard disk and automatic duplexing. While the 9500n

Better Buys for Business

Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 5550

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Blackprint cartridge $225.99 13,000 $ 0.017 $ 0.017

Cyan print cartridge $315.99 12,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $315.99 12,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $315.99 12,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Imagetransfer kit $200.00 120,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0980 $ 0.0194

9.80 1.94

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

starts with 160MB of memory, the 9500hdn comes with

288MB. Both printers can be upgraded to 384MB. These

printers have good color tools, including automatic color

calibration as well as color-matching software.

It is on paper handling that the two machines really dif-

fer from each other. The less expensive 9500n starts with

a100-sheet multipurpose tray, along with two 500-sheet

paper trays. That’s a total of 1,100 sheets, and there are

no options. On the output side, there is a 100-sheet face-

up (bypass) tray and a 500-sheet face-down tray.

Duplexing is optional.

The 9500hdn, on the other hand, has far more capacity.

In addition to the basic 1,100 sheets, you get a 2,000-

sheet high-capacity feeder (not available even as an

option for the 9500n). That’s a total of 3,100 sheets.

Duplexing, as we have noted, is standard.

It’s on the output side, however, that it gets even more

interesting for the 9500hdn. In addition to the basic 600-

sheet output capacity, there are three strong upgrades.

One is a 3,000-sheet offset catch tray. The second is a

3,000-sheet finisher with 50-sheet stapling. The third

option is a booklet maker with saddlestitcher, one of the

few models with booklet makers in this guide. That’s an

impressive trio, making the 9500hdn the only model in

this guide that can hold its own in a corporate repro and

publishing center alongside more expensive color copiers.

Cost per page is moderate, at 9.0¢ in color, 1.8¢ in

black-and-white.

As far as competition goes, we have to differentiate

between the twomodels. The Color LaserJet 9500n has a

higher price and inferior features compared to excellent

machines from Lexmark, Ricoh, Xerox, and others. It is

not competitive mostly because of its high price. At a

street price of $6,799, we have the same concerns regard-

ing the Color LaserJet 9500hdn, except that its booklet

maker and 3,000-sheet offset catch tray are options that

give you capabilities you can’t get from many other print-

ers in this guide.

The bottom line is the models have excellent image

quality and an impressive duty cycle, but the price you

pay for these seems out of line with the current market.

Chart entries — page 82

IBM

Boulder, CO

800 358 6661

www.printers.ibm.com

Vendor Profile

IBM isn’t a major player in the desktop color laser print-

er market, although it’s worth saying that Big Blue does

sell large, expensive production color machines that we

don’t cover in this guide.

Several years ago, IBM upgraded its monochrome laser

printer line by adopting machines made by Lexmark. It

has also adopted a number of newer Lexmarkcolor print-

ers. Unlike Lexmark, IBM does not sell each variation in

the family as a separate product. Instead, it normally sells

abase model and treats the variations as options. IBM

sells its versions at a small premium over the Lexmark

originals.

There is usually a time lag between Lexmark releases

and those of IBM.

Product Profiles

IBM Infoprint Color 1334

8ppm full color

30ppm black & white

Note: Same Machine as the Lexmark C510n, which is

now discontinued. This machine prints at 8ppm color,

and 30ppm black-and-white. It comes with PostScript

and Ethernet standard. There are 250 sheets of standard

paper input, with a 530-sheet drawer available. The street

price is $813.

Hewlett-PackardColor LaserJet 9500

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $152.99 25,000 $ 0.006 $ 0.006

Cyan print cartridge $309.99 25,000 $ 0.012 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $309.99 25,000 $ 0.012 N/A

Yellowprint cartridge $309.99 25,000 $ 0.012 N/A

Drum/black$297.99 40,000 $ 0.007 $ 0.007

Drum/cyan $463.99 40,000 $ 0.012 N/A

Drum/magenta $463.99 40,000 $ 0.012 N/A

Drum/yellow $463.99 40,000 $ 0.012 N/A

Cleaning kit $48.99 50,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Fuser kit $279.99 200,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Transfer kit $378.99 200,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS $0.0898 $ 0.0178

8.98 1.78 www

www.betterbuys.com

.betterbuys.com

We expect that IBM will come out with its own versions

of the Lexmark C622/C624 families in the near future to

replace this model.

Chart entry — page 83

IBM Infoprint Color 1534n

IBM Infoprint Color 1534dn

20ppm full color

20ppm black & white

Same Machines as the discontinued Lexmark C524 family

Chart entries — page 83

IBM Infoprint Color 1654n Express

IBM Infoprint Color 1654dn Express

25ppm full color

25ppm black & white

Same Machines as the Lexmark C770 family

Chart entries — page 84

IBM Infoprint Color 1664n

IBM Infoprint Color 1664dn

25ppm full color

25ppm black & white

Same Machines as the Lexmark C772 family

Chartentries — pages 84–85

IBM Infoprint Color 1567

32ppm full color

36ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Lexmark C920

Chart entry — page 85

KONICA

MINOLTA

Mobile, AL

800 523 2696

www.printer.konicaminolta.net

Vendor Profile

Konica Minolta’s printer division has made its mark by

selling affordable color printers to small businesses and

home users through major retail chains.

Konica Minolta is the company that resulted from the

merger of two Japanese imaging companies, Konica and

Minolta. The main thrust of the company is copiers and

cameras, but the company does sell office laser printers,

both black-and-white and color. These printers were

developed by the Minolta division known until recently

as Minolta QMS, a business that was formed in 1999

when Minolta acquired Alabama-based QMS, an

American vendor of laser printers.

Konica Minolta’s printer group is housed at the former

QMS headquarters in Alabama. The company is starting

to distribute printers through Konica Minolta office

equipment dealers, where they also sell copiers, faxes,

and multifunctional machines. For at least some of their

models, the company has also started to move into cata-

log sales and Internet retailing. Konica Minolta sells its

printers through computer-industry channels. In the US

market for color laser printers, Konica Minolta is now a

presence to be reckoned with.

Note that, in an unusual move, Konica Minolta’s main

copier division has also released a copier-based printer,

the C250P, which is sold through a different part of the

company.

Product Profiles

Konica Minolta magicolor 2500W

Konica Minolta magicolor 2530 DL

Konica Minolta magicolor 2550 EN

Konica Minolta magicolor 2550 DN

5ppm full color

20ppm black & white

Sum-up: Low-cost printers with basic functions.

The new magicolor 2500 printers are replacements for

the discontinued magicolor 2400 models. They print at

the same speeds as their predecessors — 20ppm in black-

and-white and 5ppm in color. In fact, they are very simi-

lar to the 2400 machines,the major difference being their

pricing,whichin the cases of the 2500W and 2530 DL is

$100 cheaper than the printers they replaced.

Blazing speed is not what these machines are about.

However, they do offer black-and-white printing with a

little bit of color for an affordable price.

Though essentially the same printer,these three models

add features progressively, justifying the differences in

price. All have an estimated monthly duty cycle of 35,000

pages. They all use the same consumables, with black

pages costing about 2.3¢, color pages 12.3¢. These are not

cheap, but they aren’t bad at the low end of the market.

The $299 magicolor 2500W is a verybasic printer. It

has 200 sheets of input only and 200 sheets of output,

Better Buys for Business

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

and that’s it. USB connectivity is standard, while

Ethernet is an option. Print resolution is 2,400 x 600dpi

interpolated. A 130MHz processor is supported with

32MB of memory. You cannot add extra memory. This

printer is Windows only, and uses host-based GDI print-

ing.

The $399 magicolor 2530 DL gives you a little more

than the minimum. It offers an optional 500-sheet tray for

added input. It has Ethernet standard. Output resolution

is 2,400dpi interpolated. It too has a 130MHz processor,

and while it starts with a better 64MB of memory, you

can increase that to an expansive 576MB. A duplex unit

is a $229 option. While it supports only host-based print-

ing, it does have drivers for Macintosh and Linux

machines.

The magicolor 2550 machines add even more. The $499

magicolor 2550 EN has 128MB of memory and optional

($229) duplexing. The $699 magicolor 2550 DN doubles

the memory to 256MB and has standard duplexing.

Memory can be upgraded to 640MB on both machines.

Print quality can be interpolated up to 9,600 x 600dpi.

Most important, they are PostScript printers. That gives

them more flexibility in use, especially in a page layout

environment.

Ethernet and USB are standard on these models, which

are driven with a 300MHz processor. There’s also an

optional ($349) 40GB hard disk. Like the magicolor 2530

DL, they have options for another paper tray (500

sheets).

In the growing number of inexpensive color laser print-

ers, these are solid competitors. But they’ve been eclipsed

by low-end models from manufacturers like Lexmark and

OKI Printing Solutions in terms of color speed.

Chart entries — pages 85–86

Konica Minolta magicolor 5430 DL

21ppm full color

21ppm black & white

Konica Minolta magicolor 5440 DL

27ppm full color

27ppm black & white

Sum-up: A friendly design and a good price make these mod-

els appealing choices.

The two-toned design sets off the Konica Minolta magi-

color 5430 DL and 5440 DL from most other desktop

models. But that’s not the only selling point: the 5430 DL

is one of the fastest color lasers in the $600 range, while

the 5440 DL (at $999) offers outstanding performance for

such a low price.

The 5430 DL prints at 21ppm in both color and black-

and-white. The 5440 DL prints at the very solid speed of

27ppm, again with both blackand color pages. That

means you sacrifice nothing in color speed, while getting

a fast enough small-workgroup black-and-white printer.

Konica Minolta is aiming this product at small busi-

nesses that want a single printer for both color and black-

and-white printing. Coming at such affordable prices

with good speed and easy use makes it a tempting offer-

ing for those who are tired of ink jet printers or who have

never used color at all. It’s also an upgrade for those who

are tired of very slow color laser printer speeds of four to

six pages a minute.

Both printers have solid but basic features for low-cost

machines. They have a 200MHz processor and start with

64MB of memory (expandable to 576MB). They print at

up to 2,400 x 600dpi interpolated resolution.

On the plus side,they come network-ready. They also

arerated by Konica Minolta for a reasonably robust

60,000 pages per month.

But the limitations are there as well. These are among

the most expensive printers in this guide that offer neither

PCL nor PostScript, even as options. They support host-

based printing both in Windows (GDI) and Macintosh

environments. Konica Minolta believes that these are not

critical for business users, explaining that the vast major-

ity of users originate jobs from Microsoft Office, emails,

or Internet Explorer rather than Adobe Illustrator or

Quark XPress.

The magicolor 5430 DL starts off with a scanty 250-

sheet paper tray,while the magicolor 5440 DL has a bet-

Konica Minolta magicolor 2500 series

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $84.99 4,500 $ 0.019 $ 0.019

Cyan toner $129.99 4,500 $ 0.029 N/A

Magenta toner $129.99 4,500 $ 0.029 N/A

Yellow toner $129.99 4,500 $ 0.029 N/A

OPC drum/color $149.00 11,250 $ 0.013 N/A

OPC drum/black $149.00 45,000 N/A $ 0.003

Waste toner box $19.00 25,000 $ 0.119 $ 0.001

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0189 $ 0.0230

1.89 2.30

ter 500-sheet standard supply. You can, however, add up

to two more500-sheet paper trays for both, for a more-

than-respectable total of 1,250 or 1,600 sheets, respective-

ly. The output tray holds the usual 250 sheets. The basic

tray is letter-size only, but the add-on trays support legal-

size paper. Automatic duplexing is an option. These

printers support 110lb. index stock, and you can print on

avariety of specialty stocks (transparencies, labels, and

envelopes).

Konica Minolta is proud of the ergonomic design of

these printers. The series has easy-to-replace toner car-

tridges, and the starter cartridges (half the capacity of the

normal ones) come pre-installed. It has nice controls for

checking toner and paper levels from the front panel.

Likemost printers,they have a Web-based administrative

server, in this case called PageScope. They also come

with several color-matching and management systems.

Per-page costs are acceptable for low-cost printers.

Color pages cost about 10¢, and black-and-white pages

around 1.5¢. Those aren’t great bargains. Our prices are

based on the “toner value kit” option, which reduces

prices if you buy all three color cartridges at once.

You should checkout competitorslikethe Lexmark

C770n, Xerox Phaser 6300 family, Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3800 family, and the OKI Printing

Solutions C5500n to see models thatoffer comparable

speeds plus a few more features.

This is an elegant design for Konica Minolta, and a

good deal in price.The question is whether users will be

willing to forego PostScript in a high-capacity, high-speed

workgroup office printer. Certainly this will not suit

graphics and page-layout users, but it makes sense for the

business market.

Chart entries — page 87

Konica Minolta magicolor 5450

27ppm full color

27ppm black & white

Sum-up: Expanded features built on a fast and reliable plat-

form.

While similar to the magicolor 5430 DL and 5440 DL

(documented above), this model, the magicolor 5450, is

more capable. The speed of the machine (27ppm) is the

same as that of the 5440 DL, but this $1,499 printer

comes fully equipped for serious work.

First of all, it adds PostScript to the mix. That was the

one notable lacking feature with the other models, at least

for some users. To handle more complex jobs, such as

those from PostScript-generating programs like Quark

XPress, this model has a much more powerful processor,

at 667MHz. In addition, memory is much more robust,

at 256MB to begin with and expandable to a full gigabyte

(1,024MB). Furthermore, there is a 40GB hard drive

available as an option.

Connectivity, as with the other models in this series,

consists of both USB and Ethernet ports. PCL and

PostScript are included.

Paper handling is more extensive than with the 5430

DL and 5440 DL models. There is a 100-sheet bypass

tray and a 500-sheet standard tray to start with. Then you

can add one or two optional trays for a total of up to

1,600 sheets. Unfortunately, there is only a 250-sheet out-

put tray, somewhat limiting the usefulness of all this

input capacity. Heavy-duty card stock can be handled by

the printer.

Page costs are the same as the other 5400 series printers.

That is, color pages run at about 10¢ and black printing

costs around 1.5¢. That’squite high for printers this fast

and this expensive.

While this is a fine printer, we think that there are oth-

ers than can compete with it at a significantly lower price.

You might want to consider, for example, the Xerox

Phaser 6300N or Lexmark C770n, which offer similar

features at a lower cost.

Chart entry — page 87

Better Buys for Business

Konica Minolta magicolor 5400 series

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner - high capacity $149.99 12,000 $ 0.012 $ 0.012

Cyan toner - high capacity $339.99 12,000 $ 0.028 N/A

Magenta toner - high capacity $339.99 12,000 $ 0.028 N/A

Yellow toner - high capacity $339.99 12,000 $ 0.028 N/A

Transfer belt/black $299.00 120,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

2nd transfer roller $39.00 120,000 $ 0.000 $ 0.000

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.100 $ 0.015

10.03 1.50

Got a suggestion,comment,or (gulp!)

acorrection?Send them via e-mail

to info@betterbuys.com. We love to

hear from our readers.

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

Konica Minolta magicolor 7450

24.5ppm full color

24.5ppm black & white

Sum-up: A ledger model with high-resolution imaging.

The new Konica Minolta magicolor 7450 ($2,999) is an

Ethernet-ready ledger-size machine with solid 24.5ppm

speed in both color and black-and-white.

The model features software called ProArt that helps

the printer obtain high (interpolated) resolution, which

makes it usable for photo-quality printing. It also has

built-in automatic calibration that is used to keep color

quality consistent.

The printer can produce a full-bleed ledger image,

extending to 12.25" x 18". That makes it suitable for page

proofs for jobs going on press, among other things. You

can also manually feed pages up to 11" x 35" through a

single-sheet feed tray that comes with the duplexer.

Based on a Fuji Xerox engine, the 7450 comes with

256MB of RAM and can be upgraded to 1,024MB.

That’s not bad, but you might consider upgrading the

memory from the start, because ledger page size and

PostScript support eat up memory fast.

The printer can directly handle PDF files, though you

need to buy the optional 40GB hard disk to enable this

feature.

There’s a 250-sheet multi-purpose tray and a 100-sheet

standard paper tray that come with the machine. You can

add three additional 500-sheet paper trays, for a total of

1,850 sheets. Output, however, is only 350 sheets. An

optional duplexer is available.

Cost per page (letter-size) is not very exciting, but it’s

not far out of line from competitors. Our estimated black-

and-white page cost is around 1.7¢, while color pages,

using standard yields for comparison, run at 9.0¢.

Other ledger printers in this price range include Xerox’s

Phaser 7400 family (36ppm in color), which offers much

faster speed and optional finishing. The Ricoh Aficio

CL7200 family also deserves a close look.

This is a reasonably priced ledger machine with decent

speed and passable features. Many other machines that

boast high-end color quality cost far more. On the whole

this is a decent buy, but note that it is not the least expen-

sive ledger model in the color laser market and that there

is no finishing available and only a very small output tray.

Still, for its many benefits, it gets our Editor’s Choice

Award.

Chart entry — page 88

Konica Minolta bizhub C250P

25ppm full color

25ppm black & white

Sum-up: Acopier-derived ledger-size printer with good

paper-handling capacity.

Unlike other Konica Minolta printer models, the $7,200

bizhub C250P is based on a copier original, namely the

bizhub C250.

As a printer, this model has quite good basic features,

including its ability to print ledger-size pages. The

466MHz processor is matched with standard PostScript,

PCL, and Ethernet connectivity. Both USB and parallel

connectivity are optional features. It also comes with an

expansive 512MB of memory, but that is also the maxi-

mum available. An optional 40GB hard disk is available.

The model has a 75,000 page-per-month duty cycle.

In paper handling, however, this machine shines, a con-

sequence of its copier background. The standard paper

supplyis 850 sheets, including a 100-sheet bypass and a

multipurpose 250-sheet paper tray for special stock and a

regular 500-sheet tray. There’s also a 2,500-sheet large-

capacity tray available as an option. That’s a maximum

input capacity of 3,350 pages. Duplexing is optional. The

bizhub C250P can handle a wide variety of media,

including heavy stock (up to 140lb. card stock) and trans-

parencies.

Output options include:

lAmulti-position stapling finisher ($1,580) with sort,

group, and corner staple functions

Konica Minolta magicolor 7450

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $169.00 15,000 $ 0.011 $ 0.011

Cyan toner $219.00 12,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Magenta toner $219.00 12,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Yellow toner $219.00 12,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Blackdrum $199.00 50,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

Cyan drum $189.00 30,000 $ 0.006 N/A

Magenta drum $189.00 30,000 $ 0.006 N/A

Yellow drum $189.00 30,000 $ 0.006 N/A

Waste toner box $29.00 18,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0905 $ 0.0170

9.05 1.70

lAbooklet finisher ($3,000) with sorting, stapling, and

saddlestitching of booklets up to 60 sheets.

lApunch kit ($525) with 2-/3-hole punching that can

be added to the booklet finisher

Konica Minolta includes its PageScope utilities for

managing the printer from an administrator’s PC, both in

terms of administration and workflow.

As a copier, the bizhub C250P holds up well. Its option-

al job separator tray enables users to separate individual

copies like copier trays do. With its optional duplex unit,

the machine can produce two-sided copies. And its sub-

stantial paper supply supports big copy runs.

The bizhub C250P isn’t cheap, but that’s not surprising

considering its copying capability and impressive per-

formance levels. It’s a hybrid of a strong copier and a

first-rate laser printer. It stacks up well against its more

powerful sibling, the bizhub C352P (see below), offering

similar features for nearly $3,000 less, with the major

concession being slower (but still decent) print speed. If

that extra 10ppm the bizhub C352P offers isn’t essential,

the bizhub C250P is an impressive value for those look-

ing for color printing and copying in one package.

Chart entry — page 88

Konica Minolta bizhub C352P

35ppm full color

35ppm black & white

Sum-up: Innovative color model offering solid value and per-

formance.

This new product strengthens Konica Minolta’s position

as a key player in the fast-growing high-end color laser

printer field. The $10,150 bizhub C352P outputs at

35ppm in color and black-and-white. It prints at 600dpi

resolution. It’s based on the company’s popular bizhub

color copier line — hence the “P” to indicate it’s a print-

focused machine.

The bizhub C352P is intended to be a workhorse. It has

an impressive monthly duty cycle of 100,000 pages. It has

512MB of built-in memory, which, rather surprisingly,

isn’t expandable.

Like its slower sibling, the bizhub C250P (see above),

the bizhub C352P can also be used as a copier and scan-

ner. Its standard duplexing unit (optional on the C250P)

supports double-sided copying, and with the optional

40GB hard drive, it can store scanned jobs for printing at

alater point.

The machine has Konica Minolta’s Emperon con-

troller, which features the company’s OP architecture.

(The OP stands for Open Platform.) This controller runs

the print, copy, and scan functionality of the printer using

acommon operating system.

The bizhub OP architecture also makes possible the

company’s bizhub Open API capability, which allows

third-party software vendors to develop software for use

with bizhub machines. Examples of such software

include PageScope Data Administrator, which manages

device user lists, enables account tracking, and manages

password and security functions; and Web Connection,

which establishes an online status monitoring site.

This printer runs PostScript and PCL printer languages.

Finishing options include:

lAmulti-position stapling finisher ($1,580) with sort,

group, and corner staple functions

lAbooklet finisher ($3,000) with sorting, stapling, and

saddlestitching of booklets up to 60 sheets

lA punch kit ($525) with 2/3-hole punching that can

be added to the booklet finisher

The bizhub C352P has standard duplexing and can

handle up to 140lb. index paper. It can also print on

envelopes or coated paper, and print 11" x 17" images on

up to 12" x 18" paper to preserve crop marks, color bars,

and margins.

The machine has a dual-tray 750-sheet standard paper

supply and 100-sheet bypass. It offers users the choice of

adding a 2,500-sheet tray, resulting in a maximum paper

capacity of 3,350 sheets.

Konica Minolta doesn’t publish consumables costs for

this printer, but we estimate they’re very reasonable.

Security functions include job encryption, hard drive

locking, secure printing, address filtering, user authenti-

cation, and scan encryption. Those features will go a long

way toward protecting sensitive information.

This is a solid machine that offers innovative technolo-

gy, good features, and reasonable pricing. Its limit on

memory expansion is a little troubling, since a workhorse

likethis could use all the memory it can get, especially if

it’s used to run high-volume multiple-user jobs. But it still

rates highly based on its abundant strengths.

Chartentry — page 88

Better Buys for Business

Log on to www.betterbuys.com

for update information and more.

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

KYOCERA

Fairfield, NJ

800 222 6482

www.kyoceramita.com

Vendor Profile

Kyocera Mita America, which now brands its printers

under the Kyocera name, has built a reputation in the

market as a manufacturer of rugged high-volume depart-

mental printers with low operating costs. These are stur-

dy units with excellent features, but they tend to cost a lit-

tle more than the competition. In a tough market,

Kyocera is holding its own, but it is under the gun to keep

improving its models and lowering its prices to keep up

with the competition.

Kyocera models offer excellent value when it comes to

supply costs, an important advantage for heavy users.

The reason for this is the durability of the drums offered

with the printers, drums that are built to last three or four

times longer than those of rivals. That durability trans-

lates into lower operating costs.

Kyocera products are sold through the company’s copi-

er dealer network as well as through value-added resellers

(VARs).

Product Profiles

Kyocera FS-C5015N

17ppm full color

17ppm black & white

Kyocera FS-C5020N

17ppm full color

17ppm black & white

Kyocera FS-C5025N

22ppm full color

22ppm black & white

Kyocera FS-C5030N

26ppm full color

26ppm black & white

Sum-up: Outstanding per-pagecosts make this a great choice

for busy offices that output lots of pages.

As we were going to press, we learned the FS-C5020N was being

discontinued.

These models are Kyocera’s second-generation entries

into the LED color printer arena, replacing the FS-

C5016N. The $1,759 (estimated street price) FS-C5020N

runs at 17ppm in both black-and-white and color and is

C5030N runs at 26ppm in both modes and has a

600MHz processor. Prices were not available at press

time for the new FS-C5015N (which appears to be an

enhanced version of the FS-C5020N, and like that model

runs at 17ppm in color and black-and-white) or the FS-

C5025N (which runs at 22ppm in color and black-and-

white). We estimate street prices for the FS-C5015N and

FS-C5025N to be around $1,400 and $1,600,

respectively.

Otherwise these models are identical. They all come

Ethernet-ready, and PostScript and PCL are standard as

well. That makes them both serious workgroup

machines. Memory starts at a very generous 128MB, and

it can be increased to a total of 1GB (640MB on the FS-

C5015N and FS-C5025N), making these units capable of

the most complex, multi-copy print jobs we can imagine.

These models have quite respectable paper-handling

capabilities. Theysupport letter- and legal-size output

and come with a 500-sheet paper tray and a 100-sheet

multipurpose tray, suitable for printing on transparencies

and heavier stock. You can add up to three 500-sheet

trays for a total of 2,100 sheets (except on the FS-

C5015N, which only allows for one additional 500-sheet

tray). Kyocera also offers an optional envelope feeder

with a capacity of 70 envelopes for the C5015, C5025,

and C5030N. Thereare few other models with dedicated

envelope feeders in the color printer market, though they

Kyocera FS-C5030N

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $72.00 8,000 $ 0.009 $ 0.009

Cyan toner $109.00 8,000 $ 0.014 N/A

Magenta toner $109.00 8,000 $ 0.014 N/A

Yellowtoner $109.00 8,000 $ 0.014 N/A

Maintenance kit (includes drums, devel-

opers, rollers) $618.00 200,000 $ 0.003 $ 0.003

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0530 $ 0.012

5.30 1.21

are not unusual in the black-and-white market.

On the output side, There is a 100-sheet and a 500-sheet

tray. You can also add a 250-sheet face-up tray. Like

many other color printers, there’s an imbalance between

afairly large maximum input capacity and a much small-

er output capacity, though these Kyocera models do bet-

ter than most. Two-sided output (duplexing) is an option

as well. No finishing is offered, but that is expected at this

price level.

Kyocera products typically feature impressive consum-

ables costs, and these machines are no exceptions. The

black-and-white cost per page is very good for a color

printer, at 1.2¢ a page. That’s not nearly as good as with

some black-and-white-only printers, but among color

printers, it’s very good indeed. The color per-page costs

are even better, at 5.3¢ a page (around 8¢ on the FS-

C2015). At almost half the industry average for color

printing cost, that alone makes this printer a standout.

There are considerably faster printers in the price range

of the Kyocera FS-C5020N, but none with as good

paper-handling features. Above all, no other color print-

ers (other than other Kyocera models) can match its price

per page.

Likewise, the FS-C5030N is not the fastest at its price

level (that honor might go to the 31ppm HP Color

LaserJet 4700n), but it still has stronger paper handling

than some rivals and a lower cost per page.

If you plan to use the printer extensively, and if you

plan to produce lots of color pages, this is by far the most

cost-effective letter/legal-size printer on the market.

While the FS-C5020N is a fine machine,we think the

faster FS-C5030N is a true standout. The new FS-

C5015N and FS-C5025N appear to be fine additions to

this familythat gets our Editor’s Choice Award.

Chart entries — pages 89–90

Kyocera FS-C8008N

Kyocera FS-C8008DN

8ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Sum-up: Afine ledger-sizecolor laser series with outstanding

operating costs.

The FS-C8008 family offers low-cost ledger-size color

laser printing.The speed in color is below average

(8ppm), but the speed in black-and-white is excellent

(31ppm). The FS-C8008 printers also shine in two areas

thatKyocera printers generally do well in: operating costs

and paper handling. These features make them a viable

choice in what is an increasingly competitive market.

The FS-C8008 familycomes in two versions:

lThe FS-C8008N ($5,525 list), which offers Ethernet

connectivity standard

lThe FS-C8008DN ($5,795 list), which adds standard

automatic duplex and a standard hard disk

In most other ways, the two models are identical in fea-

tures. The FS-C8008 family’s basic specs are pretty

strong. The processor runs at 400MHz, which is a

respectable speed. The 128MB standard memory, which

can be expanded to 640MB, is quite good as well.

PostScript is standard, and wireless Ethernet is available

as an option, in addition to the standard 10/100BaseT.

Speed and resolution: As noted earlier, the FS-C8008

models print at a rate of 8ppm in color and 31ppm in

black-and-white. The color speed is below average in the

current market, but not painfully so. On the other hand,

the monochrome speed is outstanding. That and the low

consumables costs make this series an interesting candi-

date for a mixed-use departmental printer. If you need a

laser printer that will do color pages occasionally, and

black-and-white frequently, this can be a good choice.

One slight disadvantage — the FS-C8008 models print

at 600dpi, while some rivals print at 1,200dpi. On the

other hand, it must be said that 1,200dpi resolution,

while a nice feature, is not an absolute requirement. In

spite of the jump in resolution, the difference in appear-

ance between color documents printed at these resolu-

tions can be hard to detect. (You might, however, look at

some test pages and compare them with output from one

or two competitors.)

Paper handling: The FS-C8008 family, like other

Kyocera products, offers excellent paper-handling

options. The FS-C8008N supports 1,150 sheets of paper

capacity standard, an above-average total. This figure can

be increased to 3,150 sheets by adding four optional

paper drawers. Note that the duplexing unit fits into one

of the standard drawer spaces, so the FS-C8008DN offers

only 650 sheets out of the box, with a total capacity of

2,650 sheets.

The output side gets even more interesting. The default

650-sheet output capacity can be supplemented using two

different options:

lA3,000-sheet offset catch tray, or

lA2,000-sheet finisher with 20-sheet stapling and three

output bins

Note that in order to use the finisher,you’ll need to buy

both optional 500-sheet paper drawers.

Traditionally, color printers have offered very little in

terms of output options. Clearly, manufacturers like

Better Buys for Business

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

Kyocera believe that color printers should come with the

same kinds of options as you would expect from mono-

chrome departmental printers or, for that matter, color

copiers. The FS-C8008 printers have some of the most

extensive paper-handling capacities in the color laser

printer market.

Cost of consumables: This is an area where the

Kyocera models really shine. Black-and-white pages cost

around 0.8¢ per page, a remarkably low figure, even for a

dedicated black-and-white machine. For many other

color printers, the per-page cost for black-and-white out-

put is around 2¢. This truly makes the FS-C8008-series

printers candidates for everyday departmental printing.

But the FS-C8008’s color per-page cost is even more

exciting. At around 4.5¢ a page, it’s far lower than most

competitors’. Color printing doesn’t get more affordable

than this, and it makes the FS-C8008 series very attrac-

tive. The payback over the life of a heavily used printer

can be considerable.

Kyocera explains that one of the main reasons behind

its low consumables costs is the company’s long-life

amorphous silicon drum technology, which makes the

intervals between drum replacements exceptionally long.

In addition, Kyocera’s toner costs are very reasonable.

We think this is a strong printer series. It does have a

higher sticker price than some of the competition (calcu-

lating from its list price). It also has a relatively slow color

printing speed. On the other hand, it offers excellent out-

put options. But the main feature is that it’s economical

to run.

Itshould be said, however, that price levels in the

ledger-size category of the color printer market continue

to erode, and the speed of color printing is increasing.

Therefore, Kyocera is facing ever-stiffer price competi-

tion. The cost-per-page advantage that makes it less

expensive in the long run might be obscured by its high-

er sticker price. In other words, this printer series can still

hold its own against such rivals as the Ricoh Aficio

CL7200 and the Lexmark C920, but you have to look at

total cost of ownership.

If you believe that price per page is the most critical

issue, more than color printing speed, and anticipate run-

ning high volumes, the Kyocera FS-C8008 family is an

excellent choice.

Chart entries — page 90

Kyocera FS-C8026N-A

Kyocera FS-C8026N-B

26ppm full color

26ppm black & white

Sum-up: Lots of paper capacity and excellent finishing mark

these deluxe models.

This Kyocera model, the FS-C8026N, comes in two dif-

ferent configurations, denoted by the suffixes A and B.

The difference between the two is in terms of paper han-

dling only. Even the prices are the same, at $9,498 list.

That’s a major league price, but these machines come

with a fuller configuration out of the box than other

printers in this sector.

These ledger-size printers handle letter-size pages at a

rate of 26ppm, both in black-and-white and color. The

estimated monthly duty cycle is 100,000 pages. A

600MHz processor is supported by 512MB of memory

(also the maximum memory). There’s also a 20GB hard

disk standard.

PostScript and PCL are standard. Connectivity is

through a standard Ethernet interface. Unusually, there is

no USB port, but that’s probably no big deal as this

machine is really intended for a workgroup. Wireless

Ethernet is also an option.

As noted above, paper capacity is where these machines

vary.The FS-C8026N-A comes with a 150-sheet bypass

and paper input units of 500, 1,000, and 1,500 sheets

each. That makes for a total input capacity out of the box

of 3,150 sheets. The FS-C8026N-B comes with the same

150-sheet bypass and three 500-sheet paper trays only, for

atotal of 1,650 sheets of input. Both models support

automatic duplexing as a standard feature.

On the output side, the differences are similar. Standard

output for the FS-C8026N-A comes in units of 150, 500,

Kyocera FS-C8008

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Blacktoner $99.00 25,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

Cyan toner $90.00 10,000 $ 0.009 N/A

Magenta toner $90.00 10,000 $ 0.009 N/A

Yellow toner $90.00 10,000 $ 0.009 N/A

Drum/black $1,093.00 600,000 N/A $ 0.002

Drum/4-color $1,093.00 150,000 $ 0.007 N/A

Developer/black $674.00 300,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

Developer/3-color $476.00 300,000 $ 0.005 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0453 $ 0.0080

4.53 0.80

1,000, and 1,500 sheets. The FS-C8026N-B has a 150-

sheet bypass tray and three 500-sheet paper trays. Despite

the fact that these machines have quite different paper

handling, they still have the same list price.

In addition, both machines have a variety of optional

output devices. There’s a five-bin mailbox unit with room

for 150 sheets in each bin. There’s a 3,000-sheet finisher

with multiposition stapling of up to 50 sheets. This print-

er family also features a saddle- stitched unit for making

booklets. You can supplement that with a punch unit,

which can support 2/3-hole punching. There’s also a

folder available for the booklet maker.

Costs per page are extremely low, especially for color.

Our reckoning gives us a price of 5.2¢ for color, around

1.0¢ for black. These are outstanding, making these print-

ers very competitive in the market.

On the other hand, these are among the most expensive

color laser printers in this guide. That’s partly because

Kyocera bundles so much in terms of paper handling

with them. If you subtract the value of these options, you

get prices closer to those of other high-end color lasers.

The FS-C8026N models are somewhat slower than

some of their top competitors, including the Ricoh

CL7200 and CL7300 models and the OKI Printing

Solutions C9600/C9800 printers.

If you’re certain you’ll run lots of pages and wince at

the thought of paying 8¢ or more per page, these models

arean excellent buy.On the other hand, if you are spend-

ing this much money, you might want to look at some of

the fine multifunctional copiers documented in our Color

Copier Guide, machines that have similar features and add

copying and scanning to the printing capability.

Chart entries — page 91

LANIER

Atlanta, GA

800 708 7088

www.lanier.com

Vendor Profile

Lanier, a major office equipment distributor, was

acquired by Ricoh in early 2001. Ricoh had already

acquired Savin and Gestetner, and Lanier was an obvious

target since it relabeled a number of different Ricoh

machines under the Lanier name. So far, the company

operates independently from the other Ricoh divisions,

but that may change.

Lanier mostly sells direct and concentrates on larger

buyers through its direct-sales force; however, it also has

some dealers. Lanier is a service-intensive supplier. Its

prices include delivery, installation, training, and initial

supplies.

Note that Lanier announced the names of its three

printers based on the Ricoh GelSprinter series. These

arethe GX3000, the GX3050N, and the GX5050N.

These correspond to the similarly named Ricoh products

on page 39.

Product Profiles

Lanier LP031c

8ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL1000N

Chart entry — page 91

Lanier LP222cn

22ppm full color

22ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL3500N

Chart entry — page 92

Lanier LP226cn

26ppm full color

26ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio SP C410DN

Chart entry — page 92

Better Buys for Business

Kyocera FS-C8026N

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $99.00 25,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

Cyan toner $90.00 10,000 $ 0.009 N/A

Magenta toner $90.00 10,000 $ 0.009 N/A

Yellow toner $90.00 10,000 $ 0.009 N/A

Drum/black $1,093.00 600,000 N/A $ 0.002

Drum/4-color $1,093.00 150,000 $ 0.007 N/A

Developer/black $288.00 300,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Developer/3-color $1,020.00 300,000 $ 0.010 N/A

Charger unit $20.00 100,000 $ 0.000 $ 0.000

Oil kit $49.00 25,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS $0.0516 $ 0.0089

5.16 0.89

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

Lanier LP231cn

31ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio SP C411DN

Chart entry — page 92

Lanier LP332cdn

Lanier LP332cdtn

28ppm full color

32ppm black & white

Same Machines as the Ricoh Aficio CL7200 family

Chart entries — page 93

Lanier LP335cdn

Lanier LP335cdtn

35ppm full color

35ppm black & white

Same Machines as the Ricoh Aficio CL7300 family

This model has been discontinued.

Chart entries — pages 93–94

LEXMARK

Lexington, KY

800 358 5835

www.lexmark.com/us_home.html

Vendor Profile

Lexmark was formed when IBM spun off its typewriter

and mainstream printer business back in 1991. The non-

compete agreement between IBM and Lexmark expired

in 1996. IBM, at that point, built up a full line of desktop

printers in competition with Lexmark but a few years ago

announced that it would relabel Lexmark’s black-and-

white and color models. Now Lexmark also provides

printers to a number of companies: Toshiba, Unisys,

RISO, and (in some categories) Dell.

Lexmark is a power in monochrome laser printers,

where it stands (by some measures) second behind

Hewlett-Packard in terms of market share. The company

also sells an extensive line of color ink jet printers and has

considerable market presence there.In the color laser

printer market, however, Lexmark is only slowly growing

bigger.

All Lexmarkprinters benefit from a variety of external

and internal network servers and connectivity options.

They also offer a sophisticated range of optional software

for handling security,administration, and file conversion.

These tools include ones that support printing from a

number of formats (including PDF and TIFF), allow for

form generation and printing, print barcodes, secure

print, and allow for significant job management.

Lexmark also contends that it has superior color manage-

ment tools for all its color laser models.

Lexmark’s current products are quite good. In speed,

price, and features, they contend with everything else on

the market. But the opposition isn’t standing still, and

Lexmark needs to keep on developing new printers to

stay near the top of the pack.

Product Profiles

Lexmark C500n

8ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Sum-up: Bargain-basement price, but color is slow.

The new C500n is Lexmark’s entry into the under-$400

color laser printer realm. And like other color machines

in this price range, its color printing speed is slow —

8ppm. It prints in black-and-white at a speedy 31ppm,

however.

Manylower-priced color laser printers share this

machine’s printing 8ppm/31ppm speeds,including the

Brother HL-2700CN ($850), Ricoh Aficio CL1000N

($899), and TallyGenicom 8008 ($775). The main advan-

tage the C500n has over these machines is its $399 list

price, less than half of some of the competing products.

Lexmark C500N

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $133.00 3,000 $ 0.030 $ 0.030

Cyan print cartridge$149.00 5,000 $ 0.044 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $149.00 5,000 $ 0.044 N/A

Yellowprint cartridge $149.00 5,000 $ 0.044 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1628 $ 0.0298

16.30 3.00

But as you would expect, the C500n is light on features,

and users will have to accept some compromises in terms

of performance.

The C500n has relatively slow first-page-out times: 13

seconds for black-and-white and 19 seconds for color. It

prints at 1,200 x 600dpi standard and has a 35,000-page

monthly duty cycle. It comes with 64MB of (nonexpand-

able) memory standard, and has a decent 200MHz

processor. It doesn’t run PostScript, instead utilizing

Lexmark’s host-based system.

On the plus side, the C500n comes with standard

Ethernet, a nice feature for this price range. It also has a

wireless option.

The printer has a standard 250-sheet paper supply,

which can be expanded to 780 sheets. Its maximum out-

put is 250 sheets. No optional output devices are avail-

able for this machine.

Not surprisingly, consumables costs are high. Even

using Lexmark’s high-yield toner cartridges will cost 3.0¢

apage for black-and-white and 16.3¢ a page for color.

That’s pretty steep, but typical for printers in this price

range.

The C500n is simply a basic printer that seems to be

designed for the casual office user who needs occasional

color printing for a special project but doesn’t want to

spend a lot. For this type of a customer, it’s an appealing

bargain, offering performance comparable to far more

expensive models.

Chart entry — page 94

Lexmark C530dn

Lexmark C532n

Lexmark C532dn

Lexmark C534n

Lexmark C534dn

Lexmark C534dtn

22ppm full color

24ppm black & white

Sum-up: Another Lexmark breakthrough in speed and price

for color laser printing.

Three years ago, Lexmark came out with the C510 series,

avery good economy model priced at $599 and up. Two

years ago, the company topped itself with the

C520/C522/C524 family,whichprinted at 20ppm in

color and black-and-white, a strong performance level for

such economical machines. Now these models have

undergone another evolution, re-emerging as the

C530/C532/C534 family, which prints at 22ppm in color

and 24ppm in black-and-white. Although Lexmark hasn’t

raised the prices from the previous generation (in fact,

Lexmark dropped the price on the C534 models by $200

each from their C524 predecessors), these machines

achieve even more remarkable speed, while many of

their rivals run at speeds of 4 to 8ppm in color. They also

have some superior features that make them more than

just minimal printers.

The six new models in the family are:

lThe C532n, the base-level machine with a 250-sheet

paper capacity and Ethernet, along with 128MB of

memory. ($499)

lThe C530dn, a retail-channel version of the C532n,

also $499, and almost, but not quite, identical. The

major differences: the C530dn adds duplexing but has

a65,000-page duty cycle, while the C532n has a

75,000-page duty cycle but no duplexing. The C532n

also has higher supply yields than the C530dn.

lThe C532dn ($699), which is identical to the C532n

except it adds standard duplexing.

lThe C534n, which adds a faster processor and an

optional hard disk, as well as networking and also has

128MB of standard memory ($699).

lThe C534dn, which adds standard automatic duplex-

ing to the C534n. ($999)

lThe C534dtn, which adds an extra 500-sheet tray

($1,299).

Better Buys for Business

Lexmark C530/C532/C534

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $95.00 1,500 $ 0.026 $ 0.026

Cyan print cartridge $95.00 1,500 $ 0.040 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $95.00 1,500 $ 0.040 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $95.00 1,500 $ 0.040 N/A

4-color drum $35.50 20,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1470 $ 0.0280

14.70 2.80

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

The C530dn/C532n engine comes with a 375MHz

processor, while the C534 models have a 625MHz

processor.Along with a few other vendors, Lexmark has

made sure that getting into color printing at the entry

level no longer means making big sacrifices in speed.

PostScript is a standard feature through the whole line,

which is not always the case with low-priced color laser

printers.

These models have decent memory capacity. They start

with 128MB, upgradeable to 640MB. That much memo-

ry may be helpful, because unlike some of their low-cost

competitors,these are Postscript-based machines, making

them useful for a wide variety of graphics applications.

The models print at a resolution of 1,200dpi. A 40GB

hard disk is an option on the C534 models.

Paper capacity is limited, based on the standard 250-

sheet paper tray, a 100-sheet MPF feeder (except for the

C534n, which has a manual MPF feeder), and an option-

al 550-sheet paper tray(standardon the C534dtn). There

is a 250-sheet output tray. Duplexing is standard on all of

these models except for the C532n and C534n.

USB is standard, as is Ethernet. Wireless 802.11b

Ethernet is an option as well.

Lexmark hasn’t published supply costs for these new

models yet, but we anticipate they’ll be on the high end:

around 2.8¢ for black pages and 14.7¢ for color. The good

thing about these machines’ consumables is their higher

capacity: black cartridges print 5,000 pages, while the

three color cartridges last for 3,000 pages.

Lexmark believes what sets its machines off from com-

petitors’ is a more extensive set of color-printing controls,

much like those found on higher-cost printers. This series

also allows the administrator to lock out some users from

use of color, a good feature for a workgroup in which

only some users really need color and where you want to

keep costs down. Like other Lexmark models, there is an

extensive suite of software available, with support for bar-

codes, and for forms creation and printing.

But where these machines have everyone else beat is in

sheer speed for the price. Other low-cost models print at

arelatively slow speed in color, from 4ppm to 8ppm in

color. At 22ppm color printing, this family has remark-

able speed, setting a new standard for low-cost color

lasers. Plus it has standard PostScript, a unique feature in

this price class.

As such, it competes very well with a slew of low-cost

printers from Dell and others. The C532n is particularly

astandout, while the C534 models are quite solid as well,

if a little less unique.

Making a workgroup color printer for under $1,000 that

has decent color control software is a nice plus. What’s

remarkable is that its 22ppm color speed makes it a cred-

itable workgroup printer on its own. This family gets our

Editor’s Choice Award.

Chart entries — pages 94–96

Lexmark C770n

Lexmark C770dn

Lexmark C770dtn

25ppm full color

25ppm black & white

Sum-up: A strong small-workgroup printer family, but with

tough rivals.

The new C770 family is one of two similar color laser

printer families. At 25ppm in both color and black-and-

white, these models are very affordable mid-range color

lasers. The printers have relatively modest paper han-

dling,but they otherwise have a solid but standard set of

features.

The three models in this family are:

lThe C770n is the base model, with 600 sheets of stan-

dardinput and 256MB of memory,along with stan-

dard Ethernet connectivity ($999).

lThe C770dn adds automatic duplexing ($1,299).

lThe C770dtn adds another 500 sheets of input stan-

dardand holds up to 256MB of memory ($1,549).

Based on an 800MHz processor,these machines are

The Lexmark C532n prints color at 22ppm speed at1,200dpi

resolution.

morethan adequately powered. Memory starts at 256MB

and can be augmented to 768MB. A 40GB hard disk is an

(expensive) option. PostScript 3 also comes standard.

Connectivity is through USB and Ethernet. A Wi-Fi

interface (IEEE 802.11b) is also available.

The paper supplies, as we have stated, are limited.

These models come with a 500-sheet paper tray and a

100-sheet bypass. There’s an extra500-sheet tray, option-

al on all but the C770dtn model. Output is limited to only

250 sheets. The printer can, however, handle card stock.

Lexmark rates the duty cycle at 100,000 pages a month.

Consumables are on the high side. You’ll spend 2.6¢ per

black-and-white page and 12.8¢ for color. Such prices are,

unfortunately, increasingly typical even for midrange

color printers. They offset the low prices of the machines

themselves.

The HP Color LaserJet 3800 familyhas a slower speed

(22ppm) at a similar price. The Lexmark C770 family has

alittle advantage in the way of paper supply (1,100 ver-

sus 850 sheets), but it’s very hard to choose between the

two. It comes down to which of the two vendors you pre-

fer and which of the extra features they supply you pre-

fer.Both are very good choices.

The C770 family offers good features at a moderate

price. It has strong competition from a number of other

color printers in its speed and price range. Still, this fam-

ily is deserving of our Editor’s Choice Award.

Chartentries — pages 96–97

Lexmark C772n

Lexmark C772dn

Lexmark C772dtn

25ppm full color

25ppm black & white

Sum-up: Capable color printers that offer serious production

capacity at a moderate price.

The new C772 series is similar in many ways to the C770

series. The engines, speeds, and most of the configura-

tions are exactly the same as that model family. So what

is the difference?

The family members are:

lThe C772n is the base model, with 600 sheets of stan-

dard input, 256MB of memory, and standard

Ethernet ($1,499).

lThe C772dn adds automatic duplexing ($1,799).

lThe C772dtn adds another 500 sheets of input

($2,099).

In fact, these machines have exactly the same standard

features as the C770 models: 800MHz processor, 768MB

maximum memory, PostScript 3, optional wireless. What

they do have that’s different is potential to expand.

You have a wide variety of input options. On all the

models, you can have up to two 500-sheet paper trays in

total, or you can add a 2,000-sheet high-capacity feeder.

There’s also an optional 40-envelope feeder.

These models have two unique features as well. There’s

an outdoor media tray that handles special media, which

can be used to create signage that can withstand direct

sunlight and other unusual environmental conditions.

Lexmark developed this capacity based on user requests

from companies like retailers that wanted colorful signs

they could place at the front door. There is also a banner

tray that allows you to feed 8.5" x 36" paper. These trays

have robust paper-feed roller technology that can feed

thicker-than-usual media.

On the output side, there’s a similar choice of devices.

In addition to the standard 250-sheet output tray, there’s

an optional 500-sheet output tray. You can also get a five-

bin mailboxunit, with a total capacity of 500 sheets.

Finally, there’s a 2,000-sheet finisher that can staple up to

30 sheets, and that also comes with a 3-hole punch.

These models also have the ability to be upgraded to a

multifunctional with the X4500 copy/scan unit, the same

scanner option that was used with its predecessor.

Cost per page is less than thatof the closely related

Better Buys for Business

Lexmark C770

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $111.00 6,000 $ 0.019 $ 0.019

Cyan print cartridge $203.00 6,000 $ 0.034 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $203.00 6,000 $ 0.034 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $203.00 6,000 $ 0.034 N/A

Waste toner bottle/black $13.00 150,000 $ 0.000 $ 0.000

Waste toner bottle/3-color $13.00 50,000 $ 0.000 N/A

Maintenance kit $582.00 120,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Fuser kit $343.00 150,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1275 $ 0.0257

12.75 2.57

www.betterbuys.com

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

C770. We calculate it as around 1.9¢ per black-and-white

page, 9.4¢ for color. These prices are much more reason-

able than those of the C770 and are pretty good in terms

of the market.

Unlike the C770, the C772 series is in a specialized cat-

egory — there are a limited number of color laser print-

ers with extended options for output and input. In fact,

this color laser printer familyis one of the few that prints

at letter/legal size that has an extended range of options,

including an envelope feeder, high-capacity feeder, finish-

er, adequate output capacity, and a mailbox option. Most

competitive models offer, for example, only 250 or 500

sheets of output, whereas the C772 models allow you to

stack thousands of sheets.

In spite of added capacity (and the otherwise solid fea-

tures it shares with the C770), the C772 family is quite

affordable. There are, of course, very good ledger-format

machines with excellent finishing options (for example,

Kyocera’sFS-C8008 family), but few letter or legal size

ones.

Lexmark has long been clever about getting an extra

bang from its development dollars. Here we have a print-

er family that is the higher-performance version of its vir-

tuallyidentical sibling,yet the market niches and prices

arequite distinct.

Chart entries — pages 97–98

Lexmark C920

Lexmark C920n

Lexmark C920dn

Lexmark C920dtn

32ppm full color

36ppm black & white

Sum-up: Lexmark’s powerful high-speed entry in the color

ledger-size printer market.

Lexmark touts the ledger-size C920’s “dynamic” LED

technology, claiming that it cures some of the registration

problems that previous generations of LED printers

encountered. In any case, we think it is a very good color

printer. It’s a faster version of the 28ppm C912, now dis-

continued.

The C920 series has speeds of 32ppm in color and

36ppm in black-and-white, and achieves this speed at an

interpolated resolution of 2,400dpi. We’ve come a long

way from just a few years ago, when 8ppm in color was

considered fast.

The C920 comes in four different flavors:

lThe C920 is the base version ($3,299).

lThe C920n adds networking ($3,549).

lThe C920dn adds duplexing ($3,749).

lThe C920dtn includes automatic duplex, a second

paper tray, and networking ($4,999).

All models in this family start with 256MB of memory,

whichcan be upgraded to 1GB. They use an extraordi-

narily powerful 1GHz processor and feature USB con-

nectivity and PostScript 3 support as standard. All but the

base model support standard Ethernet. An optional

40GB hard drive is also available.

The C920 family comes with a standard paper capacity

of 650 sheets in the base model, made up of a 100-sheet

multipurpose tray and a 550-sheet tray. The C920dtn, as

we have stated, comes with a second standard tray. Paper

capacity can be expanded to a whopping 5,300 sheets

through various combinations of options.On the output

side, 650 sheets come standard with all models, though

Lexmark also offers a 1,000-sheet-capacity finisher. The

finisher performs single-position stapling of up to 30

sheets and has optional 3/4-hole punch.

One nice touch is the ability to print oversize sheets.

The 100-sheet multipurpose feeder can hold sheets that

are up to 12.5" x 36".

An optional feature you may want to add is Lexmark’s

Lexmark C772

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $170.00 15,000 $ 0.011 $ 0.011

Cyan print cartridge $374.00 15,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $374.00 15,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $374.00 15,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Waste toner bottle/black $13.00 150,000 $ 0.000 $ 0.000

Waste toner bottle/3-color $13.00 50,000 $ 0.000 N/A

Maintenance kit $582.00 120,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Fuser kit $343.00 150,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0936 $ 0.0186

9.36 1.86

Update information and more

www.betterbuys.com

ImageQuick card. ImageQuick is on-demand software

that allows you to store forms or critical documents on an

Internet server and lets users drag-and-drop to print the

most up-to-date version. ImageQuick can handle a num-

ber of document formats, including PDF, HTML, GIF,

PCL, PostScript, TIFF, and others. The software allows

you to always print the latest documents, either from

within your company or from outside. All end users need

is a browser and access to a Lexmark printer.

Consumables costs run at a moderate 8.7¢ per page in

color and a reasonable 1.7¢ in black-and-white.

Lexmark has a growing reputation for quality and great

features, and we’re pretty enthusiastic about the C920

family. The price points are also especially attractive, and

these models are worthy competitors to machines from

OKI, Ricoh, and Xerox. The OKI Printing Solutions

9600 has very similar features. We particularly like some

of the special features on the Lexmark models, such as

the automatic conversion of PDF files and the added

paper capacity. These printers get our Editor’s Choice

Award.

Chart entries — pages 98–99

OKI

Mount Laurel, NJ

856 235 2600

www.okidata.com

Vendor Profile

Oki Data America, selling under the OKI Printing

Solutions name, is a Japanese-based company that makes

faxes, printers, and small-office multifunctional

machines. Oki Data manufactures both monochrome

and color models and is now in its third generation of

laser-class color printers.

OKI uses a different imaging technology than most of

the moretraditional laser manufacturers in this market —

it’s called LED, or light-emitting diode. However,

because the technology is somewhat similar to laser, we

consider it laser-class for the purposes of this guide. In

the past few years, several of the other key printer ven-

dors have introduced models using LED technology,

making it a little less exotic than it once was.

OKI’s innovative approach also extended to the way in

which its color printers lay down the four colors that are

used to make up a full-color page. OKI was one of the

first to use the single-pass printing method, in which

there are separate black and color drums operating at the

same time. That technique has now become almost uni-

versal. Some of the less expensive, slower printers in this

guide use four-pass technology, in which a single drum

lays down each of the four colors on the paper with a sep-

arate rotation.

The benefit of single-pass technology, also known as

tandem technology, is that it allows color printers to pro-

duce color pages much faster than four-pass machines. It

used to be that there was a speed downside to producing

black-and-white pages on a single-pass engine — the

black pages were produced at the same speed as color

ones, which was often slower than competing mono-

chrome machines.OKI’shigher-end single-pass printers,

however, manage to produce color pages at 36ppm,

which is very fast for color, and black-and-white pages at

40ppm, which stacks up extremely well against the

speeds of typical monochrome printers.

OKI Printing Solutions sells its machines through

value-added resellersand the mass discount market as

Better Buys for Business

Lexmark C920

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black print cartridge $220.00 15,000 $ 0.015 $ 0.015

Cyan print cartridge $302.00 14,000 $ 0.022 N/A

Magenta print cartridge $302.00 14,000 $ 0.022 N/A

Yellow print cartridge $302.00 14,000 $ 0.022 N/A

Developer/black $54.00 28,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

Developer/color $181.00 28,000 $ 0.006 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0878 $ 0.0166

8.78 1.66

The Printer Multifunctional Guide

Small-office multifunctionals and multifunctional

office printers that print up to 50ppm. These also

copy,scan, and fax, and include both ink jet and

laser machines that operate in

black-and-white and color. www

www.betterbuys.com

.betterbuys.com

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

well as over the Internet. OKI also sells its printers in spe-

cial product bundles directly to specific niche markets,

including marketing departments, real estate offices,

insurance companies, and so on.

Product Profiles

OKI Printing Solutions C3400n

16ppm full color

20ppm black & white

Sum-up: Extraordinarily low price, but features are pre-

dictably limited.

The new C3400n breaks a new price barrier for OKI

Printing Solutions, as it’s the company’s first under-$400

color printer offering. As expected for such a price, this

LED printer is a no-frills model that offers good perform-

ance but has very limited features.

The $399 C3400n prints at 16ppm in color and 20ppm

in black-and-white. Those are very impressive speeds for

acolor laser-quality machine in this price range.

The C3400n prints at 1,200 x 600dpi resolution. It has

a200MHz processor and comes with 32MB of memory,

expandable to 288MB. It has a monthly duty cycle of

35,000 pages.

Those are all very respectable ratings for this machine’s

price level.

But beyond basic functionality, this machine is limited,

as you might expect. It has no built-in hard drive, and no

option for adding one. It runs on OKI’s host-based archi-

tecture, not PostScript, although that shouldn’t be a prob-

lem. As implied by the “n” in the product’s name, it is

Ethernet-ready.

The C3400n is also limited in terms of paper handling.

It has a 250-sheet paper supply but no options for adding

to it. It has no duplexing option. It does, however, handle

110lb. index stock.

As you’d expect, consumables costs for this machine

are high. We calculate that using OKI’s high-yield toner

cartridges, color pages will run 17.8¢ apiece, while black

pages will cost 2.8¢ each.

The C3400n is, by nature, a low-end color printer. But

it offers great performance for a low cost. For users who

want solid color printing in small quantities, this could be

awelcome bargain, one that has earned our Editor’s

Choice Award.

Chart entry — page 100

OKI Printing Solutions C5500n

20ppm full color

24ppm black & white

OKI Printing Solutions C5800Ldn

24ppm full color

28ppm black & white

Sum-up: Solid performance for impressively low prices.

These new machines are steps up to OKI Printing

Solutions’ C3400n (see above). Like that machine, they

are laser-quality LED color printers that print at 1,200 x

600dpi. At $599 for the C5500n and $799 for the

C5800Ldn, theyare still reasonable. But they offer more

advanced features and better options than their bargain-

priced sibling.

The C5500n prints at 20ppm in color and 24ppm in

black-and-white, while the C5800Ldn ups those figures

to 24ppm in color and 28ppm in black-and-white. Both

have60,000 monthly duty cycles. One clear improvement

over the C3400n is the printers’ built-in memory: the

C5500n comes with 64MB and the C5800Ldn has

128MB. Memory in both is expandable to 320MB.

Like the C3400n, neither of these units has built-in

PostScript. Both workwith OKI’s host-based architec-

ture.

Ethernet is standard on both, and the machines have

USB interfaces. Neither has a wireless option.

Where these printers truly surpass the C3400n is in

their paper-handling capabilities. They have a 400-sheet

paper supply, which can be expanded with the addition of

a530-sheet additional tray. Neither has a bypass tray or

any additional output options.

OKI C3400n

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Blacktoner $70.00 2,500 $ 0.028 $ 0.028

Cyan toner $100.00 2,000 $ 0.050 N/A

Magenta toner $100.00 2,000 $ 0.050 N/A

Yellow toner $100.00 2,000 $ 0.050 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1780 $ 0.0280

17.80 2.80

Duplexing is optional on the C5500n (for $179) and

comes standard on the C5800Ldn. Both printers can

work with 110lb. index.

Another impressive feature about these printers is their

warranty: as with all OKI models, the LED printhead is

covered for five years.

Consumables costs are on the high end — 14.3¢ per

page for color and about 3¢ a page for black-and-white —

but in terms of color printing improve upon the C3400n’s

high cost.

Like the C3400n, these are strong new entries in the

realm of low-cost laser-quality color printing. They, too,

have some limitations, which is to be expected in this

price range. But they aren’t as basic as the C3400n. With

their memory, paper handling, and duplexing, the

C5500n and C5800Ldn are bargains worth considering

that have earned our Editor’s Choice Award.

Chartentries — page 100

OKI Printing Solutions C7350n

OKI Printing Solutions C7350hdn

OKI Printing Solutions C7550n

OKI Printing Solutions C7550hdn

24ppm full color

26ppm black & white

Sum-up: Impressive speed and moderate prices make these

models good buys.

The OKI Printing Solutions C7350 and C7550 models

use an enhanced version of its LED-based single-pass

technology. The models are priced as a relatively inex-

pensive alternative for those midrange users who don’t

quite require the performance (or ledger page size) of the

C9600/C9800 series.

The engine that powers these machines runs at 26ppm

in black — a speed that rivals many monochrome work-

group printers — and at 24ppm in color.

An important factor influencing printer performance is

the power of the processor that converts the files from

your computer into images that can be printed. These

models use a fast 500MHz chip. That’s acceptable speed

for this family’s $1,500–$2,000 price range, and it should

keep the C7350 and C7550 series’ engines humming.

These models have reasonable paper-handling capacity.

The product family has a maximum paper capacity of

1,690 sheets, which is decent for this level of the market.

In a nice touch, the models come with the same size

paper trays that OKI supplies its monochrome printers —

they hold 530 sheets instead of the usual 500. This means

that you can drop in a full ream of paper before the draw-

er is empty, avoiding the waste that takes place when

open partial reams are left lying around. Output is han-

dled by a 100-sheet and a 500-sheet tray (both of which

come standard) and is limited to 600 sheets. No finishing

options are available for those models.

Configurations: The C7350 family consists of two

models. The C7350n ($1,699 street), with 192MB of

memory, is a parallel-port or USB printer (both interfaces

are standard) offering standard Ethernet. It comes with

one 530-sheet tray plus a 100-sheet bypass. Standard res-

olution is 1,200 x 600dpi. A 20GB hard disk is optional

as well.

Better Buys for Business

OKI C5500/C5800

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $108.00 5,000 $ 0.022 $ 0.022

Cyan toner $165.00 5,000 $ 0.033 N/A

Magenta toner $165.00 5,000 $ 0.033 N/A

Yellow toner $165.00 5,000 $ 0.033 N/A

Drum/black $68.00 15,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Drums (3)/3-color $222.00 15,000 $ 0.015 N/A

Transfer belt $145.00 100,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Fuser kit $200.00 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1434 $ 0.0296

14.34 2.96

OKI C7350/C7550

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $108.00 10,000 $ 0.011 $ 0.011

Cyan toner $184.75 10,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Magenta toner $184.75 10,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Yellow toner $184.75 10,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Drum/black $144.00 30,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Drums (3)/3-color $465.00 30,000 $ 0.016 N/A

Transfer belt $273.00 60,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Fuser kit $224.00 60,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0948 $ 0.0239

9.48 2.39

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

The OKI C7350hdn ($1,669) is the next step up in the

line. It starts with 320MB of memory, and the hard disk

isstandard equipment. Automatic duplexing is standard,

as is PostScript.

The C7550 models print at a somewhat higher resolu-

tion than the C7350s, namely 1,200dpi versus 1,200 x

600dpi. PCL and PostScript are standard features.

The C7550n ($1,516) comes with 192MB of memory

and an optional hard drive. The C7550hdn ($2,029) is

similar, but it has standard duplexing and a standard hard

drive.

The memory on all models can be expanded to

1,024MB (1GB), though we doubt there’s much advan-

tage to going over 512MB. It’s hard to imagine anyone

needing that much memory, even with complex color

print jobs, but it’s there if you want it.

OKI has a lot of competition in the under-$2,000 cate-

gory from printers that are at similar speeds in color.

Check out Ricoh’s SP C410DN, Konica Minolta’s magi-

color 5450, and Xerox’s Phaser 6300, for example. The

OKI C7350 does hold its own in terms of paper handling,

especially in output, where it offers more than the mini-

mal 250-sheet output trays of its competitors.

In terms of consumables costs, the C7350 does pretty

well, at around 9.5¢ in color. It is not so good in black-

and-white (2.4¢).

OKI now has some strong competition, but it’s a strong

workgroup printer family and, thanks to an increase in

speed, still competitive.

Chart entries — pages 101–102

OKI Printing Solutions C6100n

OKI Printing Solutions C6100dn

OKI Printing Solutions C6100dtn

OKI Printing Solutions C6100hdn

26ppm full color

32ppm black & white

Sum-up: Speedy yet economical color laser family.

These new models offer far better speed than most econ-

omymodels, with a very strong 26ppm in color and

32ppm in black-and-white.

The basic technology on the series is similar to that of

other OKI Printing Solutions models. These models are

ideal for small workgroups doing low-volume color print-

ing.Aside from their affordable speed, they have a solid

set of features.

The family members now being sold are:

lThe C6100n, which has a 500MHz processor, 256MB

of memory, a 400-sheet paper supply, an optional

hard drive, standard PostScript, and comes Ethernet-

ready ($899).

lThe C6100dn, which adds automatic duplexing

($1,049).

lThe C6100dtn, which adds a standard 530-sheet input

trayand also has automatic duplexing standard

($1,249).

lThe C6100hdn, the same as the 6100dtn (except for

the 530-sheet tray), and with a built-in 40GB hard

drive.

At 26ppm color, 36ppm black-and-white, these printers

offer speeds that would have been quite amazing a few

years ago. That OKI can offer such speeds starting under

$900 shows how far the industry has come.

Paper supplies consist of a standard 400-sheet tray but

no bypass tray. You can also add a 530-sheet paper tray,

which comes standard with the C6100dtn, to the n, dn,

and hdn models.OKI hasn’t released the output paper-

handling capability for these models.

By our calculations, the cost of operation is above aver-

age. Black-and-white pages cost around 1.72¢, and the

color cost is 11¢, also a bit higher than the 10.0¢ per page

cost we think of as moderate.

The C6100 models compete well in the low-end market

segment, and if you need PostScript, they work with it as

OKI C6100

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $75.00 6,000 $ 0.013 $ 0.013

Cyan toner $130.00 5,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Magenta toner $130.00 5,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Yellow toner $130.00 5,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Drum, black $70.00 15,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Drum, cyan $73.00 15,000 $ 0.005 N/A

Drum, magenta $73.00 15,000 $ 0.005 N/A

Drum, yellow $73.00 15,000 $ 0.005 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1098 $ 0.0172

10.98 1.72

www.betterbuys.com

well as with PCL.

Overall, this product family offers good value that

matches or exceeds that of most other printers in its

league. It’s remarkable that unlike a few years ago, we

can choose between a wealth of reasonably high-per-

formance printers with decent features at such moderate

prices. In that group, these OKI models stand out.

Chart entries — pages 102–103

OKI Printing Solutions C9600n

OKI Printing Solutions C9600hdn

OKI Printing Solutions C9800hn

OKI Printing Solutions C9800hdn

36ppm full color

40ppm black & white

Sum-up: A ledger-size color printer series with superior speed

and good features.

These ledger-size printers are the successors to OKI

Printing Solutions’ excellent C9300 and C9500 printers,

which had a strong track record. The models are faster,

among the fastest printers we cover in this guide. In addi-

tion, they have a number of productivity-enhancing fea-

tures that make them useful in office environments.

We’ve discussed (above) in some detail the single-pass

LED technology that OKI uses on its machines. OKI

Printing Solutions has managed to take that technology

and speed it up considerably with this product family.

Above all, it is speed that makes this series stand out. It

was considered a breakthrough not long ago to print

color pages at anything faster than 6 pages per minute.

And you had to pay a big premium for that speed. The

few really fast machines were derived from copiers and

cost over four times as much as regular color printers.

Now OKI Printing Solutions offers a family of color

printers that print at 36ppm in color and 40ppm in black-

and-white. With street prices in the $3,400–$7,200 range,

these models aren’t the cheapest, but they are priced com-

petitively for what you get.

The C9600/C9800 series is made up of four models.

They are:

lThe C9600n ($3,399 street), which is the base model.

It has 256MB of memory, a 720MHz processor, and

standard networking.

lThe C9600hdn ($4,009), which starts with 324MB of

memory and a hard disk and duplexing.

lThe C9800hn ($6,889), which comes with 1GB of

memoryand a hard disk but no automatic duplexing.

lThe C9800hdn ($7,189), which adds duplexing.

All of the models come standard with parallel, USB,

and Ethernet interfaces, and they all offer Wi-Fi connec-

tivity as well. They all support PCL 5e and PostScript 3

printing. Like many current printers, they can be man-

aged remotely over the Internet.

The one-year on-site warranty is typical, and the LED

printhead is guaranteed for five years. All four models

output print at 1,200 x 600dpi resolution. They all have a

monthly duty cycle of 150,000 pages.

The two hdn models come standard with a 20GB hard

disk. While they can be used to store frequently run

images or jobs, they are most useful for electronic colla-

tion of very long jobs, especially when the full job can’t

be maintained in memory. A 20GB hard disk is more

than enough capacity.

Paper handling: Paper handling is quite good on this

family, especially on the input side. First, the printers can

handle ledger- and tabloid-size paper along with legal-

and letter-size pages. The base model has a 650-sheet

standard paper capacity, which is based on a 550-sheet

paper tray.That’s convenient because you can put in a

full 500-sheet ream with ease,even when there are a few

sheets remaining in the drawer. It also has a 100-sheet

multipurpose tray (which handles letter-size sheets only

but can be used for transparencies and other nonstandard

materials). You can add two 550-sheet trays or one 1,590-

sheet tray to all four models; the C9600hdn offers the

additional option of a 1,650-sheet tray. There are other

Better Buys for Business

OKI C9600/C9800

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $110.00 15,000 $ 0.007 $ 0.007

Cyan toner $380.00 15,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Magenta toner $380.00 15,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Yellow toner $380.00 15,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Drum/black $145.00 42,000 $ 0.003 $ 0.003

Drums (3)/3-color $597.00 32,000 $ 0.019 N/A

Transfer belt $220.00 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

Fuser kit $179.00 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1094 $ 0.0148

10.94 1.48

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

printers with more capacity, but we think that this is more

than adequate for most offices.

The drawers have built-in sensors that identify the size

of paper loaded in them, a nice plus for busy offices. You

can also feed 12" x 36" paper into this machine through

the 100-sheet tray, so you can make signage or small

posters, another nice plus.

Output capacity is decent. These models have 600

sheets of standard output, but they also offer an optional

finisher with stapling and hole punching. Some other

competitors have more elaborate output options for their

ledger-size color printers, but OKI Printing Solutions

does pretty well in this regard.

Consumables costs for black are very good (1.5¢ a page)

and about average in color.

These OKI machines are excellent business machines.

They make the most sense in office environments where

you need both monochrome and color capability, as well

as lots of speed and ledger-size paper. The image quality

is more than good enough for office users.

The biggest competition comes from Ricoh’s compara-

bly priced CL7300 family. The Ricoh model has some-

what more sophisticated finishing and output options,

including higher-capacity stapling and a mailbox. It is a

bit slower, especially in black. Ricoh’s color operating

costs are considerably lower as well. The Xerox Phaser

7400 series also offersspeed and features comparable to

those of this OKI family for similar pricing.

But that takes nothing away from the C9600/C9800

family. It still has adequate finishing, good input, and lots

of memory. These are among the cream of the crop in the

color laser-quality printer market.

Chartentries — pages 103–104

PANASONIC

Secaucus, NJ

800 742 8086

www.panasonic.com

Vendor Profile

Panasonic sells color printers under its own name using

engines made by its parent company, Matsushita. The

company also sells black-and-white printers, fax

machines, copiers, and scanners.

Panasonic sells its color laser printers through both tra-

ditional office equipment dealers — Panasonic copier

dealers,in particular — and wholesale printer channels.

Panasonic came back into the color laser market with

some impressive machines a few years ago. Since then,

they’ve upgraded those printer lines several times.

Product Profiles

Panasonic WORKiO KX-CL400

Panasonic WORKiO DP-CL18

18ppm full color

18ppm black & white

Sum-up: Solid low-cost workgroup printer series with good

features and moderate operating costs.

These models mark the latest generation of Panasonic’s

color laser printers. With 18ppm speed in both color and

black-and-white, they replace the WORKiO KX-CL500

and DP-CL21 series. The KX-CL400 is intended for

retail sales, while the DP-CL18 is sold by dealers. They

have similar but not identical features.

The base price for this line is $899, as Panasonic tries to

stay competitive in a market that keeps lowering prices

for color laser output. At 18ppm in color, this is a pretty

speedy platform for a sub-$1,000 printer. It also has built-

in Ethernet compatibility, making it an even better value.

Both models have some quite good standard features.

USB and parallel ports complement the Ethernet port.

(Wireless Ethernet is a third-party option.) They have

embedded Web servers with remote administration and

maintenance tools. Theyalso have PCL 5c as a standard

feature (PostScript is an option). And they offer an

optional 40GB internal hard drive.

Paper capacity is pretty good. You start with a 100-

sheet multipurpose bypass tray and 530-sheet paper tray.

You can add one or two additional 530-sheet trays. That’s

atotal of 1,690 sheets of paper capacity, quite good in

this price range. Output capacity is the usual 250 sheets.

The bypass tray can handle up to 110lb. card stock.

These printers start with 128MB, so they handle com-

plexjobs and/or duplex printing more easily. Memory

can be expanded to 512MB, appropriate for this class of

printer.

Consumables costs for the KX-CL400 are reasonable,

especially for the sub-$1,000 printer.We calculate the

black cost per page as around 2.1¢ and the color cost as

10.0¢, quite decent. You’ll have to negotiate with your

dealer about consumables costs if you buy the DP-CL18.

The other major difference between the models is that

duplexing is standard on the DP-CL18, optional on the

KX-CL400.

These printers are good bargains, but they exist in a

market with a race to the bottom in terms of price.What

sets them apart is good speed in color and black and the

extensive (for this end of the market) paper input options.

These Panasonic models have quite good consumables

costs.

Once again, Panasonic has come up with a color print-

er with reasonable consumables costs, a fairly low sticker

price, and good features.

Chart entries — page 105

Panasonic WORKiO DP-CL22

22ppm full color

22ppm black & white

Sum-up: Same basic engine as the other Panasonic models,

but a little faster.

The WORKiO DP-CL22 is a somewhat faster version of

the DP-CL18 (above). It runs at 22ppm in color and

black-and-white. It also has a faster processor, at

600MHz, and a slightly faster first-page-out time. The

price is also a little higher,at $1,199 estimated street; oth-

erwise, its features are exactly the same. Paper capacity

tops out at 1,690 sheets if you add the two optional 530-

sheet trays, and duplexing is standard. Ethernet and USB

are standard, wireless Ethernet optional. PostScript is an

option.

The consumables are the same as the DP-CL18 as well.

Like that model, it’s competitive and has a reasonable

price. It also has a good total paper input capacity and

very strong features.

Chart entry—page 105

RICOH

West Caldwell, NJ

800 955 3453

www.ricoh-usa.com

Vendor Profile

Ricoh is at heart a copier and fax company, albeit a diver-

sified one. Up until a few years ago, its forays into the

monochrome printer market had been inconsistent,

although it has for some time offered decent printing

capabilities on its copier-based multifunctional machines.

But the company now sells a number of high-perform-

ance color laser printer models, which we cover in this

guide.Ricoh sells these color laser printers through its

network of dealers, as well as direct on the Internet

through its Ricoh Online Store. It also relabels them

through Gestetner, Lanier,and Savin, which are Ricoh

subsidiaries.

In 2004, Ricoh bought out Hitachi’s laser engine divi-

sion. While Hitachi did not sell color lasers directly in the

US, it has a number of resellers, including Ricoh itself.

Ricoh has an initiative it calls B2C, meaning black to

color. The idea is that most offices need just an occasion-

al color capacity mixed in with black-and-white capabili-

ty.Some Ricoh models offer far faster speed in black than

in color. It is as if the color printing is an extra add-on,

like networking or duplexing, that is thrown in with an

otherwise good black-and-white printer.

Ricoh also recently rolled out a new line of laser-quali-

ty ink jet printers using its GelSprint technology that

we’re covering with its laser machines.

Product Profiles

Ricoh Aficio CL1000N

8ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Note: This model has been discontinued.

Sum-up: Ricoh’s low-end color printer is remarkably speedy

in black-and-white.

The CL1000N is Ricoh’s entry-level color laser printer. It

has a list price of $899 and comes standard with

Ethernet. What’s remarkable is its 31ppm black-and-

white speed. A black-and-white-only printer running at

comparable speeds would be only a little less expensive.

Better Buys for Business

Panasonic WORKiO KX-CL400/DP-CL18/DP-CL22

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $42.00 6,000 $ 0.007 $ 0.007

Cyan toner $109.00 6,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Magenta toner $109.00 6,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Yellow toner $109.00 6,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Print cartridge/black $145.00 15,000 $ 0.010 $ 0.010

Print cartridges (3)/3-color $349.00 15,000 $ 0.023 N/A

Waste toner/black $25.00 56,000 $ 0.000 $ 0.000

Waste toner (3)/3-color $25.00 14,000 $ 0.002 N/A

Accumulator unit $129.00 100,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Transfer roller $19.00 100,000 $ 0.000 $ 0.000

Fuser kit $209.00 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS $0.1002 $ 0.0207

10.02 2.07

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

Then you add the reasonable 8ppm color speed and

you’ve got a very affordable mixed-use, network-ready

machine.

Other features are pretty good. First, the resolution is a

good 1,200 x 600dpi. PostScript is a standard feature.

Memory starts at 128MB and can be expanded to

384MB. An optional hard disk is available. A 300MHz

processor offers decent performance.

Duplexing is another option. Wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi)

is optional as well. You can also upgrade this unit to a

multifunctional, with the IS100E option (outlined in the

text below).

This unit comes with a 250-sheet paper supply stan-

dard, and you can add an optional 530-sheet paper tray.

Output is limited to 250 sheets.

The printer has an optional scanner/copier unit, called

the Ricoh IS100E Flatbed Color Scanner. This CCD unit

scans at 9ppm at 600dpi and has a 25-sheet, legal-size

document feeder, along with a flatbed platen. The list

price is $1,499. This unit supports scan-to-email (it can

hold 2,000 email addresses) and scan-to-PDF, and it’s

connected to the printer through a parallel port or

Ethernet interface.

The biggest drawback is the cost per page. The 13.9¢

cost per color page and 3.1¢ for black-and-white are high.

That’s particularly striking given the black-and-white

printing speed. Of course, these are list prices, and you

should be able to negotiate a much better price with your

dealer — before you buy the machine.

The CL1000N is based on what was originally an

Hitachi engine. (Ricoh bought out Hitachi’s printer oper-

ations.) It’s essentially the same machine as the Brother

HL-2700CN. While prices are hard to compare (Ricoh

shows list price only), they seem to be in the same gener-

al ballpark. The Ricoh model comes with more memory.

The consumables costs appear to be somewhat higher on

the Ricoh machines. Otherwise, the models are pretty

similar.

All in all, this is a very strong small workgroup printer.

It’s relatively inexpensive, but it has some strong features.

You should be able to drive a better deal with your Ricoh

dealer than the list price on this machine.

Chart entry — page 106

Ricoh Aficio CL3500N

22ppm full color

22ppm black & white

Sum-up: Respectable color performance at a low price point.

The new Aficio CL3500N ($999) is a strong new model

in Ricoh’s color laser printer line. It follows a current

trend being followed by printer manufacturers of rolling

out desktop color machines with consistent speed ratings

for both color and black-and-white. Low-end color laser

machines released over the last few years frequently had

wide gaps between color and black-and-white speeds,

such as the CL1000N (above).

The CL3500N prints at 22ppm in both color and black-

and-white. It’s a solid performer suitable for a small

workgroup. And since color printing would most likely

be the main need of its users, that’s a welcome

improvement.

The CL3500N prints at 1,200dpi native resolution. It

has a speedy 533MHz processor, and 128MB of standard

memory, expandable to 512MB. An optional 20GB hard

drive is available.

The printer has standard PostScript and Ethernet, as

well as a USB interface. Wireless and Bluetooth connec-

tivity are available as options.

The machine has a 530-sheet paper tray as well as a

100-sheet multipurpose bypass tray. Up to two 530-sheet

trays of paper supply can be added for a maximum paper

capacity of 1,690 sheets. Duplexing is available as an

option. Output is limited to 250 sheets.

Ricoh also offers a multifunction option, in which an

image scanner can be added to the unit.

Consumables for this unit are reasonably priced, run-

ning 8.7¢ a page for color and 1.7¢ a page for black-and-

white. Those are respectable prices for an under-$1,000

color laser printer.

This is a solid workhorse ideal for small offices and

Ricoh Aficio CL1000N

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Blacktoner $185.00 9,800 $ 0.019 $ 0.019

Cyan toner $181.00 6,500 $ 0.028 N/A

Magenta toner $181.00 6,500 $ 0.028 N/A

Yellow toner $181.00 6,500 $ 0.028 N/A

Waste toner bottle $13.00 11,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Drum/black $495.00 60,000 N/A $ 0.008

Drum/4-color $495.00 15,000 $ 0.033 N/A

Fuser unit $247.50 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1391 $ 0.0308

13.91 3.08 www.betterbuys.com

workgroups. It compares well to similar offerings from

Ricoh’s competitors, including the Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3800, the Panasonic WORKiO DP-CL22,

and the Kyocera FS-C5025N. It has good paper handling

for a desktop model, and the 22ppm color speed is a com-

mendable improvement over past Ricoh color models in

this price range. This printer gets our Editor’s Choice

Award.

Chart entry — page 106

Ricoh Aficio SP C410DN

26ppm color

26ppm black & white

Ricoh Aficio SP C411DN

31ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Sum-up: Two new standout models in terms of cost per page.

The Aficio SP C410DN and Aficio SP C411DN are new

printers in the Ricoh line. The SP C410DN, which runs

at26ppm in color and black-and-white, has a $1,199 list

price. Besides their speed ratings, these models are iden-

tical.

These printersinclude automatic duplexing and an

Ethernet port. They are powered by a robust 600MHz

processor. Ricoh rates them for up to 150,000 pages per

month, making them solid workhorses for large work-

groups.

PostScript and PCL are supported, as you would

expect. These machines come with 256MB of memory,

which you can upgrade to 512MB. A 40GB hard disk is

an option for both.

Connectivity includes, besides standard USB and

Ethernet, optional Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless systems.

Mac and UNIX systems are supported as well as

Windows PCs.

Paper handling starts with a 100-sheet multipurpose

tray and a 550-page standard tray. All trays can handle

heavy card stock up to 110 lb index. You can add one or

two more 550-sheet trays for a maximum paper capacity

of 1,750 sheets. Output is limited to a 500-sheet tray.

In this speed range, you should also look at the Kyocera

FS-C5030N and Brother HL-4200CN, which can match

the SP C410DN’s speed. The main competition to the SP

C411DN is Hewlett-Packard’s Color LaserJet 4700 fami-

ly, which also runs at 31ppm.

Printing costs are excellent. Black pages cost around

1.3¢; color costs are even better at 6.3¢. That’s one of the

best cost structures in the business, especially for a

midrange printer.

Ricoh offers an upgrade to these printers that adds scan-

ning functionality, including scan-to-email, scan-to-fold-

er, scan-to-FTP

, and scan-to-print.

These are fast workgroup-ready machines, and we

assume you can buy them for a few hundred dollars less

than their $1,199 and $1,599 respective list prices. With

their built-in duplex and low cost of operation, the SP

C410DN and SP C411DN are definitely models that

deserve a close look for busy workgroups.

Chart entries — pages 106–107

Better Buys for Business

Ricoh AficioSP C410DN/C411DN

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Blacktoner $90.00 15,000 $ 0.006 $ 0.006

Cyan toner $215.00 15,000 $ 0.014 N/A

Magenta toner $215.00 15,000 $ 0.014 N/A

Yellowtoner $215.00 15,000 $ 0.014 N/A

Drum/black $165.00 50,000 $ 0.003 $ 0.003

Drum/3-color $490.00 50,000 $ 0.010 N/A

Transfer unit $140.00 100,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Waste toner bottle $45.00 125,000 $ 0.000 $ 0.000

Fuser unit $195.00 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0658 $ 0.0130

6.58 1.30

Ricoh CL3500N

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $31.75 5,000 $ 0.006 $ 0.006

Cyan toner $85.75 5,000 $ 0.017 N/A

Magenta toner $85.75 5,000 $ 0.017 N/A

Yellow toner $85.75 5,000 $ 0.017 N/A

Drum/black $83.25 13,000 N/A $ 0.006

Drum/4-color $320.25 13,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Transfer unit $106.00 83,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Waste toner bottle $22.00 36,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Fuser unit $247.00 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS $0.0868 $ 0.0171

8.68 1.71

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

Ricoh Aficio CL7200

Ricoh Aficio CL7200D

Ricoh Aficio CL7200DT1

Ricoh Aficio CL7200DT2

Ricoh Aficio CL7200DL

28ppm color

32ppm black & white

Sum-up: Speedy, feature-rich ledger-size printer family with

low operating costs.

The Ricoh Aficio CL7200 family offers high speed and

excellent features, including the capability to print at

ledger size and produce folded booklets. Running at

28ppm in color and 32ppm in black-and-white, it offers

excellent paper handling at reasonable prices (starting at

$3,495) for the base model.

The CL7200 family has five configurations. They are:

lThe base model CL7200 ($3,495 list), which starts

with 1,100 sheets of input.

lThe CL7200D ($3,795), which adds a duplex unit.

lThe CL7200DT1 ($4,995), which adds a third 500-

sheet drawer for a total of 1,600 sheets.

lThe CL7200DT2 ($5,695), which adds a fourth 500-

sheet drawer for a total of 2,100 sheets.

lThe CL7200DL (also $5,695), which adds a 2,000-

sheet stacker (replacing two of the 500-sheet drawers)

for a total of 3,100 sheets.

All of the units arepowered by a 733MHz processor.

They start with 256MB of memory, expandable to

512MB. A 40GB hard disk is available. The estimated

monthly duty cycle is a maximum of 200,000 pages.

Ethernet and USB connectivity are standard for all

models.Among the options areWi-Fi, Bluetooth, gigabit

Ethernet, and even a parallel connection.

Input starts with a 100-sheet multipurpose tray and two

500-sheet trays. You can add up to two more 500-sheet

trays, or a 2,000-sheet large-capacity tray. The bypass will

handle up to 90lb. bond, while the standard drawers are

limited to up to 28lb.bond. As noted above, 11" x 17"

paper can be handled.

Output is where this model gets exciting. The standard

output is a 100-sheet bypass tray and a 500-sheet stan-

dard tray. The options include a multiposition finisher

thatcan handle up to 2,000 sheets and staple up to 50

sheets. Alternatively, there’s a 1,000-sheet booklet maker

that can create saddlestitched booklets of up to 50 sheets.

You can add a 2/3-hole punch to either unit.

As with other Ricoh printers, the costs per page are

quite low: around 1.3¢ in black and 6.6¢ in color. These

are excellent costs, with few rivals in the printing segment

doing better.

Ricoh has had a good track record in producing afford-

able, feature-laden ledger color laser printers. The

CL7200 models combine very good speed, strong paper

inputs, excellent finishing options, and a heavy-duty

cycle. In addition, the price is very reasonable compared

to far less able ledger printers. The CL7200 is a very good

buy that is deserving of our Editor’s Choice Award.

Chart entries — pages 107–108

Ricoh Aficio GX3000

Ricoh Aficio GX3050N

29ppm color

29ppm black & white

Ricoh Aficio GX5050N

30ppm color

30ppm black & white

Sum-up: New laser-quality GelSprint machines are out-

standing bargains.

With Ricoh’s rollout of three new color printers using its

revolutionaryGelSprint technology, the company has

taken a major leap in the industry-wide quest to develop

inexpensive laser-quality color machines with the low

purchase price of a low-end ink jet printer.

Ricoh Aficio CL7200/CL7300D

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $60.00 20,000 $ 0.003 $ 0.003

Cyan toner $134.00 10,000 $ 0.013 N/A

Magenta toner $134.00 10,000 $ 0.013 N/A

Yellow toner $134.00 10,000 $ 0.013 N/A

Drum/black $115.00 40,000 $ 0.003 $ 0.003

Drums (3)/3-color $365.00 40,000 $ 0.009 N/A

Developer/black $97.00 80,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Developer/3-color $330.00 80,000 $ 0.004 N/A

Fuser $460.00 80,000 $ 0.006 $ 0.006

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0663 $ 0.0128

6.63 1.28

www.betterbuys.com

How did Ricoh do it? GelSprint is an ink jet-based tech-

nology, but with its advanced permanent print head

(guaranteed to last for the life of the unit), these

machines can be competitive with today’s cutting-edge

desktop color machines in terms of performance, quality,

durability, and perhaps most importantly, consumables

costs.

Just look at the specs: the $199 Aficio GX3000 and

$279 Aficio GX3050N print at 29ppm in color and black-

and-white, while the $369 Aficio GX5050N prints at

30ppm in color and black-and-white. The difference

between print speeds of these models is minimal. Our

assumption is they’re about equal in terms of speed, and

the GX5050N was rated 1ppm faster to differentiate it as

asuperior machine for marketing purposes.

Note, however, that as with conventional ink jet print-

ers, these ratings are for draft quality (about 300 x 150dpi

quality). Still, the speeds for higher quality levels are

good: at 600 x 300dpi quality, the GX3000 and

GX3050N print in color at 8.5ppm and the GX5050N

achieves 15.5ppm speed; in high quality mode (1,800 x

600dpi quality), the GX3000 and GX3050N print color

at 4.5ppm and the GX5050N prints color at 7.5ppm.

That’s not all. All three machines print at native

1,200dpi resolution, which can be interpolated up to

3,600 x 1,200dpi. First print speed is under 9 seconds for

the GX3000 and GX3050N, and 6 seconds for the

GX5050N. Those are exceptional ratings, especially

when compared to standard ink jet color machines,

which are typically notoriously slow in getting out a first

page.

This family begins with the base model, the GX3000,

which has a 200MHz processor and 32MB of memory. It

uses host-based printing. The GX3050N is virtually the

same machine, except it has a 400MHz processor, 64MB

of memory, and PCL compatibility. The GX3050N, as

the “N” at the end of its name implies, also adds stan-

dard networking, which is available as an option on the

GX3000. The top of this line, the GX5050N, doubles the

GX3000’sand GX3050N’s 250-sheet paper supply to 500

sheets. All three machines have an optional 100-sheet

bypass traythatcan handle various paper stocks and sizes

including envelopes, postcards, transparencies, glossy

paper, and banners, and up to 68lb. stock. This tray can

handle sheets up to 51" in length for banners. The stan-

dardmaximum paper size is 8-1/2" x 14".

Ricoh will distribute these machines through its regular

dealer network, but also will increase its market penetra-

tion by selling them (and their supplies) through retailer

CDW (www.cdw.com). That’s a significant change for

Ricoh, which typically has only sold its consumables

through Ricoh dealers. Time will tell if this outreach

effort improves Ricoh’spresence in the retail market.

As the “GelSprinter” name implies, these machines use

athicker, gelatin-like ink that is conveyed by the

machines’ printhead as droplets via two rows of nozzles.

Since the droplets are larger than those of a conventional

ink jet machine, they fill in images better. Since these

machines don’t need to heat up the gel to convey it to the

paper and therefore run “cold,” their print quality isn’t

compromised by the wet prints, smudging, or paper mis-

feeds that can result from the heating process associated

with many ink jet machines.

The company is trumpeting the machines’ permanent

printhead as an innovation that will contribute to their

long life and minimal maintenance. Ricoh claims these

printheads will never need replacing, and due to the dura-

bility of their nozzles, their quality won’t decline over

time.

Ricoh hasn’t announced consumables prices, but we

estimate black pages will run around 2.1¢ apiece, while

color pages will cost about 15¢ each. Those aren’t the

lowest consumables prices you’ll find in this guide, but

they compare favorably with those of color laser desktop

machines in this family’s price range.

In fact, these GelSprinter machines stack up very well

against similarly priced competing color laser printers,

suchas the $399 OKI C3400n, which prints at 16ppm in

color with consumables costs of nearly 18¢ a page, or the

$299 Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 1600, which prints

at 8ppm in color and costs 15.5¢ per color page for con-

sumables.

The ink is noteworthy for being a step above much of

the conventional ink used byink jet printers. The

GelSprinter viscous ink dries fast, doesn’t smudge, blur,

or bleed, and is waterproof.

Ricoh has achieved something truly special with this

family of printers. They offer outstanding value for the

money, with excellent speed, crisp quality, and consum-

ables that are at least in line with similarly priced, slower

color laser models. They get our Editor’s Choice Award.

Chart entries — page 109

Ricoh Aficio CL7300D

Ricoh Aficio CL7300DT1

Ricoh Aficio CL7300DT2

Ricoh Aficio CL7300DL

35ppm color

35ppm black & white

Note: These models have been discontinued.

Sum-up: One of the fastest and feature-rich color laser print-

er families.

The ledger-sizeRicoh Aficio CL7300 printers are similar

in many ways to the Ricoh Aficio CL7200 documented

Better Buys for Business

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

above, though they are (of course) faster. What is out-

standing is the strong paper-handling capability, includ-

ing paper weights up to 90lb. index. These models handle

12" x 18" paper, so that you can print two pages at a time,

with room for trim marks and bleeds. All models have a

monthly duty cycle of up to 200,000 pages.

The CL7300 family has four variations and all units

come with automatic duplexing:

lThe base model CL7300D ($5,095 list), which starts

with 1,100 sheets of input

lThe CL7300DT1 ($5,995), which adds a third 500-

sheet drawer for a total of 1,600 sheets

lThe CL7300DT2 ($6,740), which adds a fourth 500-

sheet drawer for a total of 2,100 sheets

lThe CL7300DL (also $6,740), which adds a 2,000-

sheet stacker

As with the 7200 family, all of the 7300 printers are

of memory, expandable to 512MB. One unusual feature

is a 40GB hard disk standard on all models. That allows

you to run very complex jobs.

These machines come with Ethernet and USB connec-

tivity standard. You can get a parallel port as an option.

Wireless options are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There’s also a

Gigabit Ethernet option. In addition, there’s a PictBridge

option for direct connection to digital cameras.

PostScript and PCL printing are supported, as is direct

PDF printing.

Each machine has a 100-sheet multipurpose tray and

two 500-sheet trays to start with. All handle ledger-size

paper. There are four 500-sheet trays available, or a com-

bination of two 500-sheet trays and a 2,000-sheet feeder.

That adds up to a maximum of 4,100 sheets of input.

The options for output are better than those for many

color printers.You start with a 100-sheet bypass tray and

a500-sheet standard tray. You can then add a finisher

with a capacity of 2,000 sheets. It can staple up to 50

sheets at a time in several positions. Another option is a

1,000-sheet saddlestitcher/booklet maker. It can produce

booklets up to 50 sheets each. Ahole-punching unit,

capable of making two or three holes is another option,

but only if you have one of the finishers.

There is a scanner unit available, the SI3000, that lets

you upgrade this printer to a multifunctional.

As with the CL7200, color pages run at about 6.6¢,

while black pages cost around 1.3¢. These are among the

best costs-per-page in the industry. If cost-per-page is the

most critical issue,you should also look at the Kyocera

models in this guide.

While this is an excellent family, you should look close-

ly at Ricoh’s CL7200 printer. Those printers are a little

slower and have no standard hard disk, but otherwise are

pretty much the same machines. You may find that added

speed is not worth the extra money. If it’s raw speed that

you want, the OKI Printing Solutions C9800 models are

even a bit faster, with more memory. They don’t have the

booklet maker option, however, and cost more than the

CL7300 models.

This is an outstanding printer family with top-of-the-

line features. If you need a combination of top speed and

abooklet maker, it is the best choice on the market.

Chart entries — pages 110–111

RISO

Danvers, MA

978 777 7377

www.riso.com

Vendor Profile

RISO is a leader in the specialized world of digital dupli-

cators, but it has extended its product line to printers. The

company is a subsidiary of RISO Kagaku Corporation of

Japan. RISO was the original inventor of the digital

duplicating process, a process somewhere between copy-

ing and offset printing. (See our High-Volume Printer &

Digital Duplicator Guides for more on this process and

RISO’s other products.)

In the past few years, RISO has been selling convention-

al printers and multifunctional machines that are versions

of Lexmark products. Among their many features, they

offer a way to share a single controller between a printer

and a duplicator. Print jobs processed by the controller

that are within the duplicator’s cost-saving run-length

range are sent to the duplicator, while short-run jobs are

sent to the printer or multifunctional.

RISO distributes its digital duplicators through a broad-

based network of dealersand direct-sales branches.

Discontinued Models?

We don't cover these “end of life” models in this volume,

but they usually have been covered in previous issues.

Call us at 800 247 2185 if you are interested in back

issues.

Product Profiles

RISO G752

20ppm full color

20ppm black & white

Same Machine as the now-discontinued Lexmark C752dtn

Note: That model is the predecessor to the current C762

family, and is slower and less powerful but has similar

paper-handling features.

Chart entry — page 111

RISO G912

28ppm full color

28ppm black & white

Same Machine as the discontinued Lexmark C912dn

Note: That machine was the predecessor to the current

C920 family, and is slower and less powerful but has sim-

ilar paper-handling features.

Chart entry — page 111

SAMSUNG

Rancho Dominguez, CA

310 900 5270

www.samsungusa.com

Vendor Profile

Samsung has made its mark in the black-and-white laser

printer market, becoming one of the dominant compa-

nies in that area over the past few years. More recently,

the Korean company moved into color laser printing.

Samsung’s printer division is growing in importance.

Formerly a subunit of the conglomerate’s Dallas-based

telecom operation, the printer division has moved to

Southern California and now has the stature of a full-

fledged Samsung subsidiary — a move that has facilitat-

ed its sales, marketing, and branding efforts.

Samsung has between 200 and 300 national dealersand

resellers.And it’s been having success at retail stores,

challenging HP in the small-office/home-office area with

strong sub-$1,000 offerings.

Product Profiles

Samsung CLP-510

Samsung CLP-510N

5ppm full color

25ppm black & white

Samsung CLP-550

Samsung CLP-550N

5ppm full color

21ppm black & white

Sum-up: Personal and small workgroup printers that face

stiff competition.

These Samsung models are similar in most respects. Note

that the lower-numbered models (the CLP-510 and CLP-

510N) are actually a little faster than the higher-num-

bered ones (the CLP-550 and CLP-550N). That’s because

the CLP-510’s engine was upgraded from the CLP-500,

while the CLP-550 models are older. The CLP-550 print-

ers offer 5ppm color printing and 21ppm black-and-white

printing. The CLP-510 printers are rated at 5ppm in

color, 25ppm in black. Like many of Samsung’s prod-

ucts, this series is directed at the personal or small work-

group user.

There are four printers in this series, namely:

lThe CLP-510, which is a GDI-only printer ($400)

lThe CLP-510N, which adds an Ethernet card ($500)

lThe CLP-550, which offers PCL 6 and PostScript 3

but no standard Ethernet ($575)

lThe CLP-550N, which offers PCL 6, PostScript 3, and

standard Ethernet ($671)

All four models have 266MHz processors. The CLP-

510, CLP-510N, and CLP-550 start with 64MB of mem-

ory, while the CLP-550N comes with 128MB. The CLP-

510 models max out at 192MB, while the CLP-550

machines can be expanded to 320MB and (for the CLP-

550N) 384MB. This extra memory may be helpful, as the

CLP-550 machines are PostScript-capable.

These printers are capable of running at up to an inter-

polated resolution of 1,200dpi. The maximum paper size

is 8.5" x 14". USB, parallel, and (on the “N” models)

100BaseT Ethernet are included. A wireless Ethernet

solution is available.

These printers are both Mac OS X- and Linux-compat-

ible. These also have a feature Samsung calls “NO-

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NOIS,” which means, as the name implies, lowered oper-

ating noise. They also offer easy toner installation and

what they call “4-click” installation for software drivers.

Paper supplies start with a 100-sheet bypass and a 250-

sheet paper tray. You can add a 500-sheet tray, for a total

capacity of 850 sheets. All of these models offer automat-

ic duplexing as a standard feature, a nice plus.

The CLP-510 uses different toner cartridges from those

in the CLP-550, but the other supplies are the same. For

both printers, however, the cost per page is quite high. We

calculate it over 17¢ for a color page, over 3.0¢ for black-

and-white.

These machines are fine basic color machines, but

Lexmark and OKI Printing Solutions offer lower-priced

models with significant speed advantages, and in the case

of Lexmark, PostScript printing. A few years ago, these

would have been very competitive models, but they’ve

been overtaken by some key competitors.

These models are, nevertheless, solid performers.

Samsung, with its strong position in black-and-white

lasers in the retail channel, will sell plenty of them.

Chart entries — pages 112–113

Samsung CLP-600N

Samsung CLP-650N

21ppm full color

21ppm black & white

Sum-up: Sharpprint quality and decent speed make this low-

cost family a decent buy.

With the rollout of its new CLP-600N and CLP-650N,

Samsung has become a true player in the increasingly

competitive low-end color laser printer market. Like most

printer vendors, Samsung doesn’t publish list prices, but

with street prices of $499 for the CLP-600N and $699 for

the CLP-650N, these machines are sure to hold appeal

for today’s buyers.

The CLP-600N and CLP-650N represent a vast

improvement over the CLP-510 and CLP-550 models in

terms of color speed, since both of the new machines

print at 21ppm in both color and black-and-white. With

interpolation, they can print at up to 2400dpi resolution.

This combination of decent speed and sharp printing is a

main asset of this family.

These machines have a 600MHz processor, commend-

able for this price range. The CLP-600’s 32MB of built-in

memory is nothing special, especially considering that it’s

not expandable. Memory is far better on the CLP-650N,

which has 256MB of built-in memory, expandable to

512MB.

The printers’ 45,000 monthly duty cycle is decent for

printers in this price range. This rating implies Samsung

believes they’re equipped to handle a heavier load than

some other comparable machines,such as the Konica

Minolta magicolor 2530 DL or Hewlett-Packard Color

LaserJet 2605dn, both of which have a 35,000 page rated

cycle.

Like some other machines in this price range such as

the OKI Printing Solutions C5500n and C5800Ldn, these

units lack a built-in hard drive. That could be a serious

drawback for users who want to archive print jobs.

Samsung CLP-510

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $81.99 7,000 $ 0.012 $ 0.012

Cyan toner $66.99 2,000 $ 0.033 N/A

Magenta toner $66.99 2,000 $ 0.033 N/A

Yellow toner $66.99 2,000 $ 0.033 N/A

Drum/black $149.99 12,500 N/A $ 0.012

Drum/4-color $149.99 3,125 $ 0.048 N/A

Image transfer unit/black $149.99 50,000 N/A $ 0.003

Image transfer unit/4-color $149.99 12,500 $ 0.012 N/A

Waste toner bottle/black $19.99 12,000 N/A $ 0.002

Waste toner bottle/4-color $19.99 3,000 $ 0.007 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS $0.1789 $ 0.0284

17.89 2.84

Samsung CLP-550/CLP-600N/CLP-650N

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $99.99 7,000 $ 0.014 $ 0.014

Cyan toner $119.99 5,000 $ 0.024 N/A

Magenta toner $119.99 5,000 $ 0.024 N/A

Yellow toner $119.99 5,000 $ 0.024 N/A

Drum/black $149.99 12,500 N/A $ 0.012

Drum/4-color $149.99 3,125 $ 0.048 N/A

Image transfer unit/black $149.99 50,000 N/A $ 0.003

Image transfer unit/4-color $149.99 12,500 $ 0.012 N/A

Waste toner bottle/black $19.99 12,000 N/A $ 0.002

Waste toner bottle/4-color $19.99 3,000 $ 0.007 N/A

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1529 $ 0.0309

15.29 3.09

The CLP-600N also lacks PostScript support, which

comes standard on the CLP-650N. Both do, however,

have standard Ethernet and USB interfaces, and wireless

functionality is available as an option.

Paper supply for these machines is acceptable for their

price range. They have a 250-sheet tray standard and a

100-sheet bypass tray. An optional 500-sheet tray is avail-

able. Duplex isn’t available, even as an option, for either

machine.

Predictably, consumables costs are on the high end:

15.3¢ per color page and 3.09¢ per black page.

Still, these are respectable machines for their cost.

We’re concerned about the CLP-600N’s modest (and

limited) memory and lack of PostScript support. For

these reasons, we’d go with the CLP-650N, which comes

with far more memory and PostScript for only $200

more. Both machines, however, get our Editor’s Choice

Award.

Chart entries — page 113

SAVIN

Stamford, CT

203 967 5000

www.savin.com

Vendor Profile

Savin, a subsidiary of Ricoh, sells relabeled Ricoh print-

ers, copiers, faxes, and digital duplicators under the Savin

brand through a strong network of dealers and direct-

sales branches. Savin machines are identical to their

respective Ricoh counterparts.

Note that Savin announced the names of its three print-

ersbased on the Ricoh GelSprinter series.These arethe

GX3000, the GX3050N, and the GX5050N. These corre-

spond to the similarly named Ricoh products on page 39.

Product Profiles

Savin CLP22

22ppm full color

22ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL3500N

Chart entry — page 114

Savin CLP831

8ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL1000N

Chart entry — page 114

Savin CLP128

28ppm full color

32ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL7200

Chart entry — page 114

Savin CLP135 D

35ppm full color

35ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Ricoh Aficio CL7300D

This model has been discontinued.

Chart entry — page 115

SHARP

Mahwah, NJ

800 237 4277

www.sharpusa.com

Vendor Profile

Sharpis a large Japanese manufacturer that has built a

solid reputation in the office equipment industry. It sells

afull range of printers, copiers, and fax machines, along

with several small-office and workgroup

multifunctionals.

Sharp’s desktop printers are based on its copiers and

printer-based multifunctionals. We’ve included the print-

er-only versions in this volume. Some of Sharp’s newer

multifunctional models, while similar to the machines we

document here, have no corresponding printer unit. They

can be found in our Color Copier Guide (see back cover for

details).

Sharp distributes its printersthrough a network of deal-

ers, distributors, and retail stores.

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Black-and-white laser printers that run at up

to 49ppm. These machines can be either

personal, workgroup, or departmental models.

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

Sharp AR-C240P

24ppm color

26ppm black & white

Sharp AR-C260P

26ppm color

32ppm black & white

Sharp AR-C265P

26ppm color

32ppm black & white

Sharp AR-C360P

36ppm color

40ppm black & white

Sum-up: Deluxe models for professional color work.

These models bring Sharp back into the color printing

market in a big way. These are ledger-size models, ones

that support banner paper up to 47 inches in length. They

are impressive models, loaded with solid features geared

to the most demanding professional use.

The models in this family include:

lThe AR-C240P ($2,999), which has 192MB of mem-

ory (expandable to 1GB), a 20GB hard drive, and

prints at 24ppm in color and 26ppm in black-and-

white.

lThe AR-C260P ($5,795), which has 128MB of mem-

ory (expandable to 640MB), a 40GB hard drive, and

prints at 26ppm in color and 32ppm in black-and-

white.

lThe new AR-C265P (price to be determined), which

has 1GB of memory, a 20GB hard drive, and also

prints at 26ppm in color and 32ppm in black-and-

white.

lThe top-of-the-line AR-C360P ($13,995), which has

256MB of memory expandable to 768MB, a 40GB

hard drive, and prints at 36ppm in color and 40ppm in

black-and-white.

The AR-C240P, AR-C260P and AR-C265P come with

a500MHz processor, while the AR-C360P has a power-

ful 1GHz processor. Their generous hard drives indicate

these machines are ready to handle the most challenging

heavy-duty production jobs.The disks also enable a

secureprint function.

Most notable is their processor, an EFI Fiery RIP.

While EFI processors are common enough for copiers,

they are rare for dedicated printers.

EFI processors are noted for their excellent ColorWise

calibration and color-matching tools. Properly used,

these tools ensure that the color output you produce can

be adjusted to suit the kind of paper you use (whether

high-gloss, recycled, or newsprint) and that you can cre-

ate accurate proofs based on industry standards for print-

ing on commercial presses.

The other advantage of these tools is to hold high-color

quality and to maintain it hour to hour and day to day.

That makes this an excellent printer for those who are

printing personalized marketing materials in color, espe-

cially brochures with photo images.

These are single-pass printers. Standard output is at

1,200dpi on all machines in this family except the AR-

C260P

,which prints at 600dpi. These printers can handle

card stock up to 110lb. They can handle paper even big-

ger than standard ledger or tabloid size, at up to 12" x

18". That means you can print pages with “full bleed,”

that is, with color running to the edges. The extra inch is

also useful for inserting crop and fold marks outside the

main printed area. That’s in addition to handling banner-

size paper.

As you might expect, these machines come with both

PCL and PostScript printing included. PDF printing is

also allowed, but only from a Windows PC. The printers

do, however, also have a Macintosh driver.

The printers come with USB, and Ethernet connectivi-

ty built-in. The network card comes with a built-in server

for remote administration.

This family offers a variety of options in terms of paper

supply. The AR-C240P has a 530-sheet standard paper

Sharp AR-C240P/AR-C260P/AR-C265P

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $130.00 15,000 $ 0.009 $ 0.009

Cyan toner $395.00 15,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Magenta toner $395.00 15,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Yellow toner $395.00 15,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Drum/black $155.00 42,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

Drum/cyan $215.00 42,000 $ 0.005 N/A

Drum/magenta $215.00 42,000 $ 0.005 N/A

Drum/yellow $215.00 42,000 $ 0.005 N/A

Fuser $190.00 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

Transfer belt $250.00 100,000 $ 0.003 $ 0.003

Waste toner bottle $15.00 30,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS $0.1116 $ 0.0173

11.16 1.73

supply as well as a 100-sheet bypass. You can add one

530-sheet tray for a total of 1,160 sheets. The AR-C260P

has a 500-sheet standard paper supply and 250-sheet

bypass, with options to add one-to-three 500-sheet trays,

or one 3,000-sheet tray for a total paper capacity of 6,750

sheets. The AR-C265P has a 300-sheet standard supply

and 100-sheet bypass with an option to add a 530-sheet

tray.

Paper capacity is a strong point of the AR-C360P,

which starts with a 230-sheet bypass tray. There’s a 300-

sheet tray as well. Automatic duplexing is also a standard

feature on the AR-C360P, and optional on the AR-

C240P, AR-C260P, and AR-C265P.

Basic output for the AR-C360P is a 500-sheet exit tray.

This unit also comes with an optional finisher with sad-

dle stitching ($3,095) and a 2/3-hole punch ($695 list).

The finisher can staple up to 50 sheets at a time and holds

up to 1,000 sheets in total. A saddle-stitching finisher

with three-position stapling, as well as a hole-punch unit,

is available for the AR-C260P. The more basic AR-

C240P and AR-C265P don’t offer finishing options.

You can certainly buy a color printer for less. But you

will find few printers that can offer such professional

quality and flexibility.

Chartentries — pages 115–116

TALLYGENICOM

Chantilly, VA

800 436 4266

www.tallygenicom.com

Vendor Profile

Afew years ago, printer manufacturer Genicom merged

with Tally Corporation, another printer maker. The new

companyis called TallyGenicom, and the printer sales

operations have been combined.

The company also offers electronic forms software,

which merges data with pre-designed forms to make

report generation faster and easier.

TallyGenicom sells a variety of mostlyheavy-duty and

specialized printers using several different technologies,

including dot matrix, ink jet, and laser.

TallyGenicom sells direct and through dealers. It tends

to target vertical markets such as government, banking,

and engineering. It also sells internationally.

Product Profiles

TallyGenicom 8008

8ppm full color

31ppm black & white

Sum-up: Good black printing speed but otherwise basic fea-

tures.

This model is TallyGenicom’s attempt to get into the low-

cost color laser market. And it’s a pretty good machine.

Its list price is $775, so we assume that you may be able

to buy it for somewhere around $600 or $650.

The printing speed is pretty good: 8ppm in color and

31ppm in black. Until just recently that would have been

an excellent color speed for the low-cost color laser mar-

ket. Unfortunately for TallyGenicom, companies like

Lexmark, HP, and OKI Printing Solutions have come

into the market with higher color speeds. Nevertheless,

the black printing speed is quite impressive and the color

speed is not thatslow, especially for companies that need

only occasional use of color prints.

The processor runs at 170MHz, slower than most other

color printers on the market. Memory is limited to

64MB, not as big a deal since PostScript is not offered.

Ethernet is standard.

In terms of paper supply, the 8008 starts with 250

sheets. That can be upgraded with a 500-sheet drawer.

Duplexing is an option. The output is limited to 250

sheets.

Better Buys for Business

TallyGenicom T80O8

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $95.00 10,000 $ 0.010 $ 0.010

Cyan toner $165.00 6,600 $ 0.025 N/A

Magenta toner $165.00 6,600 $ 0.025 N/A

Yellow toner $165.00 6,600 $ 0.025 N/A

Drum/4-color $240.00 60,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

Waste toner bottle $4.20 12,000 $ 0.000 $ 0.000

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0889 $ 0.0139

8.89 1.39

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The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

Costs per page are quite good: 8.9¢ for a color page and

1.4¢ for black. Those costs are very impressive for a low-

cost printer and makes this machine worthy of a second

look.

This is a decent printer, but while it would have been a

strong competitor a year ago, it has now been outgunned

by newer introductions. The consumables costs alone

might make this a very good buy if you are interested in

asmall workgroup printer.

Chart entry — page 116

TallyGenicom 8026

26ppm full color

36ppm black & white

Sum-up: Very good speed on a proven platform.

The TallyGenicom 8026 is a fast color laser printer that

offers 26ppm speed in color and 36ppm speed in black-

and-white. It has a street price of $999. It is based on the

same Fuji Xerox engine as the Konica Minolta magicol-

or 3300 family, which sells for considerably less.

The unit comes with 128MB of memory and you can

upgrade it to 256MB. It is powered by a 533MHz proces-

sor. PostScript is a standard feature. Ethernet and USB

connectivity are standard.

Like many other color printers, this one has a 150-sheet

bypass and a 500-sheet paper tray. You can add up to two

more 550-sheet paper trays or a 1,500-sheet tray. The

bypass handles heavy stock paper. Output consists of a

single 250-sheet tray.

Price per page is 10¢ for color and around 2.3¢ for

black-and-white. Those are quite good prices, so you may

want to figure out if you run high-enough volumes to

overcome the high sticker price for the printer itself.

This is a good enough model, but it has a lot of compe-

tition in its range, most notably Xerox Phaser 7300, based

on a newer and faster version of the same engine. The

8026 deserves a look, and should do well in

TallyGenicom’s government-oriented channels.

Chart entry — page 117

TOSHIBA

Irvine, CA

949 583 3000

www.toshiba.com

Vendor Profile

Toshiba, a huge Japanese electronics company, is a rela-

tivelysmall player in the office equipment market.

Toshiba makes fax machines and copiers, and has recent-

ly entered the color laser printer market. Its current mod-

els are relabeled versions of Lexmark color printers,

including one that has recently been discontinued by

Lexmark. Toshiba’s partnership with Lexmark is part of

astrategy to offer a broader range of devices to its cus-

tomers, whichis especiallyimportant when it comes to

bidding on large multi-machine deals. Toshiba has intro-

duced relabeled versions of Lexmark’s monochrome

laser printers as well. Note that Toshiba prices for

machines and options are list. They tend to have prices

similar to Lexmarkequivalents, but you’ll have to negoti-

ate consumables with your dealer. All Toshiba models

come with Ethernet included. You can add duplexers,

memory, and paper trays to match other Lexmark mod-

els in the respective families.

Product Profiles

Toshiba e-STUDIO205CP

20ppm full color

20ppm black & white

Same Machine as the discontinued Lexmark C524dn

Chart entry — page 117

TallyGenicom T8026N

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Blacktoner $99.00 8,500 $ 0.012 $ 0.012

Cyan toner $154.00 6,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Magenta toner $154.00 6,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Yellow toner $154.00 6,000 $ 0.026 N/A

Drum/4-color $349.00 30,000 $ 0.012 $ 0.012

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1003 $ 0.0233

10.03 2.33

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Toshiba e-STUDIO360 CP

32ppm full color

36ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Lexmark C920

Chart entry — page 117

UNISYS

Blue Bell, PA

800 874 8647

www.unisysdirect.com

Vendor Profile

Unisys is best known as a manufacturer of mainframe

computers, especially for large institutions such as gov-

ernment, banking, and insurance companies. As such, it

is IBM’s only real competitor, though definitely a distant

second. In recent years, Unisys, like IBM, has concentrat-

ed on selling services rather than hardware. It has become

expert at configuring and maintaining computer systems

for widelydistributed corporate and governmental

clients.

Unisys adopted this series of laser printers from

Lexmark and has relabeled them. These models are sold

through Unisys’s direct-sales organization and also on

the Internet. It’s unlikely that anyone other than a Unisys

customer would buy one, but they are available for any-

one. Note that Unisys has a slightly higher price and car-

ries the networked version only.

Product Profile

Unisys UDS 579-DN1

25ppm full color

25ppm black & white

Same Machine as the Lexmark C770n (duplex version)

Chart entry — page 118

XANTE

Mobile, AL

800 926 8839

www.xante.com

Vendor Profile

Xanté Corporation specializes in prepress equipment and

printers for the graphics industry. It sells monochrome

and color laser printers as well as specialized printers for

such media as printing plates, film, and heavy stock.

Xanté has consolidated its color laser printing line,

replacing its CL30 family of printers with its Ilumina

machine. As with its previous printers, Xanté emphasizes

color quality with the Ilumina, making tools available for

creating accurate and consistent color and for proofing

pages destined for the printing press.

Xanté was founded in the late 1980s by former employ-

ees of QMS, another printer vendor in Mobile, Alabama,

that is now a division of Konica Minolta. Xanté sells its

printers direct and through resellers.

Product Profiles

Xanté Ilumina

36ppm full color

40ppm black & white

Sum-up: Speedy, feature-rich ledger-size model prints on a

variety of media.

Having discontinued its CL30 family, Xanté’s sole color

laser offering at present is the $6,495 Ilumina tabloid

printer, which offers 36ppm printing in color and 40ppm

in black-and-white, and prints at 1,200 x 600dpi

resolution.

The single-pass Ilumina comes with 512MB of memo-

ry thatcan be upgraded to 1GB. It has a powerful

720MHz processor. PostScript and PCL are standard,

and the machine has Ethernet, parallel, and USB connec-

tivity standard.

The Ilumina’s main selling point is its paper-handling

versatility. It can print on up to 24pt. cover stock on up to

12.9" x 47.24" sheets. Besides conventional paper print

jobs, the Ilumina can print 4-color business cards, post-

cards, brochures, banners, and signs.

This machine has impressive paper capacity. It comes

with a standard 530-sheet tray. You can put up to five

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530-sheet paper trays in this unit, added to a 230-sheet

bypass, for a total of 2,880 sheets. You can also add a

1,590 high-capacity tray for a total of 2,350 sheets of

capacity. Duplexing is standard. It has a 530-sheet stan-

dard output tray.

The Ilumina is a workhorse, with a 150,000-page

monthly duty cycle. According to Xanté, it can print

2,000 sheets an hour.

Consumables costs are pretty attractive for the color

market, at 1.4¢ for black-and-white and 8.7¢ for color.

Xanté offers software tools for managing jobs through

writing ready-to-print jobs like forms to the hard disk,

printing PDF files, and secure printing. The company’s

ColourMatch 2 software allows you to get accurate color

results from scanned materials. Automatic color calibra-

tion keeps the printer colorsconsistent. All in all, Xanté

offers a nice set of features.

This Xanté printer looks like a very solid model, with

lots of power. One problem, however, may be pricing.

While the list price is high, the actual street price is not

certain. Unfortunately for Xanté, buyers might feel more

comfortable with a comparable model from better-known

companies like OKI Printing Solutions and Xerox.

However, it makes sense to compare those companies’

prices with one that a Xanté dealer might offer you.

Chart entry — page 118

XEROX

Wilsonville, OR

503 682 7377

www.officeprinting.xerox.com

Vendor Profile

Xerox contends for leadership in the color laser printer

market with Hewlett-Packard. Xerox is proud of its color

printer line, and with good reason: the company offers a

variety of very good workgroup printers.

Xerox became a player in color printing with its pur-

chase of Tektronix’s printing business, which was com-

pleted early in 2000. Tektronix (Tek) was a color printer

specialist whose smart product development and market-

ing strategies won it a first-class reputation. But Tek, as a

specialist vendor, lacked the size and financial muscle to

compete successfully with market giant Hewlett-Packard

(HP).

As a result of the acquisition, Xerox got an unmatched

range of color printer models, as well as access to Tek’s

unique solid ink jet technology. Note that the company

also markets a series of production-level color printers,

which are not covered in this guide.

Xerox dropped the Tektronix brand name. (There is still

an independent Tektronix company, which sells electron-

ic testing and measurement equipment.) It has, however,

held on to the Phaser brand.

There is a pattern to Xerox product development that is

not apparent from the printer names. Xerox has focused

on a strategy of offering three color technologies: laser,

LED,and solid ink jet. This makes their printers suitable

for a wide range of requirements.

Note that all Xerox units are sold with Xerox’s Total

Satisfaction Guarantee. With that warranty, if you are

not satisfied with any Xerox equipment you buy from

Xerox or its participating dealers and retailers, they will

replace it without charge with an identical model or, at

the option of Xerox, with a machine with comparable

features and capabilities.That’s a nice plus, and one

that’s not matched by other vendors.

Xanté Ilumina

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $99.99 15,000 $ 0.007 $ 0.007

Cyan toner $290.00 15,000 $ 0.019 N/A

Magenta toner $290.00 15,000 $ 0.019 N/A

Yellow toner $290.00 15,000 $ 0.019 N/A

Drum/black $155.99 39,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

Drums (3)/3-color $573.00 39,000 $ 0.015 N/A

Fuser roller $296.00 80,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0871 $ 0.0144

8.71 1.44

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Product Profiles

Xerox Phaser 6120N

5ppm full color

20ppm black & white

Sum-up: An entry-level model with basic features and a very

low price.

The Phaser 6120N model, which replaces the Phaser

6100 family (though based on a different engine), allows

Xerox to offer a low-cost color laser solution. The model

offers unspectacular basic features, but it has a low base

price of $499 ($299 after Xerox’s current $200 rebate).

The 6120N prints at 5ppm in color and 20ppm in black-

and-white. It has 128MB of standard memory, which you

can upgrade to 640MB. That may be a good idea if you

run complex jobs in PostScript, a nice plus for a low-level

printer. The processor is reasonably fast at 300MHz.

Xerox sets its monthly volume as 35,000 pages, which is

far more of a workout than this machine is likely to get.

Paper supplies consist of a 200-sheet paper tray. You

can add an optional 500-sheet tray. Output is limited to

200 sheets. That’s not much, but it is comparable to most

other low-cost color lasers. Ethernet and USB are stan-

dard. There’s a third-party Wi-Fi option. These are fea-

tures that go beyond the minimum.

As with all inexpensive color laser printers, we suspect

you’ll make up for the bargain by spending more on

toner. The per-page price for black is 3¢, while color

pages cost 14.6¢.

This model is intended to keep Xerox in the running

from the bottom to the top of the color laser printer mar-

ket. That’s all for the best for consumers, and we think

that this is one of the better bargains at the low end.

Chart entry — page 118

Xerox Phaser 8500N

Xerox Phaser 8500DN

24ppm full color

24ppm black & white

Xerox Phaser 8550DP

Xerox Phaser 8550DT

Xerox Phaser 8550DX

30ppm full color

30ppm black & white

Sum-up: A speedy update to a unique printer series that

remains a good buy.

The Phaser 8500/8550 family is the latest product offer-

ing in an evolving line of solid ink printers. That engine

technology was originated by Tektronix, whose printer

division was taken over by Xerox in 1999. Solid ink print-

ers(Xerox is the only company selling office printers with

this technology) have little to do with the more common,

inexpensive thermal ink jet printers of the small or home

office. Instead, solid ink is a technology in office printing

competing with laser and LED machines. We consider it

alaser-class technology, and it compares favorably with

standard color lasers.

Solid ink printers offer what we consider to be excellent

image quality. It used to be the case that these machines

were almost too vivid for their own good, so that printed

photos were not true to color. But Xerox color scientists

have upgraded the ink technology so now photos look

closer to the original. Even the default settings seem to

produce pretty accurate color renderings, though this

printer technologyis not intended for those who need

exact color matching (unlike, say, Xerox’s own Phaser

7760 series).

It must be said that these printers run relatively slow at

the maximum resolution photo mode speed, with a stan-

dard resolution of around 300 x 400dpi more likely for

normal work. As we have said, resolution is not the

biggest issue when dealing with color quality, especially

given the way a solid ink jet prints. On the other hand, if

you demand extremely crisp black-and-white type, you’ll

have to run at higher than the standard resolution.

This generation of solid ink printers offers very

respectable speeds. The 8500 engines are rated for up to

24ppm, both in color and in black-and-white. The 8550

Better Buys for Business

XeroxPhaser 6120N

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $99.99 4,500 $ 0.022 $ 0.022

Cyan toner $159.99 4,500 $ 0.036 N/A

Magenta toner $159.99 4,500 $ 0.036 N/A

Yellowtoner $159.99 4,500 $ 0.036 N/A

Imaging unit/4-color $169.99 10,000 $ 0.017 $ 0.008

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1459 $ 0.0302

14.59 3.02

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

models are rated at 30ppm. Numbers don’t tell the com-

plete story here — 24ppm or 30ppm are achieved in the

“fast color” mode, which is 225 x 400dpi. The default

mode is “enhanced” mode, which is 1,200dpi interpolat-

ed. On the 8500 printers, that runs at 12ppm, half the

speed of fast mode. On the 8550 models, enhanced mode

runs at 16ppm.

In addition, the Phaser 8550 models have two other

modes. The “standard” mode prints at 300 x 450dpi at a

speed of 24ppm. The “photo mode” has an interpolated

resolution of 2,400dpi and prints at 10ppm.

You select a printing mode (other than the default) as an

option in the print dialog box. Because solid ink technol-

ogy is so different from toner, it is hard to make exact

comparisons between these resolutions and those of

other color printers in this guide. To our eyes, the

enhanced mode is also quite acceptable for all office work

and the faster speeds are totally acceptable for drafts,

memos, and most other internal documents.

The standard resolution sounds low compared with the

1,200dpi claimed by some rivals, but we find that the res-

olution is totally acceptable, even in standard mode. This

high quality at seemingly low resolution may be due to

the difference between laser and solid ink, so that direct

comparisons of resolution aren’t possible.

In any case, while photo-quality printing is not very

fast, it runs circles around the real-life photo printing

speeds on most regular (liquid) ink jet printers.

These models come with powerful 600MHz processors,

ensuring that theywill handle images fast enough to keep

the engine cranking out pages. Indeed, this printer series

is very respectable for everyday black-and-white office

printing as well.

The Phaser 8500/8550 printers are also very easy to

use. For example, when you have to change consumables,

you need only open the top cover of the machine and

slide in blocks of ink that look and feel likedisk-shaped

crayons. A Phaser printer melts those “crayons” and

sprays the melted extract onto the paper.

You can’t even make a mistake, as each of the four col-

ors has a unique shape that only fits in the appropriate

slot. Replacing supplies on color printers can be a daunt-

ing task, but not on these models.

Per-page prices fall in the midrange, though a small dif-

ference in the capacity of the maintenance kit makes for

anotable difference between the 8500 and the 8550 mod-

els. For the 8500, an average page costs 11.3¢ in color,

whichis aboveaverage, and 2.5¢ for black-and-white,

whichis a little high for similar color printers. For the

8550, prices are much more competitive: 10.8¢ for color,

1.95¢ for black-and-white.

Versions: There are two 24ppm Phaser 8500 models

and three 30ppm Phaser 8550 models. All of them come

with both USB and Ethernet ports. They are:

lThe Phaser 8500N (street price $899), which comes

with 128MB of memory, upgradeable to 512MB.

lThe Phaser 8500DN (street price $1,099), which adds

duplexing.

lThe Phaser 8550DP (at $1,299), a faster model that

has 256MB of memory upgradeable to 1GB. It also

offers an optional 20GB hard disk.

lThe Phaser 8550DT (at $1,599), which comes with a

second 525-sheet paper tray standard.

lThe Phaser 8550DX (at $2,399), with 512MB of

memory upgradeable to 1GB, a standard 20GB hard

disk, and a third standard 525-sheet input tray.

Eachmodel starts with at least a 100-sheet bypass and

a525-sheet standard paper tray. A second and a third

525-sheet paper tray are available (optional on the lower-

end models). The maximum input capacity for the mod-

els is 1,675 sheets. The bypass can handle up to 110lb.

card stock, quite unusual in this price range. Output

capacity is based on a simple 300-sheet tray.

PostScript and PCL arestandard features. USB and par-

allel connectivity are standard as well.

When it comes to pricing, the Phaser 8500/8550 series

is very competitive with its laser and LED counterparts at

the low end of the midrange level of the market. But the

XeroxPhaser 8500

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $88.99 6,000 $ 0.015 $ 0.015

Cyan toner $88.99 3,000 $ 0.030 N/A

Magenta toner $88.99 3,000 $ 0.030 N/A

Yellow toner $88.99 3,000 $ 0.030 N/A

Maintenance kit $149.99 30,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1088 $ 0.0198

10.88 1.98

Phaser 8500/8550 family is really in a category by itself.

In another plus, these machines are small in dimension

and weight, unlike some laser machines.

Afear that some users have had in the past with solid

ink jets is that printed pages can be difficult to copy or

scan later via a copier’s automatic document feeder

because of the slightly raised texture of the image. But

advances in ink manufacture have minimized that prob-

lem.

Although these limitations may cause a few buyers to

look elsewhere, we feel that many color users will be

swayed by the Phaser 8500/8550 family’s undeniable

strengths.

These are not intended for really high-volume use —

they are rated for 85,000 pages per month. The meager

output tray is a clear indication that this printer is better

suited for a moderate flow of work. The warm-up time

may be an issue as well; it’s considerably longer than that

for LED and laser.But this should be a once-a-day issue.

These machines are capable of producing very good

color output and good black-and-white documents as

well. They are easy to use and can be pretty fast when it

comes to full-color output, though not at the highest res-

olution. Keep in mind, however, that the series does not

have the paper-handling capability to be used in place of

adepartmental laser printer.

But all things told, we really like the Phaser 8500/8550

family. We also find its attractive pricing, small and ele-

gant footprint, and quiet operation very nice bonuses as

well.

Chart entries — pages 119–120

Xerox Phaser 6300N

Xerox Phaser 6300DN

26ppm full color

36ppm black & white

Xerox Phaser 6350DP

Xerox Phaser 6350DT

Xerox Phaser 6350DX

36ppm full color

36ppm black & white

Sum-up: Raw power makes this a very good family of work-

group printers.

As with the Phaser 8500/8550 family, Xerox’s Phaser

6300/6350 family has models that run at different speeds

but otherwise share virtually all features and are clearly

based on the same engine. In this case, that engine is a

powerful one, as the 800MHz processor indicates.

The Phaser 6300 models run at 26ppm in color and

36ppm in black-and-white. The Phaser 6350 models run

at 36ppm in both color and black-and-white. The 6350

models come with more standard features, but these fea-

tures are optionally available in the lower-priced 6300

models. There aren’t many color laser printers that offer

faster speeds, especially at this price range.

The models in the series are:

lThe $1,299 Phaser 6300N, which starts with 256MB

of memory and 700 sheets of standard input. The

monthly duty cycle is set at 100,000.

Better Buys for Business

Xerox Phaser 6350 (High-Capacity Toner Cartridge)

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Blacktoner $99.99 10,000 $ 0.010 $ 0.010

Cyan toner $249.99 10,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Magenta toner $249.99 10,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Yellowtoner $249.99 10,000 $ 0.025 N/A

Imaging unit/4-color $249.99 35,000 $ 0.007 $ 0.007

Transfer roller $71.99 35,000 $ 0.002 N/A

Fuser kit $149.99 100,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0957 $ 0.0230

9.57 0.02

Xerox Phaser 8550

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $88.99 6,000 $ 0.015 $ 0.015

Cyan toner $88.99 3,000 $ 0.030 N/A

Magenta toner $88.99 3,000 $ 0.030 N/A

Yellow toner $88.99 3,000 $ 0.030 N/A

Maintenance kit $99.99 10,000 $ 0.010 $ 0.010

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.1138 $ 0.0248

11.38 2.48

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

lThe Phaser 6300DN ($1,499) adds automatic duplex-

ing.

lThe Phaser 6350DP ($1,799) has a faster color speed

and a higher monthly duty cycle (120,000).

lThe Phaser 6350DT ($2,549) adds a second 550-sheet

paper tray for a total of 1,250 sheets of input. It also

comes with 512MB of memory.

lThe Phaser 6350DX ($3,149) adds a third 550-sheet

tray for a total of 1,800 sheets. It also adds a standard

20GB hard disk.

All of the models can have up to one gigabyte of mem-

ory installed. A 20GB hard disk is available, standard on

the DX model, optional on the others. PostScript and

PCL are installed. Ethernet and USB ports are also

standard.

The input system starts with a 150-sheet multipurpose

tray and a 550-sheet standard tray. Other configurations

are a 550-sheet paper tray or a two-drawer 1,100-sheet

feeder. The maximum configuration is 1,800 sheets. The

usual 250-sheet exit tray is the only output device avail-

able.

Xerox tells us that the Phaser 6300 consumables costs

come in ataround 2.2¢ for black and 10.8¢ for color.

Phaser 6350 consumables have a high-capacity toner

option, and that make costs a little lower, at 2.1¢ for black

and 9.6¢ for color. These costs are about average for the

industry.

The Phaser 6300/6350 models are very fast machines

that have good, if basic, features and acceptable printing

costs. But that’s the rule in this market segment, where

the Xerox models offer more speed, memory, and paper

handling than its rivals. Given all those factors, they

stand out as very good workgroup printers. The one thing

they lack is something more than a 250-sheet output tray,

but the same can be said for almost all other color laser

printers under $2,000.

Nevertheless, these are excellent buys for mid-size

workgroups.

Chart entries — pages 120–122

Xerox Phaser 7400N

Xerox Phaser 7400DN

Xerox Phaser 7400DT

Xerox Phaser 7400DX

Xerox Phaser 7400DXF

36ppm full color

40ppm black & white

Sum-up: Very fast LED printer series built for high color

quality.

The Phaser 7400 series is based on OKI’s C9600/C9800

family of printers. These ledger-size models produce

color pages with excellent speed. In addition, they add a

number of productivity-enhancing features that make

them even more useful in office environments. If you

need a rugged business printer, the Phaser 7400 family is

asmart choice.

Above all, it is speed that makes this series stand out.

OKI Printing Solutions and Xerox have come out with a

family of color printers that print at 36ppm in color and

40ppm in black-and-white. These models can act as

departmental color printers. Plus, in black-and-white,

they exceed most black-and-white machines.

Over the years, the big issue with LED printers has been

image quality, but Xerox has worked diligently on this. In

addition to the single-pass engine technology taken from

OKI, Xerox has added the software-based color savvy

and the toner expertise they’ve gained in making printers

suchas the Phaser 7760 family, which we consider to sit

at the top of the color market. Xerox claims to have cre-

ated color toners that are matched to the LED technolo-

gy, allowing for finer dot size and crisper quality. In addi-

tion, the company’s driver software makes it easier to

achieve accurate color that approaches professional qual-

ity. These Xerox-only advances are supplemented by the

OKI Printing Solutions developments, which have the

machine self-recalibrating on a regular basis to ensure

consistent registration.

Xerox isn’t claiming this family as a rival to its 7760,

which it argues has even higher image quality and recom-

mends it for prepress proofs that will match colors on

press. Nevertheless, the company does claim that it can

deliver superior accuracyand vibrancy, more than a

match for most laser printers.

The Phaser 7400 family comes in five models:

lThe Phaser 7400N ($2,999 street), which includes 800

sheets of input and 256MB of memory and prints at

1,200dpi

Discontinued Models?

We don't cover these “end of life” models in this volume,

but they usually have been covered in previous issues.

Call us at 800 247 2185 if you are interested in back

issues.www.betterbuys.com

lThe Phaser 7400DN ($3,349), which adds automatic

duplexing

lThe Phaser 7400DT ($4,599), which has 512MB of

standard memory and a 40GB hard disk, and adds a

second 550-sheet paper input drawer for a total of

1,350 sheets

lThe Phaser 7400DX ($5,499), which adds a 1,650-

sheet high-capacity paper feeder for a total of 2,450

sheets

lThe Phaser 7400DXF ($7,999), which adds an 1,100-

sheet finisher

All of these models have other strong features. They

have speedy 800MHz processors and come standard with

both Ethernet and USB connectors. They also support

PCL and PostScript printing. And they all have a rated

duty cycle of 150,000 pages per month. Like most print-

ers in this guide, they can be managed remotely over the

Internet.

The one-year on-site warranty is typical, and Xerox

adds its own excellent Total Satisfaction Guarantee.

All five models can output color pages at up to 36ppm

and black-and-white pages at 40ppm. They print at

1,200dpi, with the exception of the base model, and they

run at full speed at the highest resolution.

Standard memorycomes in at 256MB on the two

lower-end models and 512MB on the rest. In any case,

this can be expanded to a full gigabyte. Added memory

can make a big difference in a busy office where print

jobs back up, especially when they are large color jobs. It

also is a help in mopying or collating large documents.

The Phaser 7400DT, DX, and DXF models come with

a40GB hard disk. This can be used to store frequently

run images or jobs. Most important, this makes it easy to

print complex jobs involving electronic collation, where

the printer prints an entiredocument, in sequence,over

and over. 40GB is, by printer standards, a decent hard-

disk capacity.

The 800MHz processors in these machines are among

the fastest in the printing industry. It’s hard to tell how

much processor speeds matter in this market, since print-

ing speeds are also limited by the physical elements of the

printer. However, it’s always nice to have more speed.

The Phaser 7400’s paper handling is quite good. It can

handle ledger and tabloid-size paper, if that’s your

requirement, along with legal- and letter-size pages. The

lower-end models,the Phaser 7400N and 7400DN,have

an 800-sheet standardpaper capacity, which is based on

a550-sheet paper tray (a little better than the usual 500-

sheet tray) and a 250-sheet multipurpose tray (letter-size

sheets only). But you can build from there, by adding one

550-sheet paper tray. The top-end model also gives you a

1,650-sheet high-capacity feeder,with a potential maxi-

mum of 3,000 sheets. That’s pretty good, and few models

do much better.

Output capacity,however, is a disappointment. There

are only 600 sheets of output on the 7400N, and 750

sheets of output on the other machines in this family.

Given the throughput these machines will generate and

the good input capacities, we find the lack of larger out-

put options may be a problem in some offices.

Color pages print at a below average cost of 9.1¢, while

black-and-white costs are excellent for a color printer at

1.5¢.

We believe that in terms of performance and features,

these are good printers.They are among the lowest-

priced color printersthatcan handle 11" x 17" paper.

They make most sense in office environments where you

need both monochrome and color capability.

Improvements in quality are fully appreciated, but this

machine is not intended for the most demanding graph-

ics tasks.

These Xerox printers come in at prices below their OKI

Printing Solutions cousins. They offer a good set of fea-

tures for the price, and the reasonable output costs are

pretty good as well. If you want even more, you might

also look at the more expensive Xerox Phaser 7760

families.

Chartentries — pages 122–123

Better Buys for Business

Xerox Phaser 7400

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $134.99 15,000 $ 0.009 $ 0.009

Cyan toner $324.99 18,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Magenta toner $324.99 18,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Yellow toner $324.99 18,000 $ 0.018 N/A

Imaging unit/black $139.99 30,000 $ 0.005 $ 0.005

Imaging unit/cyan $199.99 30,000 $ 0.007 N/A

Imaging unit/magenta $199.99 30,000 $ 0.007 N/A

Imaging unit/yellow $199.99 30,000 $ 0.007 N/A

Waste toner box $25.99 30,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Fuser kit $199.99 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS $0.0907 $ 0.0145

9.07 1.45

www.betterbuys.com

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

Xerox Phaser 7760DN

Xerox Phaser 7760DX

Xerox Phaser 7760GX

35ppm full color

45ppm black & white

Sum-up: A leader in quality laser color reproduction and a

fast ledger-size printer series to boot.

The new Phaser 7760 is a ledger-size color printer series

that is an upgrade to the Phaser 7750, a powerhouse that

can meet very demanding requirements. It is one of the

fastest office color printers, and can surpass most other

models for speed and image quality. The Phaser 7760

prints at 35ppm in color and 45ppm in black-and-white.

In addition, that speed is combined with excellent

quality.

Overview: The Phaser 7760 family has some nice fea-

tures. It supports printing of up to 12" x 18" paper sizes,

and it has excellent image quality, lots of memory, and

strong paper handling. The standard models have a Fuji

Xerox engine with a powerful 800MHz processor.

The Phaser 7760 has a standard 40GB hard drive in all

models. The hard drive supports electronic collation of

complex multipage documents. In addition, the Phaser

7760 models can accommodate up to 2,150 sheets of

paper capacity, though the different models come with

different standard paper capacities.

All three models have a generous 512MB. This can be

expanded to 1GB with options. All come with USB and

Ethernet connectivity as standard features and support

PostScript 3. The machines print at 1,200dpi.

The Phaser 7760 also offers a feature that’s now com-

mon on upscale color printers — a Web-based printer

management program that allows you to check printer

status remotely using the browser on your computer. The

Xerox name for this software is CentreWare. Xerox also

touts something called Intelligent Ready software, which

can minimize printer warm-up time.

As with other Xerox products, this family has a one-

year warranty plus Xerox’s Total Satisfaction Guarantee.

There are three models in the Phaser 7760 family:

lThe 7760DN is the base model (street price $6,299),

which comes with 650 sheets of input, a hard disk,

standard Ethernet, and standard automatic duplex.

lThe 7760GX ($7,399), which has 2,150 sheets of stan-

dard input and adds Xerox’s PhaserMatch color-

matching software standard (available as an option for

the 7760DN).

lThe 7760DX ($7,699), identical to the 7760GX, but

with 3,150 sheets of standard input.

All of these units offer some standard Xerox color fea-

tures, including secure print, job pipelining and compres-

sion, and usage and analysis tools. PostScript 3 and PCL

5c are standard as well.

Output devices: These units all come standard with a

400-sheet offset catch tray. You can also add a 3,500-

sheet-capacity finisher that offers multiposition stapling

of up to 50 sheets and 3-hole punch, or a 2,500-sheet

capacity booklet maker with stapling and 3-hole punch.

While this is not the widest range of output options in the

color printer market, it’s not too bad.

These printers are rated for 150,000 pages per month,

meaning they are designed to be serious workhorses.

Image quality: Xerox provides an impressive array of

tools for maintaining color calibration and color match-

ing with this printer family. These include such items as

Pantone certification, sRGB color matching, ICC profil-

ing, and their own TekColor Dynamic Color Correction.

The aforementioned PhaserMatch software allows you to

create color proofs that match as closely as possible the

look of the same page printed on an offset press or other

output device on a range of paper types from newsprint

to high-gloss. These capabilities are not very useful for

the typical office user, but they answer a major require-

ment for the design/graphic arts group that needs precise

color matching.

The printer also allows you to print in photographic

mode and produces photo-like quality (though you sacri-

Xerox Phaser 7760

Consumables costs at-a-glance

Price

Yield

Full-color cost per page

Black-and-white cost per page

Black toner $129.99 32,000 $ 0.004 $ 0.004

Cyan toner $324.99 25,000 $ 0.013 N/A

Magenta toner $324.99 25,000 $ 0.013 N/A

Yellowtoner $324.99 25,000 $ 0.013 N/A

Imaging unit/4-color $329.99 35,000 $ 0.009 $ 0.009

Waste toner box $19.99 27,000 $ 0.001 $ 0.001

Fuser kit $199.99 100,000 $ 0.002 $ 0.002

TOTAL PER-PAGE COSTS

$0.0552 $ 0.0142

5.52 1.42

fice a little on text quality in this mode). These features

suggest that the Phaser 7760 is well suited for use on

graphic arts color printing and able to perform as an

office printer as well.

Operating costs: Operating costs on the Phaser 7760

are quite good. The cost for a black-and-white page is

around 1.4¢, a little less than most color printers. The

color price per page is around 5.5¢. That’s better than

most models in the color printer market.

Conclusion: We believe this is a terrific multipurpose

printer family. The machines are able to perform as office

printers as well as superb graphic arts printers. The cost

of operation is good, and the input and output options

are above average. We’re also impressed by the image

quality we’ve seen from this printer series. Its biggest

challenges on the graphics front is the Sharp AR-C360P,

which do quite well in color quality, too. The Ricoh fam-

ily has a lower cost per page and matches up well in terms

of input and output, while the Sharp model offers com-

parable performance for about half the price. The Phaser

7760 models are not cheap, though they are economical

to run. If your needs match their strengths, they’re an

excellent solution. They get our Editor’s Choice Award.

Chart entries — page 124

Better Buys for Business

Coming Soon....

The Color Copier Guide

Full-color copiers that can also double as

upscale color printers. Prices from $2,000 to

and higher.

The Office Laser Printer Guide

Black-and-white laser printers that run at up to

49ppm. These machines can be either

personal, workgroup, or departmental models.

The Laser Fax Guide

Covers laser plain-paper faxes, many of which

also have low-end multifunctional capabilities.

The Printer Multifunctional Guide

Small-office multifunctionals and multifunction-

al office printers that print at up to 50ppm.

These also copy, scan, and fax, and include

both ink jet and laser machines that operate in

black-and-white and color.

The Mid-Volume Copier

&Multifunctional Guide

Black-and-white copiers and multifunctionals

(copy,print, fax, and scan) that cruise at 20–49

pages per minute and support 11" x 17" — best

suited for 10,000–40,000 copies per month.

Update Infor

Update Information at

mation at

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The Color Laser Printer Guide: Industry Briefing

What We’re

Covering

This guide covers desktop printers that deliver full-color

output using laser or laser-class technology. (We’ll

explain in a minute what we mean by “laser-class.”) All

the machines discussed are suitable for workgroups and

can be connected to a network, often as a standard fea-

ture. We use the term “desktop” somewhat flexibly:

although most of these machines will fit comfortably on

adesktop, some of them sit on stands — or even directly

on the floor — when fully configured. In fact, some look

more like copiers than printers.

Dramatic price changes

Note that prices in this industry are in rapid change mode

this year, and that many companies are either reducing

prices fast or offering big rebates.

Prices have fallen significantly in recent years, and you

can now get a color laser printer for as little as $299 (a few

years ago, by contrast, the least expensive street price was

$2,999). Most of these printers can be bought for less

than $2,000, and the bulk of the 8 1/2" x 14" printers are

in the $500–$2,000 segment. (Larger, 11" x 17" printers

generally range from $3,000 to $7,000.)

This guide does not cover regular ink jet printers,

though we should point out that the performance of a

few ink jets has increased to the point that they can pose

aviable alternative to laser. There’s a separate section in

this volume for what we call “business-class” ink jet

printers, beginning on page 125.

Weare,however, including in this guide a less common

technology known as “solid ink jet” because it is widely

viewed as being on something of a peer level with laser.

This, as well as LED printing (a close cousin of laser),

accounts for our use of the term “laser-class” in defining

the parameters of this guide.

There’s also a new technology from Ricoh,

“GelSprint,” which qualifies as “laser-class” color print-

ing.According to Ricoh, GelSprint is a hybrid of laser

and ink jet print technologies that offers laser-like preci-

sion and resolution with consumables costs comparable

to those of laser machines. GelSprint utilizes a perma-

nent print head that, Ricoh claims, enables fast printing

by low-cost printers while contributing to their long life.

Until a few years ago, most desktop color laser printers

typically had full-color engine speeds of about 3–5 pages

per minute (ppm). Then there was a move toward faster

models with speeds in the 6–12ppm range. Most recently,

the industry has been flooded with even speedier models

using so-called tandem-engine, single-pass technology,

which allows for rated full-color speeds above 20ppm.

(We’ll explain this technology later in this section.)

Most color laser printers have been faster when printing

in black only: commonly, color printers have run three or

more times faster in black-and-white. This is because

pages had to be run across the drum four separate times

as each of the four colors was laid down.

The growing number of tandem-engine machines, how-

ever, often run at the same or similar speeds in color and

in black-and-white. In addition, a new class of color

printing has emerged, one that acts as a departmental,

high-speed black-and-white laser, but has as an extra fea-

ture: the ability to print in color, albeit at a relatively slow

speed.

The copier-printer alternative

Keep in mind that all color copiers can be connected to

computersso that they double as upscale color laser

printers. These machines are expensive devices, generally

costing $12,000–$40,000 or more at list price once con-

nected. Traditionally, they have offered faster speeds than

desktop color printers and more sophisticated paper han-

dling.Nevertheless, some of the latest single-function

laser printersaregiving the copier-printers a run for their

money:

4The 20–40ppm speeds for the growing number of

color laser printersrival those of most color copier-

printers, which are quite a bit more expensive.

4Until a few years ago, no desktop model could print in

color on 11" x 17" paper. Today, however, this ability

is common.

4Until recently, desktop color printers rarely had paper

trays holding more than 250 sheets.Today,most have

at least 500-sheet trays as standard, and some can go

up to more than 3,000 sheets.

Industry Briefing

4Not long ago, no desktop color printer could perform

automatic double-sided work. Now, however, almost

all have at least an option to do so.

4In the recent past, no desktop color printer offered fin-

ishing (stapling and/or hole punching). Now a small

but increasing number have them.

What this means is that people don’t have to migrate

upward to a color copier-printer just to get more upscale

printing, even if they don’t especially need the copier

function — previously, by contrast, this was quite a com-

mon occurrence. However, the extent to which desktop

printers are now challenging copier-based products

should not be overstated: the latter are still able to offer a

better combination of high performance and paper han-

dling. But the desktop models are certainly getting closer,

and the prices are remarkably lower than the copier ver-

sions.

Keep in mind also that color copier prices have fallen in

response to the challenge from the printer world — with

adiscount, you can now get a connected, network-ready

copier-based machine for about $12,000. Although this

maynot sound like a bargain, it is pretty low by tradition-

al standards of this market.

We won’t be talking further about the copier-printer

alternative here, but you can get complete details in The

Color Copier Guide (see back cover for ordering informa-

tion). We will, however, discuss some printers with copi-

er functionality, if they are still, first and foremost, crea-

tures of the printer world.

What this guide offers

This guide is divided into four parts. We start with our

Editor’s Choice selections (page 2), which is a list of

color printer models we feel provide the very best value.

Immediately afterwardcomes the Vendor & Product

Profiles section (pages 3–56), which introduces you to the

suppliers and gives our assessments of all the individual

products. The Profiles section also includes charts of con-

sumables costs for the leading color laser models; these

charts give you an idea of which printers are the most

economical to operate on a cost-per-page basis.

The third part of the guide — the article you’re reading

now — examines the state of the market, discusses tech-

nology and features, and advises briefly on how to go

about buying a color laser printer. Finally, our grid-charts

(pages 70–124) at the back of the guide provide an at-a-

glance comparison of features and pricing of all models

covered in the guide.

What we are assuming

Keep in mind that we will not be spending much time in

this article explaining printer terms and concepts that are

not color-specific but apply equally to regular black-only

models. So if you have very little technical grasp of print-

ers — for example, if you don’t really understand what’s

meant by the word “PostScript” — you may want to refer

to the separate Better Buys guide on black-and-white

office laser printers (see back cover). As well as focusing

on black-only models, that guide serves as a printer

primer in general.

Nevertheless, we will be reminding you about a few

printer basics in this article, so what follows should be

reasonably easy to understand if you consider yourself

moderately printer-proficient.

The State of

Office Color

Desktop color lasers aimed at non-specialized users have

been around for more than a dozen years. The market

dates back to 1993, when QMS (now part of Konica

Minolta) introduced a landmark machine priced at

$12,500; color lasers had previously cost over $20,000.

Today, a good printer can cost less than $2,000, and —

with a growing number of entry-level models priced

under $1,000 — the machines are becoming more afford-

able every year. Operating costs have also fallen, making

the price of using these machines less prohibitive than

was once the case (more on this later).

The main priority in vendors’ product development

strategies is to continue getting the price down, as it is

cost — more than any other factor — that has so far kept

these machines in something of a niche. As the prices

have continued to plunge below $1,000, color laser print-

ers havebecome attractive to a broader audience, possi-

bly taking the place of some black-and-white models.

Overcoming objections

However, any widespread move to introduce color into

mainstream business documents will run up against two

objections.

The main roadblock is that even if you put aside the

cost of buying the machine, full-color pages will always

have higher consumables costs than black-and-white

ones. Urging corporate America to switch to color is akin

to asking it to raise its hard-copy operating costs by a fac-

tor of four or more.

Vendors never tire of pointing out the commercial ben-

efits of color — making sales proposals morehard-hit-

ting,for example — but these gains are harder to quanti-

fy than the costs. And there is also a hidden cost that

Better Buys for Business

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Industry Briefing

many people overlook — namely, the time it takes for

computer users to apply color to documents in the first

place. There is also an undeniable element of waste —

the trivial, unnecessary, and often non-work-related uses

to which color can be put once it is made available to

everyone in the office.

The second objection has been one of speed — no mat-

ter how fast vendors made color machines, black-and-

white ones were usually faster. This relationship was due

to mainstream color laser technology, which lays down

black-and-white four times as fast as it does full-color

images. Under that scheme of things, vendors were ask-

ing buyers to wait longer for their work, as well as to pay

more for it.

But speed objections have pretty much vanished.

Printers using single-pass tandem technology are able to

print color as fast, or almost as fast, as they do black-and-

white. As a result, color speeds are very fast by historical

standards, and their black-only speeds are also quite

acceptable.

To be sure, cost will continue to limit the use of color in

the office for some time. But as vendors develop printers

that are good for both color and black-only printing, they

are overcoming these limitations. A likely vision for the

office of the future is one where most printers are capa-

ble of color but are not always used for that purpose.

The twin-missions concept

As we’ve explained, manufacturers are now offering a

number of models that are designed to more adequately

meet the twin missions of catering to both plain-vanilla

black-and-white work and color printing needs.

A number of models now have black-only speeds over

15ppm, even up to 28ppm or 38ppm. That’s a significant

number given that, until very recently, 25ppm defined the

high end of mainstream network black-and-white print-

ing (that barrier has lately shifted to 35ppm or 45ppm,

but 25ppm still marks the start of “fast” workgroup and

departmental printing).

And whereas black-only consumables costs on color-

capable machines were previously at least double those of

regular monochrome laser printers, today the cost of

printing in black on a color machine can be more reason-

able (more on this later when we talk about operating

costs).

Anetwork-ready color laser that’s able to print in black

at30ppm (like the $999 HP Color LaserJet 3000) is effec-

tively giving you the performance of a 30ppm dedicated

black-only printer costing $550 (like the HP LaserJet

2420). And it adds 15ppm color printing. What this

means is that the cost of adding color to your workgroup

printer is, in this case, about $450.

This,of course, presupposes that you need (another)

black-and-white printer. And the key to growing this mar-

ket is persuading people to buy color instead of black-

only when they need new printers rather than asking

them to go out and buy specialized printers in addition to

the ones they have.

Under this scenario, people in an office would have

access to color when they need it but would be able to

print in black-and-white when speed and cost are more

important than appearance. What’s more, color would

often be used only in a limited way — to highlight head-

lines, for example — rather than to print the endless pho-

tos and full-color business graphics that tend to be fea-

tured so heavily in printer vendors’ samples.

Still, vendors have some way to go before they can real-

ly deliver color printers that also fulfill a no-compromises

monochrome mission. Typically, color printers are far

bulkier than black-only ones. And even when engine

speeds are similar, paper-handling capabilities are gener-

ally more limited on comparable-speed color printers.

Speed and product differentiation

While price is still the number one priority in manufac-

turers’ development plans, speeds are still improving, as

is the price/performance ratio. As stated earlier, entry-

level and midmarket models once had top color speeds of

only 4ppm. These days, however, it’s more common to

see new models with top color speeds of 12ppm, 20ppm,

or even 30ppm+.

Keep in mind that the engine speed is that which the

machine is guaranteed not to exceed — not that which it

is promised to reach on every job. The actual perform-

ance you get out of a printer also depends on the ability

of the printer’s built-in controller to process the types of

jobs you send and the amount of memory installed. Also,

it is the speed for printing letter-size pages, even if it is the

speed rating for a printer that handles ledger-size output.

In any case, the rated speed for laser-class printers will

correspond much more closely to actual performance

than will rated speeds for color ink jet models.

Another trend in the last year or so is that most vendors

aremarketing more than one desktop color laser printer,

whereas previouslymost concentrated on a single model.

Most often, there are two basic models for most vendors

— one that prints on letter- and legal-size paper and one

thatwill do ledger-size printing. To some extent, the

smaller size corresponds to “business color” applications

and the larger size to more graphics-intensive uses.

However, as the sales of color printers grow, more and

more vendors are offering models with a range of speeds

and a selection of imaging technologies.

Image quality

Whenever vendorscome out with newmodels,they pro-

claim “breakthrough” image quality. The reality, howev-

er, is that image quality has reached something of a

plateau, and the latest machines aren’t, as a rule, vastly

different in this respect from those of a year or two earli-

er. Price, speed, and features, more than quality, are what

have changed.

We see the market in terms of three levels of color

image quality. They are:

lBusiness color, which could also be called “good

enough” color, means that the color used on company

logos, charts, diagrams, and other graphics looks fair-

ly close to the color intended by the author. However,

it is not entirely perfect. This is typical of LED print-

ers and most low-end color laser printers. The key

issue is color consistency, so that color doesn’t vary

from one print to another during a run.

lPhotographic color, where the images (whether pho-

tographs or simple documents) go through a process

that makes the color output glossy. This kind of color

is provided by solid ink jet printers and some laser

printers, especially those with improved toner that can

print on glossy paper stock or specialty paper sold by

the manufacturer. Note that this look is not directly

related to higher resolution.

lProfessional color, for designers and graphic artists

preparing high-value documents or other work (such

as covers, folders, and packaging) that will later be

sent to commercial printers. This level of image qual-

ity accurately portrays the colors that will be printed

on the final product by the commercial printer. High-

end color laser printers with color calibration and

color-matching software are able to produce this type

of color quality, though even here the user may have

to work at getting the right settings.

The lines drawn between the various color-quality cate-

gories are not absolute, of course. And some printers can

serve more than one purpose. But it’s important to assess

your color needs before you go out and buy a new

machine.

On-demand color printing

Although the most obvious use for color printers may be

to spruce up the documents you currently produce in

black-and-white, these machines can also offer an alter-

native in some cases to commercial printing. Instead of

having color brochures produced by a firm of commer-

cial printers using offset printing equipment, you could

instead start producing them on a “just-in-time” basis on

your own laser machine.

However, the per-page cost of an on-demand color laser

print is normally higher than that of commercial offset

printing, especially when it comes to printing longer runs.

However, if you need to produce 50 or 100 copies of a

flyer or postcard, a color laser printer will be a bargain.

On-demand printing using a laser printer also allows

you to avoid the storage costs and waste typically associ-

ated with producing long runs of promotional literature.

You can also keep your materials up-to-date, and you can

personalize them to the needs of recipients. The quality

of the color and the paper may create a different look and

feel from what you may be used to with offset printing,

however. While this method of output may be good for

things like price lists, it has its limitations.

We should also mention a class of machine that falls

somewhere between desktop color printing and offset

printing. These machines include the digital press from

Indigo (now owned by Hewlett-Packard) and production-

level color printers from Xerox and Kodak (not within

the scope of this guide). There are also the very fast color

copier-printers from Canon, Konica Minolta, and Xerox.

These machines fill in the gap between short runs (100 or

less) and long ones (500 to 1,000 or more). In the world

of on-demand color printing, the (mostly) desktop print-

ers we cover hereare relative lightweights.

Many vendors

After increasing for several years, the number of vendors

in the desktop color laser printer market seems to have

reached a plateau. Early in the 1990s, there were only two

vendors in the market. That number multiplied by a fac-

tor of 10 over the latter half of the decade as a number of

office equipment companies rushed to get into a new,

fast-growing market.

Although you may see as many as 23 different brand

names on color laser printers, keep in mind that some of

the differences are only skin-deep. For example, Ricoh

markets identical color products under the Savin,

Gestetner, and Lanier brand names. Also, many vendors

use other companies’ engines. For example, HP uses

Canon engines; Xerox uses engines from Fuji Xerox and

OKI (as well as a couple of homegrown engines); and a

number of other vendors use Ricoh (formerly Hitachi),

OKI, Matsushita, and Fuji Xerox engines.

Do not assume,however, that two printers sold under

different brand names but using the same engine are

exactly the same. While they may have certain things in

common, there can be important differences under the

hood. The information in this guide shows which

machines use what engines and highlights the important

differences between models that share the same ones.

Better Buys for Business

www.betterbuys.com

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Industry Briefing

Color Fundamentals

Let’s focus next on some of the main technical and per-

formance issues that crop up in any discussion of color

printers.

Laser basics

As with monochrome machines, color laser printers work

by having a light source etch an image onto a photosen-

sitive drum that then attracts toner; the toner is trans-

ferred to paper, heated, and fused; and an image is creat-

ed. The difference is that with monochrome lasers, the

process is completed with one pass through the machine,

but with older color models, the imaging (at least tradi-

tionally) takes place a total of four times — one for each

of the four process colors from which all composite col-

ors are formed. This explains why color print speeds have

typically been much slower.

But lately, the fastest models are using tandem engines

featuring a one-pass process, resulting in color speeds

that are the same or almost as fast as black-only ones.

The engine prints the three basic printer colors — cyan,

magenta, and yellow — in tandem with black, in a single

pass of the paper through the imaging unit. These one-

pass engines may be either laser- or LED-powered. In the

past few years, this technology has almost completely

taken over the industry. Only older and less expensive

models offer four-pass color.

Solid ink jet: laser-class alternative

Solid ink jet technology shouldn’t be confused with ther-

mal ink jet, the much more common and less expensive

variety. The image quality, full-color speed, and price of

solid ink jet all place it in the laser class.

At present, Xerox is the only vendor in this guide that

offers products using solid ink jet technology. (As we

mentioned above, Xerox also sells color laser and LED

printers.)

Solid ink jet technology relies on a solid block of ink

that’s melted and dropped precisely onto the paper. The

ink resolidifies immediately in a process designed to

maintain its clarity. Because very little ink soaks into the

paper, solid ink jets deliver brighter colors than regular

laser.Speeds are brisk by full-color standards.

Solid ink jets aren’t fussy about what type of plain paper

they print onto — they generally work fine with regular

copier and laser printer paper. One benefit of the technol-

ogy is that the output doesn’t smudge if it gets wet.

Recent developments byXerox have diminished some

earlier disadvantages of solid ink jet printing, such as a

tendency to jam in copier document feeders due to added

thickness and its vulnerability to scratches.

Xerox’s solid ink jet machines are comparable to the

less expensive color lasers. Therefore, the product posi-

tioning stresses brilliant colors, along with economy, as a

reason to opt for this technology. Xerox has established a

successful niche with these printers.

You may sometimes hear solid ink jets referred to as

“phase change” printers, a term that refers to the melt-

ing/resolidifying process — there’s no special signifi-

cance to this, and the term is synonymous with “solid ink

jet.”

The colors themselves

All color print technologies involve mixing three or four

basic colors to create millions of color combinations. You

may hear of a three-color palette abbreviated “CMY,”

standing for cyan, magenta, and yellow. To form a com-

posite black, CMY printers combine the three primary

colors.

However, current color laser printers — including all

featured in this guide — have a separate, true black (des-

ignated as “K” in printer lingo). This four-color palette is

referred to as “CMYK,” and it’s preferable to the three-

color variety: CMYK models typically generate richer-

looking black text than those that combine the CMY col-

ors to create composite black. The colors themselves

come in the form of different substances, depending on

the print technology — in the case of lasers, it is toner.

Keep in mind that computer monitors use a different

palette — red, green, and blue (RGB) — to mix their col-

ors. To reconcile the two color sets, some printers include

color-matching software that lets users specify which

monitor they have, enabling the printer to adjust the out-

put to matchthe monitor.

In addition, there is a whole subindustry devoted to

third-party software and hardware tools designed to con-

trol, match, and calibrate color to satisfy the pickiest peo-

ple. Advanced users (especially those in the graphic arts,

publishing, and design businesses) will look for “manual”

controls. However, most mainstream users will be con-

tent with software that automatically optimizes color

reproduction to suit the content of each page.

How important is resolution?

The best way to judge print quality is simply to look at it.

If you must judge image quality by reviewing machine

specifications, you should be aware that there are differ-

ing schools of thought as to what matters most. In the

black-and-white market, the main reference point on a

spec sheet when it comes to image quality is a printer’s

resolution. This is measured by the number of dots per

square inch, normally noted as the number of dots per

inchin a row times the number of dots in a column. For

example 600 x 600dpi (which we call 600dpi for short)

means a grid with 360,000 individual elements that the

printer can place toner on.

Today, all color and black-only printers produce pages

at a native resolution of at least 600dpi, and some work

at 1,200dpi. It is widely felt that higher numbers mean

better quality. And whether or not you agree with this, it

seems inevitable that the dpi resolution figure will always

be the most “visible” specification by which printers are

judged on paper because it attempts to boil down several

complex elements to a single value.

However, most vendors have their own versions of

interpolated resolutions, meaning a manipulation of the

output to give it the appearance of higher resolution.

Some vendors seem to have better software for this than

others. Some have better toner quality that allows for

finer apparent resolution. It’s all very confusing. For

example, HP has come up with a heavily patented tech-

nology called ImageREt 2400 that supposedly delivers

2,400dpi-grade results from a 600dpi engine.

Caught in the crossfire of competing technical claims,

the conclusion we draw is that there is no single magic

formula for designing color printers that deliver fine

results — different paths can lead to the same destina-

tion. Ahigher resolution can be helpful, but it is not the

be-all and end-all of everything. In commercial printing,

for example, resolution is considered more important for

text than for reproducing photographic images. And

don’t forget that image quality can be in the eye of the

beholder — that’s why it makes sense to look before you

buy. In any case, all the products on the market now seem

to deliver adequate business color.

Keep in mind that a few models with 1,200dpi maxi-

mum resolutions may extract hefty speed penalties when

you take advantage of their capabilities. Hence, even if

1,200dpi is available, you might choose to print most of

your work at 600dpi on some printers.

“True” high resolution

As indicated above, many printers offer resolutions high-

er than 600dpi. But within the printer industry, there are

occasional squabbles about whatcan reallybe considered

“true” high-resolution output.

Some laser printers that boast resolutions higher than

600dpi areactuallybased on what were originally

designed to be 600dpi engines, but they use software that

causes the laser beam to create a higher-resolution image

by placing tens of thousands of additional tiny dots. This

process is sometimes known as “software interpolation”

or “modulation.”

Most newer engines are designed from the ground up to

work at resolutions higher than 600dpi. The technical

arguments get pretty complex, but purists insist that

“from the ground up” means “better.” The phrases

“native resolution” and “true resolution” are sometimes

used to refer to the base resolution of an engine before

any software modulation kicks in.

As we’ve said previously, true 1,200dpi resolution on

some printers can result in a big hit on some printers’

speeds. Note that modulated higher resolutions some-

times have numbers that read something like “1,200 x

600dpi” — in other words, the “dot intensity” along one

axis is greater than along the other. Vendors often use the

term “class” to mean interpolation, as in “2,400dpi

class.” That simply means an interpolated resolution of

2,400dpi.

How much does 1,200 x 600dpi differ from 600dpi or

1,200dpi? The difference may be visible in complex

graphics and smaller type sizes, but only with a magnify-

ing glass. Your salesman may tout these figures, but they

are less important than the actual appearance of the

printed page and the quality of the imaging system and

toner, which can’t be measured in numbers.

Operating Costs

Operating cost comparisons can be quite tricky to make

in the color printer market. In the monochrome market,

there’saconsensus among vendors that quoted consum-

ables figures are based on an assumption of the image

area covering 5 percent of a page (which is more than it

sounds when you think about the white space in the mid-

dle of letters like “e” and “o”). Although that 5 percent

figure mayor may not be an accurate representation of

what occurs in practice, it does provide a constant stan-

dard against which you can make like-for-like compar-

isons between different monochrome machines.

In the color market, however, numerous variables can

enter into a cost-per-page analysis. For example, the cost

of aprinted page depends not only on the size of the

image area but also on the color mix and the type of

image being printed. A number of vendors have come up

with their idea of the standard page on which they base

their cost-per-page figures. The problem, however, is that

the standards may be different from vendor to vendor.

Not surprisingly, the different standards tend to show a

particular vendor in its best possible light — a vendor

with especially low black toner costs might assume a

higher proportion of black, for example. And some ven-

dorsquote cost-per-page figures without even explaining

the basis on which they are reached.

Putting aside the issue of vendor self-interest, a recent

color study byXerox showed that the average business

page coverage is more like 4 percent per color than 5 per-

Better Buys for Business

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Industry Briefing

cent and that black is much more prevalent than the other

three colors. It is important to keep in mind that estimat-

ing color operating costs is not an exact science. Other

experts in the business differ from Xerox, and we tend to

think that the real-life coverage may average more like 6

or 7 percent per color. Be aware that all vendor cost esti-

mates are probably on the low side.

The method we prefer

In order to compare operating costs, Better Buys for

Business has adopted a standard page definition that —

while it does not set out to be more or less representative

than the others — does provide a simple standard on

which it is easy to make transparent comparisons. The

assumption is simply that there is 5 percent coverage of

each of the four colors in the CMYK palette. We take

into account all consumable items that need regular

replacement, not just the obvious ones such as toner and

the imaging cartridge (drum or belt). This method —

which is also used by most vendors — is really an exten-

sion of the standard we use for comparing black-and-

white costs.

Whatto expect

Using this method, the per-page color costs of most

recently introduced color printers fall in the 9–15¢ range,

though a couple of vendors have managed to bring costs

down to 4–5¢. Black-and-white page costs on some color

models typically cluster around 2 or 2.5¢, with a growing

number under 1.5¢.

Keepin mind that the machines come with a full set of

starter supplies included in the purchase price (though

sometimes with reduced-capacity toner cartridges). Since

some of the supply items (such as drums and belts) can

last for tens of thousands of pages, this means that it will

be quite awhile before you actually have to pay the full

cost per page in terms of separately purchased supply

items.

Supplyitems are discountable, but some brands are

more widely discounted than others.

More About Features

Next, a few words on features to look for — but because

none of these are color-specific, we won’t go into a lot of

detail.

PostScript tips

PostScript is what’s known as a “page description lan-

guage” —it is softwarethat resides within the printer and

governs the way in which the machine handles instruc-

tions from the computer. If you want to read more about

it, there’s a discussion in the Better Buys Office Laser

Printer Guide (see backcover for details).

For now, we’ll just remind you about when you do and

don’t need it. Note that while almost all the printers in

this guide come with PostScript standard, some discus-

sion is still required on the subject. This is because some

of the least expensive printers we cover — from Konica

Minolta, for example — come without PostScript. So if

you’re trying to save a buck by buying an inexpensive

printer, you need to be sure you can live without

PostScript.

So when do you need PostScript? If you use serious

desktop publishing programs (Adobe PageMaker, Quark

XPress, etc.), you definitely need it. The same applies if

you use upscale graphics programs such as Adobe

Illustrator.

If, however, you use only word processing and business

productivity programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel,

and PowerPoint, you probably don’t need a PostScript

printer. A PostScript printer will be able to work with

these programs, but it isn’t necessary or even particularly

advantageous.In this case, you might want to purchase

either a model without PostScript or one that offers it as

an option that you can add later if you need it.

While some printers recently offered Adobe PostScript

Level 2 compatibility, all of the PostScript-capable

machines in this guide support PostScript 3, which offers

a variety of small enhancements — some of which are

particularly relevant to color. If you want to match pre-

cise colors on your output, PostScript 3 can be a plus.

The Dell 3110cn includes PostScript, a rare feature among

sub-$500 color laser printers.

Some printers don’t employ the original Adobe

PostScript but instead use a PostScript-compatible print

language developed by a third party. This isn’t a big neg-

ative these days, though some people still feel more

secure with the original.

Most PostScript printers also offer PCL printing. This

printer control language was designed originally by

Hewlett-Packard and is generally used for everyday office

work. Other machines offer only Windows-based GDI

printing, which has a more limited set of capabilities. Its

main disadvantage is that it can tie up your computer

until the page is printed; that is, you can’t “spool” the job

to a server or printer and get right back to work. That is

especially a problem with longer and more complex jobs.

Memory and processors

The relationship and role of memory and controllers are

discussed in the Better Buys Office Laser Printer Guide. We

are not going to dwell much on them here, save to say

that more memory and powerful controllers enhance a

printer’s speed and are essential for more ambitious types

of work. (Controllers are the so-called front end of print-

ers and they process incoming data sent from connected

PCs.)

The good news is that vendors are becoming more gen-

erous with the amount of memory they package into

their color laser printers as standard. Only a couple years

ago, printers with 64MB of memory were in the minori-

ty. Today, however, all but a few of the printers covered in

this guide have at least 64MB of standard memory, with

asubstantial number offering at least 128MB as standard.

“Memory-starved” color printers — those with 64MB of

memory (only a handful now have less) included in the

basic deal — have dwindled to a small minority. Because

color files are bigger than black-and-white files, the need

for memory is greater than that for similar speed black-

and-white printers.

Keep in mind, though, that differing memory compres-

sion methods make it hard to infer too much from the

exact amount that’s offered. Also, memory matters a lot

more for PostScript printing than for PCL printing from

standard office applications.For GDI printing,memory

is not an issue.

Rest assured that you can often upgrade the memory to

morethan you would ever dream of getting, though this

does add some cost into the equation. For example,

OKI’s C9600 and C9800 color printer series will allow

you to boost the memory as high as 1,024MB (one giga-

byte).

Most printers use controllers that are proprietary to the

individual model. However, a few use dedicated proces-

sors developed by a company called Electronics for

Imaging.This company,known as EFI, is best known for

supplying the front ends to connected color copiers

(enabling the latter to double as high-performance print-

ers).

The presence of an EFI controller on a desktop printer

is a good indication that the machine has sufficient horse-

power to deal with pretty serious workloads in terms of

the complexity of files and the quantity being sent in

close succession. That isn’t to say that non-EFI con-

trollers are necessarily less powerful. It’s just that it’s hard

for a buyer to assess the performance of a controller from

specifications alone unless it is made by a recognized

third party that supplies more or less the same front ends

to a variety of different vendors. In short, there is a

degree of comfort in knowing that a controller is EFI-

supplied. However, printer vendors have not been asleep

during the past few years, and several have controllers of

their own that are comparable to EFI’s.

Paper handling

Traditionally, desktop color lasers have come with a 250-

sheet paper tray and have allowed you to add a second

one as an option. Paper capacity is becoming more gen-

erous, however, and several recently introduced models

offer additional standard 250-sheet trays, 500- or 550-

sheet trays, and even a 2,000- or a 2,500-sheet tray in sev-

eral cases. Larger tray capacities are likely to be particu-

larly important if you also plan to use your color laser as

amainstream black-and-white printer.

Often, the standard 250-sheet tray is supported by a

multipurpose tray holding 100–150 sheets. As well as

offering the convenience of a second active paper source,

this tray can often take heavier paper weights than the

main tray. By no means are all machines suitable for

heavy paper or light card stock — be sure to satisfy your-

self that the printer is comfortable with any challenging

materials you want to feed it.

There are now a fairly large number of machines on the

market that are able to take 11" x 17" (or ledger-size)

paper. Typically, these can actually take paper a little larg-

er than that in order to give you the ability to print 11" x

17" images with full bleed (the image going off the edge).

Among other things,this is veryhelpful for producing

proofs of layouts that are being sent out to a commercial

printer.

Another now-common feature is automatic duplexing

(double-sided printing). Nearly all of the printers we

cover now offer this, more frequently as an option, but in

agrowing number of cases as a standard feature.

Previously, even manual duplex was not typically recom-

mended on desktop color lasers because of paper-jam-

ming issues. Shorter paper paths and better paper-feeding

technology have overcome much of this problem.

All models can print onto transparencies,but most

Better Buys for Business

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Industry Briefing

require special ones that cost more than the regular vari-

ety. Printing on transparencies always runs slower than

on regular paper.

Interfaces & network connectivity

Older color printers come with parallel interfaces stan-

dard. This ensures that they are compatible with all

Windows PCs. More common on newer machines is a

Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, which is used for direct

connection to a PC (or a Mac). USB interfaces, especial-

ly the now widely used Version 2.0, provide faster data

flow than parallel interfaces and are “hot-swappable.”

That means you can connect or disconnect the printer

without restarting your computer. It also can be used

with Macintosh computers.

All workgroup color printers can be fitted with network

interface cards that allow you to connect them directly to

Ethernet. This is a standard feature on most printers in

this guide. Also optionally available — though increas-

ingly less important — are Token Ring network inter-

faces.

Some newer models are offering wireless connectivity:

either the Ethernet-based IEEE 802.11b (sometimes

known as “Wi-Fi”) or (less commonly) the infrared

Bluetooth. We discuss these in more detail in the Business

Ink Jet Printer Guide in this volume (pages 125–130).

Buying a Color

Laser Printer

Recent price reductions have helped make color laser

printers more mainstream devices, and this has meant

thatthey are easier to buy than before. Previously, a lot of

places you could turn to for black-and-white laser print-

ers simply did not sell color models. Today, any reseller

thathandles faster black-and-white printers — for exam-

ple, 24–40ppm models — is likely to offer one or more

color models as well.

This is a market where vendors generally sell through

distributors that supply the computer dealer channel. As

arule, vendors do not maintain a network of authorized

dealers that aresupplied direct. An exception is when

some manufacturers that are also in the copier business

sell color lasers through their copier dealers as well as

through the main computer printer channel.

In the past, vendors haven’t dealt directly with end

users,except when pursuing the very largest accounts.

This has changed, however, with the advent of purchas-

ing over the Internet.

Certain vendors — Hewlett-Packard (www.hp.com)

and Lexmark (www.lexmarkstore.com) among them —

will sell end users just about any of their color laser

machines from their own sites on the Web. Xerox tends

to direct customers to reseller sites or to brick-and-mortar

dealerships for most color lasers.

Still other vendors do little or no direct selling over the

Internet, although their color laser products are available

on online reseller sites. Some of these sites are multi-line

resellers, such as Zones (www.zones.com), Computer

Discount Warehouse (www.cdw.com), and PC

Connection (www.pcconnection.com) — while others

are the online shop windows of in-store retailers such as

Staples (www.staples.com) and Best Buy

(www.bestbuy.com). The latter sites have a much smaller

selection of color laser printers than the former.

Some of the online vendors also offer printer leases,

extended warranties, and additional services, such as

installation by a local dealer. Generally speaking, you

may not get the very lowest prices on the vendors’ sites.

(After all, they can’t undersell their retail vendors and

resellers.) But their prices are a good reference point to

start from. They also may include rebates and special

offers.

We can’t stress enough, however, the importance of see-

ing color output with your own eyes, especially if you are

going to do more than just add color to text-based docu-

ments. It’s not a good idea, in our opinion, to buy a color

printer over the Web without seeing a few hard-copy sam-

ples first.

Warranties and consumables

Most color laser models have warranties that include one

year of onsite service. However, a few models through

copier companies bear 90-day warranties. You’ll need to

contract with a dealer for a service contract beyond that

period.

Keep in mind that there is less competition in the mar-

ket for color supplies than in the black-and-white supplies

market. Resellers do, however, compete on price over the

“official” supplies for the most popular brands; consum-

ables for the HP Color LaserJet series tend to be dis-

counted most of all. And naturally,consumables are also

widely available over the Web.

Because actual, or “street,” prices for color printer con-

sumables vary widely, we don’t attempt in our

Consumables Costs at-a-Glance charts (see the Vendor &

Product Profiles section beginning on page 3) to report

these prices. Instead, we give you the “list” prices at

which vendors suggest that consumables be sold or the

“Web” prices on the vendors’ own Website. These prices

will give you an idea, although not a perfect one, of

which printers are the most economical to run. -

All-in-one: 1. A multifunctional printer (usually an ink

jet) that can scan, copy, and/or fax.

2. A consumables cartridge on a laser printer that has

both toner and drum in a single unit.

Bit: Apiece of digital information consisting of a sin-

gle binary digit (that is, a 1 or a 0). This is the number of

bits a printer uses at each pixel to compose an image in

scales of gray or in color. Typical bit depths are 8 bits for

black-and-white, 24 bits for color. Together, 8 bits make a

byte, another unit of digital information. See also byte.

Bluetooth: An industry specification for wireless com-

munication; an alternative to Wi-Fi. For the printing

industry, it means some mobile phones, laptops, and per-

sonal digital assistants (PDAs) can send jobs to printers.

Byte: Aunit of digital information consisting of 8 bits.

The memory capacity of printers is usually expressed in

megabytes (a megabyte is 1,024 kilobytes).

Calibration: The process by which users ensure that

what they print is consistent with the colors they see on

their monitor.Printers can’t be calibrated very well; mon-

itors can be calibrated to more closely resemble printed

output. Printer calibration is typically handled through

the unit’s print driver.

CMYK: The four-color palette that comprises color

laser printing,in which all colors are created from the

four primary colors: cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow,

and black. Toner for color printers is typically sold in

these four colors.

Collation: Aprint function that allows you to make

multiple copies of multipage originals and have the

machine put the pages in order. Without collation, the

job would emerge with all the page 1’s first, then all the

page 2’s,then all the page 3’s, and so forth. With colla-

tion, the pages emerge 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, and so on. To

do this, the machine scans the job, stores it in memory,

and outputs the pages in order.

Controller: This refers to the device at the heart of a

printer that processes an electronic file into information

thatcan be printed on paper. The controller is also

referred to as an “RIP” (raster image processor). The

controller is driven by a microprocessor, a semiconductor

whose speed is rated in megahertz (MHz).

Dealer channel: Refers to traditional office equipment

dealers that typically sell copiers and fax machines to cor-

porate customers — in contrast to computer resellers or

retail stores that carry mostly small-office products.

Dots per inch (dpi): Ameasure of the resolution of an

image: the higher the figure, the finer the resolution and

the sharper the image. Dots per inch are typically

expressed with the number of horizontal dots first and

the number of vertical dots second, for example, 200 x

400dpi. At that resolution, each square inch of an image

would contain 80,000 dots (200 x 400 = 80,000).

Note that we use 600dpi to denote 600 x 600dpi, as well

as 1,200dpi to denote 1,200 x 1,200dpi.

The apparent difference in print quality is enormous

when comparing 300dpi with 600dpi. But it’s pretty hard

to notice when comparing 600dpi with 1,200dpi on regu-

lar office documents, and even harder with interpolated

values over 1,200dpi. Factors such as ink, paper, and

image type may be more important than nominal resolu-

tion differences.

Double-sided printing: See Duplex.

Drum: Adrum, or photoconductor, forms the core of

the process that allows laser- and LED-powered office

machines to create images on paper. It is the rotating

cylinder on which a laser writes the image. The surface of

the drum becomes electrically charged by the laser, and

toner is attracted to the areas where the latent image is

present. As the paper passes through the engine, the toner

is transferred from the drum to the paper. A fuser unit

uses heat to bond the toner to the paper.

Duplex: Double-sided printing. Many printers now

offer automatic duplex. With that feature, the machine

prints on one side,reverses the page, and then prints on

the other side. Manual duplex, in which you turn over the

pages by hand once they’ve been printed on one side, is

available on all models.

Electronic collation: See Collation.

Energy Star: Stamp of approval from the US

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for office

equipment that meets various “green” criteria. The differ-

ence in energy efficiency between an Energy Star–com-

pliant model and a non-compliant one can be quite small

Better Buys for Business

A-Z Guide to Features &

Technology

The Color Laser Printer Guide: A–Z Guide to Features and Technology

at this level of the market, so you should avoid making

this too much of a litmus test in your purchasing deci-

sion.

Engine speed: This refers to the speed at which a print-

er can output pages. Speeds in the market we cover in this

guide range up to 49ppm in black-and-white. While most

printers run at or near rated speeds, allow for some

warm-up time on the first page.

Ethernet: Most office printers, especially laser

machines, have Ethernet options, enabling them to be

connected directly to a computer network. This allows

more than one desktop computer user to share a printer.

This can be done through internal cards or through exter-

nal dedicated servers. On low-end machines, connectivi-

ty to an external server runs through a USB port. Most of

the time, a printer hooked up in this manner is accessible

only via that computer.

There are two basic flavors of Ethernet supported in

most offices: 10BaseT and 100BaseT. In theory

100BaseT, the industry standard, is ten times faster than

10BaseT, but in practice it is usually only a few times

faster. Still, that increase in speed can be significant.

Wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b) is also available now

on some models, as is gigabit Ethernet (1000BaseT).

External print server: This refers to an electronic

device that allows a printer to be connected to a comput-

er network, usually 100BaseT Ethernet, even though it

doesn’t have a network interface card. The device con-

nects to the printer through its USB port but uses a net-

work connection to connect to the network. Some ven-

dors sell their own external print servers. The best-known

line of external servers is Hewlett-Packard’s JetDirect

product family. The external print server is a substitute

for an internal Ethernet card — not all models in this

guide have the internal slot necessary for a network card.

External servers can also be used for wireless connectivi-

ty, for connection to “thick” or “thin” Ethernet networks,

or for connection to old-fashioned Token Ring networks.

GDI (Graphic Device Interface): GDI describes the

kind of printing that relies on the host computer to

process the image to be printed from a Windows plat-

form. (Note that you may encounter the phrase “host-

based printing” in place of GDI.) The technology uses

the same graphics imaging method used to display a page

on your computer screen. This type of printer typically

has little on-board memory of its own, since all the work

of processing the print job is done on the host computer.

GDI printers are easier (and less expensive) to build,

but they have several drawbacks. They can print only

what you can see on the screen, which is fine for most

office work, but they’re not suitable for more sophisticat-

ed page-layout or illustration files. Second, they can tie

up your computer with a lot of extra processing, whereas

aprinter using either PCL or PostScript has the process-

ing power to do the work itself, freeing up your comput-

er. Also known as “Windows printing” or “Windows

GDI.”

Host-based printing: Printing directly from a computer

using its native graphics interface (namely, the one it uses

to display a page on your computer screen). In Windows

that usually means GDI printing, but it can mean some

other proprietary format.

Interface: Refers to the hardware that allows electronic

devices to communicate. In this guide, we’re primarily

concerned with the connections between printers and

computers — these are usually parallel or USB, though

many now offer Ethernet network connectivity.

Interpolation: Software enhancement of an image

that’s done to improve resolution during printing or scan-

ning. Interpolation essentially consists of laying down

additional dots in the spaces between the dots that make

up an image, based on an analysis of the surrounding

dots.

IrDA(Infrared Data Association): A wireless trans-

mission standard used on some devices. It’s slower than

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Laser: Premium imaging technology, and also the most

widely used in the business world — the same as that

used in laser printers. It involves fusing toner particles to

apage using heat.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode): A variation of laser

technology; we place it in the “laser-class” category. It’s

sometimes regarded as less desirable than laser, but this is

something of an ill-grounded prejudice, as any difference

isn’t noticeable to users in the ordinary course of events.

Our advice is that buyers should regard lasers and LEDs

as effectively one and the same. LED is being used

increasingly in low-cost color machines.

Megabyte (MB): See Byte.

The Konica Minolta magicolor 2500W’s printing can be inter-

polated up to 9,600 x 600dpi quality.

Megahertz (MHz): See Controller.

Native resolution: The print resolution level at which

anoffice machine is capable of functioning without the

assistance of software interpolation. Sometimes referred

to as “true resolution.” See also Interpolation,

Resolution.

Network card: Also known as an “Ethernet card” or an

NIC (Network Interface Card), it’s the board that’s

installed into a slot in certain printers that allows them to

be connected to a computer network. See also Ethernet.

Paper capacity: The amount of paper held in a

machine’s paper tray(s).

Paper drawer/tray: We tend to use the words “drawer”

and “tray” interchangeably when talking about paper

supplies. Some vendors use the term “tray” to describe a

replaceable unit that can be slipped into a drawer, such as

one containing special paper.

Parallel port: Acommon method of connecting a

printer to a PC for the purpose of printing or scanning.

See also USB.

PCL: Printer industry language developed by Hewlett-

Packard and used on a large number of printers. The

printer language determines the way the printer receives

instructions from the computer software. The latest level

of PCL, PCL 6, is available on most of the machines cov-

ered in this guide, where it usually comes paired with

PCL 5e.

PDF (Portable Document Format): File format that

allows users to capture all of a document’s visual ele-

ments as an electronic image you can view, print, or

archive on any computer. PDF was created by Adobe

Systems, which supplies tools including a free program

(Acrobat Reader) for reading the files. The advantage of

PDF is that files are small yet retain the appearance of

the original image and are platform-independent. A num-

ber of printers allow you to print PDF files directly with-

out opening them up in Acrobat.

Photo card: Adigital memory card that is used to store

digital photos. A growing number of color printers have

card readers that allow you to print pages from such a

card. There are a variety of photo card formats from dif-

ferent vendors (sadly, there’s no standard). Most photo

card readers will handle a variety of formats.

PictBridge: Astandardized technology developed by

the Camera & Imaging Products Association for direct

printing from a digital camera to a color printer. A com-

mon feature among ink jet color machines, PictBridge is

becoming more popular on color laser machines.

PMS (Pantone Matching System): The established

industry standard for accurate color reproduction. It’s a

numbering system that defines about 750 shades of color

published in Pantone, Inc.’s color swatches. Pantone

licenses these colors to color printer manufacturers, effec-

tively endorsing their products as being able to faithfully

reproduce PMS colors.

Port: See Interface.

Portable Document Format: See PDF.

PostScript: PostScript is a printer language created by

Adobe Systems. When you use PostScript, your comput-

er sends a description of the page to be printed to the

printer, which in turn interprets the data and outputs the

page. This contrasts with the PCL approach, under

which the computer sends a series of commands to the

printer rather than an overall page description. PostScript

works across different computer platforms — it’s not

Windows-specific — and it’sparticularly well suited for

high-resolution graphics. All current PostScript printers

use the latest version: PostScript 3. See also PCL.

ppm: Pages per minute. It is the measure of a machine’s

engine speed when making letter-size prints or copies. See

also Engine speed.

Print engine speed: See Engine speed.

Print memory: Print memory is usually expressed in

megabytes (MB). All other things being equal, the greater

amachine’sprint memory, the greater its capacity to han-

dle complicated jobs involving large electronic files. Note

thatin manymodels,print memory is shared with the fax

machine.

Printer driver: The software that permits your desktop

computer to “talk” to the printer. The printer driver usu-

ally comes on a CD-ROM that you must load into your

computer. (Some vendors will also let you download

drivers from the Internet.) You see the driver on your

screen as one or more dialog boxes that allow you to

choose print options such as the number of prints

desired, collation, and image size and orientation.

Processor: See Controller.

Resolution: Electronic images are formed out of tiny

Better Buys for Business

The $279 (street) Ricoh GX3050N GelSprinter prints at

29ppm using waterproof color ink.

The Color Laser Printer Guide: A–Z Guide to Features and Technology

dots. The more dots, the higher the resolution and gener-

ally the better the image quality. The number of vertical

lines by the number of horizontal lines in a square inch

defines resolution. So when you see a quoted resolution

of, say, 200 x 400dpi (dots per inch), it means 200 verti-

cal lines crossing 400 horizontal lines in each square inch

—or 80,000 dots per squareinch. See Dots per inch.

Retail channel: Refers to retail stores such as Office

Depot, OfficeMax, and Staples that sell low-end office

equipment. Also includes mail-order companies, ware-

house stores, and consumer electronics stores.

RIP: Raster image processor. See Controller.

Toner saver mode: Feature in some printers that allows

you to print some pages with fewer toner particles (less

density), saving money. This is useful for in-house draft

documents. A few models allow you to select this mode

right on the printer bypressing a button.

USB: Universal Serial Bus, a technology for connecting

computers to peripheral devices such as printers. USB

offers several advantages over parallel connectivity. It

transmits data much faster, and the technology enables

you to “plug and play.” USB technology is supported by

both PCs and Macs.A growing number of printers have

USB connectivity only. Ethernet servers usually are

attached to the USB port. All units in this guide use

Version 2.0 of the USB standard, which allows for faster

operation. See also Parallel port.

Wi-Fi: See Wireless Ethernet.

Windows printing: See GDI.

Wireless Ethernet: Also called Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11b

or g. This is a growing standard for wireless local area

networks (WLANs). This protocol defines a full Ethernet

connection between devices and gives physically uncon-

nected computers connectivity to a printer over a local

area network (LAN). IEEE 802.11b signals can go

through walls, and transmissions can extend to a distance

of 100 feet or more. 802.11g is a faster version than

802.11b, though all 802.11g devices can support 802.11b.

Awireless option is available for the Samsung CLP-600N,

which also has standard Ethernet and USB connectivity.

Better Buys for Business

Model Brother

HL-2700CN

Brother

HL-4200CN

Dell

Color Laser Printer 3010cn

List price $850 $2,900 None

Street price (October 2006) $500 $1,300 $379

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

8ppm 26ppm 5ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

31ppm 26ppm 25ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 19 seconds Black: 17 seconds Color: 17 seconds Black: 9seconds Color: 17 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Fuji Xerox Lexmark

Maximum resolution 2,400 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,200dpi 2,400dpi (interpolated)

Processor 300MHz 400MHz 300MHz

Standard memory 64MB 64MB 64MB

Maximum memory 576MB 320MB 576MB

Hard drive No 20GB ($699 list) No

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) No

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standardpaper supply 1x250 1 x 500 1 x 150

Optional paper supply 1 x 530 ($549 list) 1 x 500 ($549 list)

1 x 1,000 ($999 list)

1 x 250 ($149 street)

1x500 ($230 street)

Bypass No 1 x 100 No

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Yes Bypass No

Automatic duplex Optional ($999 list) Standard No

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthlyduty cycle 30,000 blackpages; 5,000 color pages 60,000 pages 45,000 pages

Warranty 1year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2004 2003 2006

Product profile Page 3 Page 4 Page 5

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Model Dell

Color Laser Printer 3110cn

Dell

Color Laser Printer 5110cn

Gestetner

P7431cn

List price None None $899

Street price (October 2006) $499 $999 $699

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

17ppm 35ppm 8ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

31ppm 40ppm 31ppm

First page out Black: 9 seconds Color: 17 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 17 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 20 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Ricoh

Maximum resolution 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated) 1,200 x 600dpi

Processor 400MHz 400MHz 300MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 128MB

Maximum memory 1,152MB 1,152MB 384MB

Hard drive No 40GB ($150, street) 10GB ($400 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless Optional Optional IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 150, 1 x 250 1 x 500 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 550 ($229 street) 1 x 500 ($229 street)

1 x 1,000 ($500 street)

1 x 530 ($350 list)

Bypass No 1 x 150 No

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No Yes

Automatic duplex Optional ($199 street) Standard Optional ($230 list)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 60,000 pages 95,000 pages 10,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2004 2004

Product profile Page 5 Page 6 Page 7

Better Buys for Business

Model Gestetner

C7521n

Gestetner

C7526dn

Gestetner

C7528n

List price $999 $1,199 $3,495

Street price (October 2006) $699 $999 $2,899

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 26ppm 28ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 26ppm 32ppm

First page out Black: 14 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 533MHz 600MHz 733MHz

Standard memory 128MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 20GB ($315 list) 40GB ($815 list) 40GB ($599 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 630 1 x 550 2 x 500

Optional paper supply Up to 2 x 530 ($375 each, list) 2 x 550 ($390 each, street) 2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No Yes

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Optional ($230 list) Standard Optional ($300 list)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 500 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

& booklet maker with saddlestitcher ($3,400

list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

Monthly duty cycle 50,000 pages 150,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2005

Product profile Page 7 Page 7 Page 7

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Model Gestetner

C7528nD

Gestetner

C7531dn

Gestetner

C7535n

List price $3,795 $1,599 $5,095

Street price (October 2006) $3,129 $1,399 $4,299

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

28ppm 31ppm 35ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

32ppm 31ppm 35ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 733MHz 600MHz 733MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 40GB ($599 list) 40GB ($315 list) 40GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 2 x 500 1 x 550 2 x 500

Optional paper supply 2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

2 x 550 ($390 each, street) 2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Yes No Yes

110 lb. index No Yes No

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($3,115 list)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

& booklet maker with saddlestitcher ($3,400

list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,000)

1 x 500 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

& booklet maker with saddlestitcher ($3,400

list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,000)

Monthly duty cycle 200,000 pages 150,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2006 2005

Product profile Page 7 Page 7 Page 7

Better Buys for Business

Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 1600

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 2600n

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 2605dn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $299 $399 $499

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

8ppm 8ppm 10ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

8ppm 8ppm 12ppm

First page out Black: 20 seconds Color: 20 seconds Black: 20 seconds Color: 20 seconds Black: 20 seconds Color: 20 seconds?

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 600dpi 600dpi 2,400dpi (interpolated)

Processor 300MHz 300MHz 300MHz

Standard memory 16MB 16MB 64MB

Maximum memory 16MB 16MB 320MB

Hard drive No No No

PostScript No No PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 250 ($150 street) 1 x 250 ($150 street) 1 x 250 ($150 street)

Bypass No No No

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex No No No

Output devices 1 x 125 (standard) 1 x 125 (standard) 1 x 125 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 20,000 pages 35,000 pages 35,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 8 Page 8 Page 9

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Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 2605dtn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3000

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3000n

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $699 $999 $1,199

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

10ppm 15ppm 15ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

12ppm 30ppm 30ppm

First page out Black: 20 seconds Color: 20 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 15 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated)

Processor 300MHz 533MHz 533MHz

Standard memory 64MB 64MB 128MB

Maximum memory 320MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive No 20GB (price not available) 20GB (price not available)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Optional Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 250 ($150 street) 1 x 500 ($249, street) 1 x 500 ($249, street)

Bypass No 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($300 street) Optional ($300 street)

Output devices 1 x 125 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 35,000 pages 60,000 pages 50,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2005 2005

Product profile Page 9 Page 11 Page 11

Better Buys for Business

Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3000dn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3000dtn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3600

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $1,499 Price not available $599

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

15ppm 15ppm 17ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

30ppm 30ppm 17ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 14 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 533MHz 533MHz 360MHz

Standard memory 356MB 356MB 64MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 64MB

Hard drive 20GB (price not available) 20GB (price not available) No

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) No

Ethernet Standard Standard Optional

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250, 1 x 500 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($249, street) No 1 x 500 ($249, street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Optional ($300 street)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 50,000 pages 60,000 pages 50,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 11 Page 11 Page 10

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Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3600n

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3600dn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3600dtn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $699 $999 $1,599

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

17ppm 17ppm 17ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

17ppm 17ppm 17ppm

First page out Black: 14 seconds Color: 14 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 14 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 14 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 360MHz 360MHz 360MHz

Standard memory 64MB 128MB 128MB

Maximum memory 64MB 128MB 128MB

Hard drive No No No

PostScript No No No

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250, 1 x 500

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($249, street) 1 x 500 ($249, street) No

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Optional ($300 street) Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 50,000 pages 50,000 pages 50,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 10 Page 10 Page 10

Better Buys for Business

Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3800

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3800n

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3800dn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $799 $999 $1,299

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 22ppm 22ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 22ppm 22ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 350MHz 350MHz 350MHz

Standard memory 96MB 160MB 288MB

Maximum memory 544MB 544MB 544MB

Hard drive 20GB (price not available) 20GB (price not available) 20GB (price not available)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Optional Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b/g (optional) IEEE 802.11b/g (optional) IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($249, street) 1 x 500 ($249, street) 1 x 500 ($249, street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Bypass Bypass Bypass

Automatic duplex Optional ($300 street) Optional ($300 street) Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 55,000 pages 55,000 pages 55,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 12 Page 12 Page 12

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Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 3800dtn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 4700

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 4700n

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $1,549 $1,799 $1,999

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 31ppm 31ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 31ppm 31ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 10 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 10 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 350MHz 533MHz 533MHz

Standard memory 288MB 160MB 160MB

Maximum memory 544MB 544MB 544MB

Hard drive 20GB (price not available) 40GB (price not available) 40GB (price not available)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Optional Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b/g (optional) IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250, 1 x 500 1 x 500 1 x 500

Optional paper supply No No No

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Bypass Bypass Bypass

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($300 street) Optional ($399 street)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 750 with 30-sheet single-position stapling

(price not available)

1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 750 with 30-sheet single-position stapling

(price not available)

Monthly duty cycle 55,000 pages 100,000 pages 100,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2004 2004

Product profile Page 12 Page 12 Page 12

Better Buys for Business

Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 4700dn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 4700dtn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 4700ph+

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $2,499 $3,399 $4,999

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

31ppm 31ppm 31ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

31ppm 31ppm 31ppm

First page out Black: 10 seconds Color: 10 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 10 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 10 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 533MHz 533MHz 533MHz

Standard memory 288MB 288MB 544MB

Maximum memory 544MB 544MB 544MB

Hard drive 40GB (price not available) 40GB (price not available) 40GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b/h (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 3 x 500 5 x 500

Optional paper supply No No No

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Bypass Bypass Bypass

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 750 with 30-sheet single-position stapling

(price not available)

1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 750 with 30-sheet single-position stapling

(price not available)

1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 750 with 30-sheet single-position stapling

(standard)

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 100,000 pages 100,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2004 2004 2004

Product profile Page 12 Page 12 Page 12

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Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 5550n

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 5550dn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 5550dtn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $3,549 $3,749 $4,999

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

27ppm 27ppm 27ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

27ppm 27ppm 27ppm

First page out Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated) 3,600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 533MHz 533MHz 533MHz

Standard memory 160MB 160MB 288MB

Maximum memory 544MB 544MB 544MB

Hard drive 20GB ($479 street) 20GB ($479 street) 20GB ($479 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 1 x 500 2 x 500

Optional paper supply 3 x 500 ($499 each, street) 3 x 500 ($499 each, street) 2 x 500 ($499 each, street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Optional (price not available) Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 120,000 pages 120,000 pages 120,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2004 2004 2004

Product profile Page 14 Page 14 Page 14

Better Buys for Business

Model Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 5550hdn

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 9500n

Hewlett-Packard

Color LaserJet 9500hdn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $6,299 $6,799 $9,650

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

27ppm 24ppm 24ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

27ppm 24ppm 24ppm

First page out Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 18 seconds Color: 18 seconds Black: 18 seconds Color: 18 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Canon Canon Canon

Maximum resolution 3,600dpi (interpolated) 4,800 x 600dpi (interpolated) 4,800 x 600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 533MHz 500MHz 500MHz

Standard memory 288MB 160MB 288MB

Maximum memory 544MB 384MB 384MB

Hard drive 20GB (standard) 10GB ($599 street) 10GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b/g (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard No No

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 4 x 500 2 x 500 2 x 500, 2 x 1,000

Optional paper supply No No No

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index No Bypass Bypass

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($499 street) Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 3,000 ($1,810 street)

1 x 3,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,200 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

& booklet maker with saddlestitcher ($2,420

street )

Monthly duty cycle 120,000 pages 200,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2004 2003 2003

Product profile Page 14 Page 14 Page 14

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Model IBM

Infoprint Color 1334

IBM

Infoprint Color 1534n

IBM

Infoprint Color 1534dn

List price $922 Not available Not available

Street price (October 2006) $813 $737 $1,054

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

8ppm 20ppm 20ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

30ppm 20ppm 20ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 19 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 2,400dpi (interpolated) 4,800dpi (interpolated) 4,800dpi (interpolated)

Processor 500MHz 500MHz 500MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 128MB

Maximum memory 320MB 640MB 640MB

Hard drive 20GB ($526 lstreet) 20GB ($526 street) 20GB ($526 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 530 ($441 street) 1 x 500 (price not available) 1 x 500 (price not available)

Bypass No 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Optional ($588 street) Optional (price not available) Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 35,000 pages 65,000 pages 65,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2004 2005 2005

Product profile Page 15 Page 16 Page 16

Better Buys for Business

Model IBM

Infoprint Color 1654n

Express

IBM

Infoprint Color 1654dn

Express

IBM

Infoprint Color 1664n

List price Not available Not available Not available

Street price (October 2006) Not available Not available Not available

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 25ppm 25ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 25ppm 25ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 4,800dpi (interpolated) 4,800dpi (interpolated) 4,800dpi (interpolated)

Processor 800MHz 800MHz 800MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 768MB 768MB 768MB

Hard drive 40GB (price not available) 40GB (price not available) 40GB (price not available)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 1 x 500 1 x 500

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($404 street) 1 x 500 ($404 street) 1 x 500 ($404 street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Optional ($538 street) Standard Optional ($538 street)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 100,000 pages 120,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 16 Page 16 Page 16

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Model IBM

Infoprint Color 1664dn

IBM

Infoprint Color 1567

Konica Minolta

magicolor 2500W

List price Not available $3,786 None

Street price (October 2006) Not available $3,483 $299

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 32ppm 5ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 36ppm 20ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 14 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 23 seconds

Printing technology Laser LED Laser

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Konica Minolta

Maximum resolution 4,800dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400 x 600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 800MHz 1GHz 130MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 32MB

Maximum memory 768MB 1GB 32MB

Hard drive 40GB (price not available) 20GB ($526 street) No

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) No

Ethernet Standard Standard Optional

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b/g (optional) No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 1 x 550 1 x 200

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($404 street) 1 x 550 ($551 street)

2 x 550 ($1,225 street)

1 x 3,000 (price not available)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 No

11" x 17" paper No Yes No

110 lb. index Yes No No

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($624 street) No

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 550 (standard)

1 x 1,100 with 30-sheet stapling and 3/4-hole

punch ($1,961 street)

1 x 200 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 120,000 pages 200,000 pages 35,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2005 2006

Product profile Page 16 Page 16 Page 16

Better Buys for Business

Model Konica Minolta

magicolor 2530 DL

Konica Minolta

magicolor 2550 EN

Konica Minolta

magicolor 2550 DN

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $399 $499 $699

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

5ppm 5ppm 5ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

20ppm 20ppm 20ppm

First page out Black: 14 seconds Color: 23 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 22 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 22 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Konica Minolta Konica Minolta Konica Minolta

Maximum resolution 2,400 x 600dpi (interpolated) 9,600 x 600dpi (interpolated) 9,600 x 600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 130MHz 300MHz 300MHz

Standard memory 64MB 128MB 256MB

Maximum memory 576MB 640MB 640MB

Hard drive No 40GB ($349 list) 40GB ($349 list)

PostScript No PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 200 1 x 200 1 x 200

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($199 list) 1 x 500 ($199 list) 1 x 500 ($199 list)

Bypass No No No

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Optional ($229 list) Optional ($229 list) Standard

Output devices 1 x 200 (standard) 1 x 200 (standard) 1 x 200 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 35,000 pages 35,000 pages 35,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 16 Page 16 Page 16

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Model Konica Minolta

magicolor 5430 DL

Konica Minolta

magicolor 5440 DL

Konica Minolta

magicolor 5450

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $600 $999 $1,499

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

21ppm 27ppm 27ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

21ppm 27ppm 27ppm

First page out Black: 14 seconds Color: 14 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 14 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 14 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Konica Minolta Konica Minolta Konica Minolta

Maximum resolution 2,400 x 600dpi (interpolated) 2,400 x 600dpi (interpolated) 9,600 x 600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 200MHz 200MHz 667MHz

Standard memory 64MB 64MB 256MB

Maximum memory 576MB 576MB 1GB

Hard drive No No 40GB ($349 list)

PostScript No No PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 500 1 x 500

Optional paper supply 2 x 500 ($299 each, list) 2 x 500 ($299 each, list) 2 x 500 ($299 each, list)

Bypass No 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Optional ($399 list) Optional ($399 list) Optional ($399 list)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 60,000 pages 60,000 pages 60,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (exchange) 1 year (exchange) 1 year (exchange)

Year introduced 2004 2005 2005

Product profile Page 17 Page 17 Page 18

Better Buys for Business

Model Konica Minolta

magicolor 7450

Konica Minolta

bizhub C250P

Konica Minolta

bizhub C352P

List price None $7,200 $10,150

Street price (October 2006) $2,999 Not available Not available

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

24.5ppm 25ppm 35ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

24.5ppm 25ppm 35ppm

First page out Black: 8.2 seconds Color: 11.4 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 7 seconds Color: 9 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Fujitsu/Minolta Konica Minolta Konica Minolta

Maximum resolution 9,600 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,800 x 600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 733MHz 466MHz 600MHz

Standard memory 256MB 512MB 512MB

Maximum memory 1GB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 40GB ($349 list) 40GB ($321 list) 40GB ($321 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No IEEE 1284 (optional) IEEE 1284 (optional)

USB interface Standard Optional Optional

Integrated copy function No Standard Standard

Standard paper supply 1 x 100, 1 x 250 1 x 250, 1 x 500 1 x 250, 1 x 500

Optional paper supply 3 x 500 ($499 each, list) 1 x 2,500 ($1,260) 1 x 2,500 (price not available)

Bypass Y

es 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Optional ($399 list) Optional ($455) Standard

Output devices 1 x 350 (standard) 1 x 1,000 finisher with single-position sta-

pling ($1,580)

2 x 500 finisher with 60-sheet stapling, fold-

ing, & booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,000)

2/3-hole punch (optional, requires finisher

with booklet maker, $525)

1 x 1,000 finisher with single-position sta-

pling ($1,580)

2 x 500 finisher with 60-sheet stapling, fold-

ing, & booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,000)

2/3-hole punch (optional, requires finisher

with booklet maker, $525)

Monthly duty cycle 120,000 pages 75,000 pages 100,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 90 days (on site) 90 days (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2005 2006

Product profile Page 19 Page 19 Page 20

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Model Kyocera

FS-C5015N

Kyocera

FS-C5020N

Kyocera

FS-C5025N

List price Not available $2,199 Not available

Street price (October 2006) Not available $1,759 (estimated) Not available

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

17ppm 17ppm 22ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

17ppm 17ppm 22ppm

First page out Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds

Printing technology LED LED LED

Engine manufacturer Kyocera Mita Kyocera Mita Kyocera Mita

Maximum resolution 600dpi 600dpi 600dpi

Processor 400MHz 400MHz 500MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 128MB

Maximum memory 640MB 1GB 640MB

Hard drive 40GB ($445 list) 20GB ($479 list) 40GB ($445 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 1 x 500 1 x 500

Optional paper supply Up to 3 x 500 ($299 each, list)

1 x 70 envelope feeder ($219 list)

Up to 3 x 500 ($299 each, list)

1 x 70 envelope feeder ($219 list)

Up to 3 x 500 ($299 each, list)

1 x 70 envelope feeder ($219 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Optional Optional ($299 list) Optional

Output devices Not available 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 250 ($40 list)

1 x 100 face-up tray

Monthly duty cycle 50,000 85,000 85,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (parts and labor) 1 year (depot) 1 year (parts and labor)

Year introduced 2006 2005 2006

Product profile Page 21 Page 21 Page 21

Better Buys for Business

Model Kyocera

FS-C5030N

Kyocera

FS-C8008N

Kyocera

FS-C8008DN

List price $2,625 $5,525 $5,795

Street price (October 2006) $2,099 (estimated) $4,420 (estimated) $4,636 (estimated)

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 8ppm 8ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 31ppm 31ppm

First page out Black: 12 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 17 seconds Color: 28 seconds Black: 17 seconds Color: 28 seconds

Printing technology LED Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Kyocera Mita Kyocera Mita Kyocera Mita

Maximum resolution 600dpi 600dpi 600dpi

Processor 600MHz 400MHz 400MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 128MB

Maximum memory 1GB 640MB 640MB

Hard drive 20GB ($479 list) 20GB ($479 list) 20GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 2 x 500 1 x 500

Optional paper supply Up to 3 x 500 ($299 each, list)

1 x 70 envelope feeder ($219 list)

Up to 4 x 500 ($579 each, list) Up to 4 x 500 ($579 each, list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 150 1 x 150

11" x 17" paper No Yes Yes

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Optional ($299 list) Optional ($999 list, includes 1 x 500 paper

supply)

Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 250 ($40 list)

1 x 150, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 3,000 ($2,679 list)

1 x 600 + 2 x 700 with 20-sheet multiposition

stapling ($1,679 list)

* Last two options require 2 x 500 optional paper

supply

1 x 150, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 3,000 ($2,679 list)

1 x 600 + 2 x 700 with 20-sheet multiposition

stapling ($1,679 list)*

* Finisher requires 2 x 500 optional paper supply

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 25,000 pages 25,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (depot) 1 year (depot) 1 year (depot)

Year introduced 2005 2003 2003

Product profile Page 21 Page 22 Page 22

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Model Kyocera

FS-C8026N-A

Kyocera

FS-C8026N-B

Lanier

LP031c

List price $9,498 $9,498 $899

Street price (October 2006) Not available Not available $699

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 26ppm 8ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 26ppm 31ppm

First page out Black: 9 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 20 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Kyocera Mita Kyocera Mita Ricoh

Maximum resolution 600dpi 600dpi 1,200 x 600dpi

Processor 600MHz 600MHz 300MHz

Standard memory 512MB 512MB 128MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 384MB

Hard drive 20GB (standard) 20GB (standard) 10GB ($400 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface No No Standard

Integrated copy function No No Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 500, 1 x 1,000, 1 x 1,500 3 x 500 1 x 250

Optional paper supply None None 1 x 530 ($350 list)

Bypass 1 x 150 1 x 150 No

11" x 17" paper Yes Yes No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Optional ($499 list)

Output devices 1 x 150, 1 x 500, 1 x 1,000, 1 x 1,500 (standard)

1 x 3,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling &

saddlestitcher ($3,160 list)

2/3-hole punch ($600 list)

1 x 600 + 2 x 700 with 20-sheet multiposition

stapling ($1,679 list)

1 x 600 + 2 x 700 with 20-sheet multiposition

stapling ($1,679 list)

16-sheet booklet folder ($1,540 list)

5 x 150 ($800 list)

1 x 150, 3 x 500 (standard)

1 x 3,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

& saddlesticher ($3,160 list )

2/3-hole punch ($600 list)

1 x 600 + 2 x 700 with 20-sheet multiposition

stapling ($1,679 list)

16-sheet booklet folder ($1,540 list)

5 x 150 ($800 list)

1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 100,000 pages 10,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (depot) 1 year (depot) Set by dealer

Year introduced 2004 2004 2004

Product profile Page 23 Page 23 Page 24

Better Buys for Business

Model Lanier

LP222cn

Lanier

LP226CN

Lanier

LP231CN

List price $999 $1,199 $1,599

Street price (October 2006) $699 $999 $1,399

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 26ppm 31ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 26ppm 31ppm

First page out Black: 14 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 16 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 533MHz 600MHz 600MHz

Standard memory 128MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 20GB ($315 list) 40GB ($315 list) 40GB ($315 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 630 1 x 550 1 x 550

Optional paper supply Up to 2 x 530 ($375 each, list) 2 x 550 ($390 each, street) 2 x 550 ($390 each, street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No Yes Yes

Automatic duplex Optional ($230 list) Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 500 (standard) 1 x 500 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 50,000 pages 150,000 pages 150,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 24 Page 24 Page 25

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Model Lanier

LP332cdn

Lanier

LP332cdtn

Lanier

LP335cdn

List price $3,795 $4,995 $5,095

Street price (October 2006) $3,129 $3,949 $4,299

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

28ppm 28ppm 35ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

32ppm 32ppm 35ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 733MHz 733MHz 733MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 40GB ($599 list) 40GB ($599 list) 40GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 2 x 500 2 x 500 2 x 500

Optional paper supply 2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,000)

Monthly duty cycle 200,000 pages 200,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 25 Page 25 Page 25

Better Buys for Business

Model Lanier

LP335cdtn

Lexmark

C500n

Lexmark

C530dn

List price $5,995 $399 $499

Street price (October 2006) $5,099 None None

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 8ppm 22ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 31ppm 24ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 19 seconds Black: 11seconds Color: 11 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200 x 600dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 733MHz 200MHz 375MHz

Standard memory 256MB 64MB 128MB

Maximum memory 512MB 64MB 640MB

Hard drive 40GB (standard) No No

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) No PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional No No

Standard paper supply 3 x 500 1 x 250 1 x 250, 1 x 100

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($745 list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

1 x 530 1 x 550 (price not available)

Bypass 1 x 100 No

11" x 17" paper Yes No No

110 lb. index No No Yes

Automatic duplex Standard No Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,000)

1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 200,000 pages 35,000 pages 65,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair)

Year introduced 2005 2006 2006

Product profile Page 25 Page 25 Page 26

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Model Lexmark

C532n

Lexmark

C532dn

Lexmark

C534n

List price $499 $699 $699

Street price (October 2006) None None None

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 22ppm 22ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

24ppm 24ppm 24ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 11 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 375MHz 375MHz 625MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 128MB

Maximum memory 640MB 640MB 640MB

Hard drive No No 40GB ($535 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250, 1 x 100 1 x 250, 1 x 100

Optional paper supply 1 x 550 ($411 street) 1 x 550 ($411, street) 1 x 550 ($411 street)

Bypass No No No

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No Yes Yes

Automatic duplex No Standard No

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 75,000 pages 75,000 pages 100,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 26 Page 26 Page 26

Better Buys for Business

Model Lexmark

C534dn

Lexmark

C534dtn

Lexmark

C770n

List price $999 $1,299 Not available

Street price (October 2006) None None $999

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 22ppm 25ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

24ppm 24ppm 25ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 4,800dpi (interpolated)

Processor 625MHz 625MHz 800MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 766MB 766MB 768MB

Hard drive 40GB ($535 street) 40GB ($535 street) 40GB ($535 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 250, 1 x 100 1 x 250, 1 x 500, 1 x 100 1 x 500

Optional paper supply 1 x 550 ($411 street) 1 x 550 ($411 street) 1 x 500 ($349 street)

Bypass No No 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Yes No Yes

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Optional ($699 street)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

1 x 500 ($101 street)

Banner tray ($499 street)

Envelope drawer ($399 street)

1 x 750 25-sheet single-position stapling

($699 street)

1 x 750 StapleSmart finisher ($699 street)

Output expander ($226 street)

5-bin mailbox ($439 street)

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 100,000 pages 100,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 26 Page 26 Page 27

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Model Lexmark

C770dn

Lexmark

C770dtn

Lexmark

C772n

List price Not available Not available Not available

Street price (October 2006) $1,299 $1,549 $1,499

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 25ppm 25ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 25ppm 25ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 4,800dpi (interpolated) 4,800dpi (interpolated) 4,800dpi (interpolated)

Processor 800MHz 800MHz 800MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 768MB 768MB 768MB

Hard drive 40GB ($535 street) 40GB ($535 street) 40GB ($535 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 2 x 500 1 x 500

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($349 web) Not available 1 x 500 ($349 web)

1 x 2,000 ($1,249 web)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Optional ($699 street)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard)

1 x 500 ($101 street)

Banner tray ($499 street)

Envelope drawer ($399 street)

1 x 750 25-sheet single-position stapling

($699 street)

1 x 750 StapleSmart finisher ($699 street)

Output expander ($226 street)

5-bin mailbox ($439 street)

1 x 250 (standard)

1 x 500 ($101 street)

Banner tray ($499 street)

Envelope drawer ($399 street)

1 x 750 25-sheet single-position stapling

($699 street)

1 x 750 StapleSmart finisher ($699 street)

Output expander ($226 street)

5-bin mailbox ($439 street)

1 x 250 (standard)

1 x 500 ($101 street)

Banner tray ($499 street)

Envelope drawer ($399 street)

1 x 750 25-sheet single-position stapling

($699 street)

1 x 750 StapleSmart finisher ($699 street)

Output expander ($226 street)

5-bin mailbox ($439 street)

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 100,000 pages 120,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 27 Page 27 Page 28

Better Buys for Business

Model Lexmark

C772dn

Lexmark

C772dtn

Lexmark

C920

List price Not available Not available None

Street price (October 2006) $1,799 $2,099 $3,299

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 25ppm 32ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 25ppm 36ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 14 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser LED

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 4,800dpi (interpolated) 4,800dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated)

Processor 800MHz 800MHz 1GHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 768MB 768MB 1GB

Hard drive 40GB ($535 street) 40GB ($535 street) 40GB ($535 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Optional

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11g (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 2 x 500, 1 x 2,000 1 x 550

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($349 street)

1 x 2,000 ($1,249 street)

No 1 x 550 ($561 street)

2 x 550 ($1,249 street)

1 x 3,000 ($1,311 street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No Yes

110 lb. index Yes Yes No

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Optional ($686 street)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard)

1 x 500 ($101 street)

Banner tray ($499 street)

Envelope drawer ($399 street)

1 x 750 25-sheet single-position stapling

($699 street)

1 x 750 StapleSmart finisher ($699 street)

Output expander ($226 street)

5-bin mailbox ($439 street)

1 x 250 (standard)

1 x 500 ($101 street)

Banner tray ($499 street)

Envelope drawer ($399 street)

1 x 750 25-sheet single-position stapling

($699 street)

1 x 750 StapleSmart finisher ($699 street)

Output expander ($226 street)

5-bin mailbox ($439 street)

1 x 100, 1 x 550 (standard)

1 x 1,000 with 30-sheet stapling and 3/4-hole

punch ($1,999, street)

Monthly duty cycle 120,000 pages 120,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2005

Product profile Page 28 Page 28 Page 29

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Model Lexmark

C920n

Lexmark

C920dn

Lexmark

C920dtn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $3,549 $3,749 $4,999

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

32ppm 32ppm 32ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

36ppm 36ppm 36ppm

First page out Black: 10 seconds Color: 14 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 14 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 14 seconds

Printing technology LED LED LED

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated)

Processor 1GHz 1GHz 1GHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 1GB 1GB 1GB

Hard drive 40GB ($535 street) 40GB ($535 street) 40GB ($535 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11g (optional) IEEE 802.11g (optional) IEEE 802.11g (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 550 1 x 550 2 x 550

Optional paper supply 1 x 550 ($561 web)

2 x 550 ($1,249 web)

1 x 3,000 ($1,311 web)

1 x 550 ($561 web)

2 x 550 ($1,249 web)

1 x 3,000 ($1,311 web)

1 x 550 ($561 web)

2 x 550 ($1,249 web)

1 x 3,000 ($1,311 web)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Optional ($686 street) Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 550 (standard)

1 x 1,000 with 30-sheet stapling and 3/4-hole

punch ($1,999 street)

1 x 100, 1 x 550 (standard)

1 x 1,000 with 30-sheet stapling and 3/4-hole

punch ($1,999 street)

1 x 100, 1 x 550 (standard)

1 x 1,000 with 30-sheet stapling and 3/4-hole

punch ($1,999 street)

Monthly duty cycle 200,000 pages 200,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair) 1 year (on site repair)

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 29 Page 29 Page 29

Better Buys for Business

Model OKI Printing Solutions

C3400n

OKI Printing Solutions

C5500n

OKI Printing Solutions

C5800Ldn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $399 $599 $799

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

16ppm 20ppm 24ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

20ppm 24ppm 28ppm

First page out Black: 9 seconds Color: 13 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 11 seconds

Printing technology LED LED LED

Engine manufacturer Oki Data Oki Data Oki Data

Maximum resolution 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 200MHz 200MHz 200MHz

Standard memory 32MB 64MB 128MB

Maximum memory 288MB 320MB 320MB

Hard drive Not available Not available Not available

PostScript Not available Not available Not available

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 400 1 x 400

Optional paper supply No 1 x 530 ($229 street) 1 x 530 ($229 street)

Bypass No No No

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Not available Optional ($179 street) Standard

Output devices Not available Not available Not available

Monthly duty cycle 35,000 pages 60,000 pages 60,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (exchange) 1 year (exchange) 5 years limited on LED

printhead

1 year (exchange) 5 years limited on LED

printhead

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 31 Page 31 Page 31

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Specification & Price Charts

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Model OKI Printing Solutions

C7350n

OKI Printing Solutions

C7350hdn

OKI Printing Solutions

C7550n

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $1,669 $1,669 $1,516

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

24ppm 24ppm 24ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 26ppm 26ppm

First page out Black: 8 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 8 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 8 seconds Color: 9 seconds

Printing technology LED LED LED

Engine manufacturer Oki Data Oki Data Oki Data

Maximum resolution 1,200 x 600dpi 1,200 x 600dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 500MHz 500MHz 500MHz

Standard memory 192MB 320MB 192MB

Maximum memory 1,024MB 1,024MB 1,024MB

Hard drive 20GB (price not available) 20GB (standard) 20GB (price not available)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 530 1 x 530 1 x 530

Optional paper supply 2 x 530 ($495 each, list) 2 x 530 ($495 each, list) 2 x 530 ($495 each, list)

Bypass 100 sheets 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Optional ($395 list) Standard Optional ($395 list)

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 100,000 pages 100,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

Year introduced 2004 2004 2004

Product profile Page 32 Page 32 Page 32

Better Buys for Business

Model OKI Printing Solutions

C7550hdn

OKI Printing Solutions

C6100n

OKI Printing Solutions

C6100dn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $2,029 $899 $1,049

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

24ppm 26ppm 26ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 32ppm 32ppm

First page out Black: 8 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 11 seconds

Printing technology LED LED LED

Engine manufacturer Oki Data Oki Data Oki Data

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 500MHz 500MHz 500MHz

Standard memory 192MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 1,024MB 768MB 768MB

Hard drive 20GB (standard) 40GB (price not available) 40GB (price not available)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 530 1 x 400 1 x 400

Optional paper supply 2 x 530 ($495 each, list) 1 x 530 ($229 list) 1 x 530 ($229 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 No No

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($179 list) Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard) Not available Not available

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 60,000 pages 60,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

1 year (exchange) 5 years limited on LED

printhead

1 year (exchange) 5 years limited on LED

printhead

Year introduced 2004 2006 2006

Product profile Page 32 Page 33 Page 33

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Model OKI Printing Solutions

C6100dtn

OKI Printing Solutions

C6100hdn

OKI Printing Solutions

C9600n

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $1,249 $1,399 $3,399

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 26ppm 36ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

32ppm 32ppm 40ppm

First page out Black: 9 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 11 seconds

Printing technology LED LED LED

Engine manufacturer Oki Data Oki Data Oki Data

Maximum resolution 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,200 x 600dpi

Processor 500MHz 500MHz 720MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 768MB 768MB 1GB

Hard drive 40GB (price not available) 40GB (standard) 20GB (price not available)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 400, 1 x 530 1 x 400 1 x 550

Optional paper supply None 1 x 530 ($229 list) 2 x 550 ($529 list)

1 x 1,590 ($1,379 list)

Bypass No No 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No Yes

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Optional ($425 list)

Output devices Not available Not available 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

2/3-hole punch ($369 list)

4 x 250 saddlestitch finisher ($3,189 list)

5 x 200 saddlestitch finisher ($3,811 list)

Monthly duty cycle 60,000 pages 60,000 pages 150,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (exchange) 5 years limited on LED

printhead

1 year (exchange) 5 years limited on LED

printhead

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

Year introduced 2006 2006 2005

Product profile Page 33 Page 33 Page 34

Better Buys for Business

Model OKI Printing Solutions

C9600hdn

OKI Printing Solutions

C9800hn

OKI Printing Solutions

C9800hdn

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $4,009 $6,889 $7,189

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

36ppm 36ppm 36ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

40ppm 40ppm 40ppm

First page out Black: 9 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 11 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 11 seconds

Printing technology LED LED LED

Engine manufacturer Oki Data Oki Data Oki Data

Maximum resolution 1,200 x 600dpi 1,200 x 600dpi 1,200 x 600dpi

Processor 720MHz 1GHz 1GHz

Standard memory 324MB 1GB 1GB

Maximum memory 1GB 1GB 1GB

Hard drive 20GB (standard) 20GB (standard) 20GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 550 1 x 550 1 x 550

Optional paper supply 2 x 550 ($529 list)

1 x 1,650 ($1,299 list)

1 x 1,590 ($1,379 list)

2 x 550 ($529 list)

1 x 1,590 ($1,379 list)

2 x 550 ($529 list)

1 x 1,590 ($1,379 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($425 list) Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

2/3-hole punch ($369 list)

4 x 250 saddlestitch finisher ($3,189 list)

5 x 200 saddlestitch finisher ($3,811 list)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

2/3-hole punch ($369 list)

4 x 250 saddlestitch finisher ($3,189 list)

5 x 200 saddlestitch finisher ($3,811 list)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

2/3-hole punch ($369 list)

4 x 250 saddlestitch finisher ($3,189 list)

5 x 200 saddlestitch finisher ($3,811 list)

Monthly duty cycle 150,000 pages 150,000 pages 150,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 34 Page 34 Page 34

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Model Panasonic

WORKiO KX-CL400

Panasonic

WORKiO DP-CL18

Panasonic

WORKiO DP-CL22

List price $1,149 $1,149 $1,499

Street price (October 2006) $899 $899 $1,199

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

18ppm 18ppm 22ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

18ppm 18ppm 22ppm

First page out Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 15 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Matsushita Matsushita Matsushita

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 400MHz 400MHz 600MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 128MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 40GB ($299 list) 40GB ($299 list) 40GB ($299 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (optional) PostScript 3 (optional) PostScript 3 (optional)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional, third-party) IEEE 802.11b (optional, third-party) IEEE 802.11b (optional, third-party)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 530 1 x 530 1 x 530

Optional paper supply 2 x 530 ($449 each, list) 2 x 530 ($449 each, list) 2 x 530 ($449 each, list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Bypass Bypass Bypass

Automatic duplex Optional ($199 list) Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle Not available Not available Not available

Warranty 1 year (advance exchange) Set by dealer Set by dealer

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 35 Page 35 Page 36

Better Buys for Business

Model Ricoh

Aficio CL1000N

Ricoh

Aficio CL3500N

Ricoh

Aficio SP C410DN

List price $899 $999 $1,199

Street price (October 2006) $699 $699 $999

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

8ppm 22ppm 26ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

31ppm 22ppm 26ppm

First page out Black: 14 seconds Color: 20 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 15 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200 x 600dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 300MHz 533MHz 600MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 256MB

Maximum memory 384MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 10GB ($400 list) 20GB ($315 list) 40GB ($315 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 630 1 x 550

Optional paper supply 1 x 530 ($350 list) Up to 2 x 530 ($375 each, list) 2 x 550 ($390 each, street)

Bypass No 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Yes No Yes

Automatic duplex Optional ($230 list) Optional ($230 list) Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 500 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 10,000 pages 50,000 pages 150,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2004 2006 2006

Product profile Page 36 Page 37 Page 38

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Model Ricoh

Aficio SP C411DN

Ricoh

Aficio CL7200

Ricoh

Aficio CL7200D

List price $1,599 $3,495 $3,795

Street price (October 2006) $1,399 $2,899 $3,129

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

31ppm 28ppm 28ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

31ppm 32ppm 32ppm

First page out Black: 10 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 600MHz 733MHz 733MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 40GB ($315 list) 40GB ($599 list) 40GB ($599 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 550 2 x 500 2 x 500

Optional paper supply 2 x 550 ($390 each, street) 2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No Yes Yes

110 lb. index Yes No No

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($300 list) Standard

Output devices 1 x 500 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

& booklet maker with saddlestitcher ($3,400

list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

& booklet maker with saddlestitcher ($3,400

list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

Monthly duty cycle 150,000 pages 200,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2005 2005

Product profile Page 38 Page 39 Page 39

Better Buys for Business

Model Ricoh

Aficio CL7200DT1

Ricoh

Aficio CL7200DT2

Ricoh

Aficio CL7200DL

List price $4,995 $5,695 $5,695

Street price (October 2006) $3,949 $4,399 $4,399

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

28ppm 28ppm 28ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

32ppm 32ppm 32ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 733MHz 733MHz 733MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 40GB (standard) 40GB (standard) 40GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 3 x 500 4 x 500 2 x 500, 1 x 2,000

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($745 list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list) No

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

Monthly duty cycle 200,000 pages 200,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 39 Page 39 Page 39

The Color Laser Printer Guide: Specification & Price Charts

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Model Ricoh

GX3000

Ricoh

GX3050N

Ricoh

GX5050N

List price Not available Not available Not available

Street price (October 2006) $199 $279 $369

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

29ppm 29ppm 30ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

29ppm 29ppm 30ppm

First page out Black: 9 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 9 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 6 seconds Color: 6 seconds

Printing technology GelSprinter GelSprinter GelSprinter

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 3,600 x 1,200dpi (interpolated) 3,600 x 1,200dpi (interpolated) 3,600 x 1,200dpi (interpolated)

Processor 200MHz 400MHz 400MHz

Standard memory 32MB 64MB 64MB

Maximum memory 32MB 64MB 64MB

Hard drive No No No

PostScript No No No

Ethernet Optional Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250

Optional paper supply No No 1 x 500 (price not available)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex No No No

Output devices 1 x 150 (standard) 1 x 150 (standard) 1 x 150 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 10,000 pages 10,000 pages 10,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 39 Page 39 Page 39

Better Buys for Business

Model Ricoh

Aficio CL7300D

Ricoh

Aficio CL7300DT1

Ricoh

Aficio CL7300DT2

List price $5,095 $5,995 $6,740

Street price (October 2006) $4,299 $5,099 $5,699

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 35ppm 35ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 35ppm 35ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 733MHz 733MHz 733MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 40GB (standard) 40GB (standard) 40GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 2 x 500 3 x 500 4 x 500

Optional paper supply 2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

1 x 500 ($745 list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

Monthly duty cycle 200,000 pages 200,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 40 Page 40 Page 40

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Model Ricoh

Aficio CL7300DL

RISO

G752

RISO

G912

List price $6,740 $3,299 $6,049

Street price (October 2006) $5,699 Set by dealer Set by dealer

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 20ppm 28ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 20ppm 28ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 15 seconds Color: 18 seconds Black: 15 seconds Color: 15 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser LED

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 2,400 x 600dpi 2,400 x 600dpi

Processor 733MHz 600MHz 600MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Hard drive 40GB (standard) 5GB (price set by dealer) 20GB (price set by dealer)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11g (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 4 x 500, 1 x 2,000 2 x 500 2 x 550

Optional paper supply No 1 x 500 (price set by dealer)

1 x 2,000 (price set by dealer)

1 x 550 (price set by dealer)

2 x 550 (price set by dealer)

1 x 3,000 (price set by dealer)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper Yes No Yes

110 lb. index No Yes Yes

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

1 x 250 (standard)

1 x 650 (price set by dealer)

1 x 3,000 with 30-sheet stapling (price set by

dealer)

5 x 100 mailbox (price set by dealer)

1 x 100, 1 x 550 (standard)

1 x 1,100 with 30-sheet stapling and 3/4-hole

punch (price set by dealer)

Monthly duty cycle 200,000 pages 85,000 pages 100,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) Set by dealer Set by dealer

Year introduced 2005 2004 2004

Product profile Page 40 Page 42 Page 42

Better Buys for Business

Model Samsung

CLP-510

Samsung

CLP-510N

Samsung

CLP-550

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $400 $500 $575

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

5ppm 5ppm 5ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 25ppm 21ppm

First page out Black: 13 seconds Color: 21 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 21 seconds Black: 15 seconds Color: 24 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Samsung Samsung Samsung

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi (interpolated) 1,200dpi (interpolated) 1,200dpi (interpolated)

Processor 266MHz 266MHz 266MHz

Standard memory 64MB 64MB 64MB

Maximum memory 192MB 192MB 320MB

Hard drive No No No

PostScript No No PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Optional Standard Optional

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($273 street) 1 x 500 ($273 street) 1 x 500 ($273 street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 35,000 pages 35,000 pages 35,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (exchange) 1 year (exchange) 1 year (exchange)

Year introduced 2005 2005 2004

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Model Samsung

CLP-550N

Samsung

CLP-600N

Samsung

CLP-650N

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $671 $499 $699

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

5ppm 21ppm 21ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

21ppm 21ppm 21ppm

First page out Black: 15 seconds Color: 24 seconds Black: 16 seconds Color: 16 seconds Black: 20 seconds Color: 20 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Samsung Samsung Samsung

Maximum resolution 600dpi, 1,200dpi (interpolated) 2,400 x 600dpi (interpolated) 2,400 x 600dpi (interpolated)

Processor 266MHz 600MHz 600MHz

Standard memory 128MB 32MB 256MB

Maximum memory 384MB 32MB 512MB

Hard drive No No No

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) No PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 500 ($273 street) 1 x 500 ($249 street) 1 x 500 ($249 street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index No No No

Automatic duplex Standard No No

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 35,000 pages 45,000 45,000

Warranty 1 year (exchange) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2004 2006 2006

Product profile Page 42 Page 43 Page 43

Better Buys for Business

Model Savin

CLP22

Savin

CLP831

Savin

CLP128

List price $999 $899 $3,495

Street price (October 2006) $699 $699 $2,899

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 8ppm 28ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

22ppm 31ppm 32ppm

First page out Black: 14 seconds Color: 15 seconds Black: 14 seconds Color: 20 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Ricoh Ricoh Ricoh

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200 x 600dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 533MHz 300MHz 733MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 384MB 512MB

Hard drive 20GB ($315 list) 10GB ($400 list) 40GB ($599 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional Optional Optional

Standard paper supply 1 x 630 1 x 250 2 x 500

Optional paper supply Up to 2 x 530 ($375 each, list) 1 x 530 ($350 list) 2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 No 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No Yes

110 lb. index No Yes No

Automatic duplex Optional ($230 list) Optional ($230 list) Optional ($300 list)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

Monthly duty cycle 50,000 pages 10,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2004 2005

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Model Savin

CLP135 D

Sharp

AR-C240P

Sharp

AR-C260P

List price $5,095 $2,999 $5,795

Street price (October 2006) $4,299 Set by dealer Set by dealer

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 24ppm 26ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 26ppm 32ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Not published Not published

Printing technology Laser LED LED

Engine manufacturer Ricoh OKI OKI

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated) 600dpi

Processor 733MHz 500 MHz 500 MHz

Standard memory 256MB 192MB 128MB

Maximum memory 512MB 1GB 640MB

Hard drive 40GB (standard) 20GB 40GB

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional)

Bluetooth (optional)

No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function Optional No No

Standard paper supply 2 x 500 1 x 530 1 x 500

Optional paper supply 2 x 500 ($745 each, or $1,245 both, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,245 list)

1 x 530 ($520) 1 x 500 ($1,095)

2 x 500 with duplex ($1,450)

3 x 500 ($1,395)

1 x 3,000 ($1,395)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 250

11" x 17" paper Yes No Yes

110 lb. index No Yes Yes

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($425 list) Optional ($550 list)

Output devices 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 2,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

($2,700 street)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and booklet maker with saddlestitcher

($3,400 list)

2/3-hole punch ($765 list; requires 1 x 2,500)

Not available 1 x 1,000 finisher with saddle-stitch and 3-

position stapling ($3,095)

2/3 hole-punch for finisher ($695)

Monthly duty cycle 200,000 pages 100,000 pages 48,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2005 2004 2004

Product profile Page 44 Page 45 Page 45

Better Buys for Business

Model Sharp

AR-C265P

Sharp

AR-C360P

TallyGenicom

8008

List price Not available $13,995 $775

Street price (October 2006) Not available Set by dealer Set by dealer

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 36ppm 8ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

32ppm 40ppm 31ppm

First page out Not published Not published Black: 13 seconds Color: 19 seconds

Printing technology LED LED Laser

Engine manufacturer OKI OKI Not available

Maximum resolution 1,200 x 600dpi (interpolated) 1,200dpi 1,200 x 600dpi

Processor 500 MHz 1GHz 170MHz

Standard memory 1GB 256MB 64MB

Maximum memory 1GB 768MB 64MB

Hard drive 20GB 40GB No

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) No

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 300 1 x 300 1 x 250

Optional paper supply 1 x 530 1 x 530

3 x 530

1 x 500 ($125 list)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 230 No

11" x 17" paper Yes Yes No

110 lb. index Yes Yes No

Automatic duplex Optional ($550 list) Standard Optional ($799 list)

Output devices Not available 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 1,000 finisher with saddle-stitch and 3-

position stapling ($3,095)

2/3 hole-punch for finisher ($695)

1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 150,000 pages Not published 30,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2005 2004

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Model TallyGenicom

8026

Toshiba

e-STUDIO205CP

Toshiba

e-STUDIO360CP

List price $1,099 $999 $3,549

Street price (October 2006) $999 Set by dealer Not available

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 20ppm 32ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

36ppm 20ppm 36ppm

First page out Black: 8 seconds Color: 8 seconds Black: 13 seconds Color: 13 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 14 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser LED

Engine manufacturer Fuji Xerox Lexmark Lexmark

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 4,800dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi

Processor 533MHz 500MHz 1GHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 256MB

Maximum memory 256MB 640MB 1GB

Hard drive 4GB (price not available) 20GB ($535 list) 20GB ($535 list)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11g (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 1 x 250 1 x 550

Optional paper supply 1 x 500

2 x 550

1 x 500 ($299) 1 x 550 ($561)

2 x 550 ($1,249)

1 x 3,000 ($1,311)

Bypass 1 x 150 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No Yes

110 lb. index Bypass No No

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Optional ($686)

Output devices 1 x 250 Not available 1 x 1,100 finisher with 30-sheet stapling and

3-hole punch ($1,999)

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 65,000 pages 200,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site)

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 47 Page 47 Page 48

Better Buys for Business

Model Unisys

UDS 579-DN1

Xanté

Ilumina

Xerox

Phaser 6120N

List price $2,955 $6,495 None

Street price (October 2005) None Set by dealer $299 (after instant rebate)

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 36ppm 5ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

25ppm 40ppm 20ppm

First page out Black: 15 seconds Color: 15 seconds Not available Black: 13 seconds Color: 22 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Lexmark Oki Data Konica Minolta

Maximum resolution 4,800dpi (interpolated) 1,200 x 600 dpi 2,400dpi (interpolated)

Processor 600MHz 720MHz 300MHz

Standard memory 128MB 512MB 128MB

Maximum memory 512MB 1GB 640MB

Hard drive 20GB ($689 list) 20GB (standard) 20GB ($299 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) No IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Yes

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 1 x 530 1 x 200

Optional paper supply Up to 3 x 500 ($522 each, list)

1 x 2,000 ($1,609 list)

4 x 530 ($495 each, list)

1 x 1,590 ($1,499 list)

1 x 500 ($299 street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 230 No

11" x 17" paper No Yes No

110 lb. index Yes Bypass Yes

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Optional ($399 street)

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard)

1 x 640 ($279 list)

5 x 100 mailbox ($549 list)

1 x 2,000 with 30-sheet stapling, offsetting,

and 2/3/4-hole punch ($3,229 list)

1 x 530 (standard) 1 x 200 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 70,000 pages 150.000 pages 35,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 1 year (on site) 1 year (quick exchange) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 48 Page 48 Page 50

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Model Xerox

Phaser 8500N

Xerox

Phaser 8500DN

Xerox

Phaser 8550DP

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $899 $1,099 $1,299

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

24ppm 24ppm 30ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

24ppm 24ppm 30ppm

First page out Black: 6 seconds Color: 6 seconds Black: 6 seconds Color: 6 seconds Black: 5 seconds Color: 5 seconds

Printing technology Solid ink Solid ink Solid ink

Engine manufacturer Xerox Xerox Xerox

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi (interpolated) 1,200dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated)

Processor 600MHz 600MHz 600MHz

Standard memory 128MB 128MB 256MB

Maximum memory 512MB 512MB 1GB

Hard drive No No 20GB ($499 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No No

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 525 1 x 525 1 x 525

Optional paper supply 2 x 525 ($399 each, street) 2 x 525 ($399 each, street) 2 x 525 ($399 each, street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 100

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex No Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 300 (standard) 1 x 300 (standard) 1 x 300 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 85,000 pages 85,000 pages 85,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 50 Page 50 Page 50

Better Buys for Business

Model Xerox

Phaser 8550DT

Xerox

Phaser 8550DX

Xerox

Phaser 6300N

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $1,599 $2,399 $1,299

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

30ppm 30ppm 26ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

30ppm 30ppm 36ppm

First page out Black: 5 seconds Color: 5 seconds Black: 5 seconds Color: 5 seconds Black: 12 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Solid ink Solid ink Laser

Engine manufacturer Xerox Xerox Xerox

Maximum resolution 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi (interpolated) 2,400dpi

Processor 600MHz 600MHz 800MHz

Standard memory 256MB 512MB 256MB

Maximum memory 1GB 1GB 1GB

Hard drive 20GB ($499 street) 20GB (standard) 20GB ($499 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless No No Optional

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 2 x 525 3 x 525 1 x 550

Optional paper supply 1x 525 ($399 street) No 1 x 550 ($399 street)

2 x 550 ($599 street)

Bypass 1 x 100 1 x 100 1 x 150

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Standard No

Output devices 1 x 300 (standard) 1 x 300 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 85,000 pages 85,000 pages 100,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

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Model Xerox

Phaser 6300DN

Xerox

Phaser 6350DP

Xerox

Phaser 6350DT

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $1,499 $1,799 $2,549

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

26ppm 36ppm 36ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

36ppm 36ppm 36ppm

First page out Black: 12 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 10 seconds Black: 10 seconds Color: 10 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Xerox Xerox Xerox

Maximum resolution 2,400dpi 2,400dpi 2,400dpi

Processor 800MHz 800MHz 800MHz

Standard memory 256MB 256MB 512MB

Maximum memory 1GB 1GB 1GB

Hard drive 20GB ($499 street) 20GB ($499 street) 20GB ($499 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 550 1 x 550 2 x 550

Optional paper supply 1 x 550 ($399 street)

2 x 550 ($599 street)

1 x 550 ($399 street)

2 x 550 ($599 street)

1 x 1,100 ($399 street)

Bypass 1 x 150 1 x 150 1 x 150

11" x 17" paper No No No

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 250 (standard)

Monthly duty cycle 100,000 pages 120,000 pages 120,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 52 Page 52 Page 52

Better Buys for Business

Model Xerox

Phaser 6350DX

Xerox

Phaser 7400N

Xerox

Phaser 7400DN

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $3,149 $2,999 $3,349

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

36ppm 36ppm 36ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

36ppm 40ppm 40ppm

First page out Black: 10 seconds Color: 10 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology Laser LED LED

Engine manufacturer Xerox Oki Data Oki Data

Maximum resolution 2,400dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 800MHz 800MHz 800MHz

Standard memory 512MB 256MB 256MB

Maximum memory 1GB 1GB 1GB

Hard drive 20GB (standard) 40GB ($499 street) 40GB ($499 street)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 3 x 550 1 x 550 1 x 550

Optional paper supply 1 x 1,100 ($399 street) 1 x 550 ($499 street)

1 x 1,650 (price not available)

1 x 550 ($499 street)

1 x 1,650 ($1,199 street)

Bypass 1 x 150 1 x 250 1 x 250

11" x 17" paper No Yes Yes

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Optional ($399 street) Standard

Output devices 1 x 250 (standard) 1 x 100, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 1,100 with 20-sheet multiposition stapling

and 2/3-hole punch ($2,999, includes 550-

sheet paper tray)

1 x 250, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and 3/4-hole punch ($2,999, includes 550-

sheet paper tray)

Monthly duty cycle 120,000 pages 150,000 pages 150,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 52 Page 53 Page 53

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Model Xerox

Phaser 7400DT

Xerox

Phaser 7400DX

Xerox

Phaser 7400DXF

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $4,599 $5,499 $7,999

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

36ppm 36ppm 36ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

40ppm 40ppm 40ppm

First page out Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds Black: 11 seconds Color: 12 seconds

Printing technology LED LED LED

Engine manufacturer Oki Data Oki Data Oki Data

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 800MHz 800MHz 800MHz

Standard memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Maximum memory 1GB 1GB 1GB

Hard drive 40GB (standard) 40GB (standard) 40GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 2 x 550 1 x 550, 1 x 1,650 1 x 550, 1 x 1,650

Optional paper supply 1 x 1,650 ($1,199 street) 1 x 550 ($499 street) No

Bypass 1 x 250 1 x 250 1 x 250

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 250, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and 3/4-hole punch ($2,999, includes 550-

sheet paper tray)

1 x 250, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and 3/4-hole punch ($2,999, includes 550-

sheet paper tray)

1 x 250, 1 x 500 (standard)

1 x 1,000 with 50-sheet multiposition stapling

and 3/4-hole punch ($2,999, includes 550-

sheet paper tray)

Monthly duty cycle 150,000 pages 150,000 pages 150,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

1 year (on site) 5 years limited on LED print-

head

Year introduced 2005 2005 2005

Product profile Page 53 Page 53 Page 53

Better Buys for Business

Model Xerox

Phaser 7760DN

Xerox

Phaser 7760DX

Xerox

Phaser 7760GX

List price None None None

Street price (October 2006) $6,299 $7,699 $7,399

Full-color print engine speed

(pages per minute)

35ppm 35ppm 35ppm

Black-only print engine speed

(pages per minute)

45ppm 45ppm 45ppm

First page out Black: 6 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 6 seconds Color: 9 seconds Black: 6 seconds Color: 9 seconds

Printing technology Laser Laser Laser

Engine manufacturer Xerox Xerox Xerox

Maximum resolution 1,200dpi 1,200dpi 1,200dpi

Processor 800MHz 800MHz 800MHz

Standard memory 512MB 512MB 512MB

Maximum memory 1GB 1GB 1GB

Hard drive 40GB (standard) 40GB (standard) 40GB (standard)

PostScript PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard) PostScript 3 (standard)

Ethernet Standard Standard Standard

Wireless IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional) IEEE 802.11b (optional)

USB interface Standard Standard Standard

Integrated copy function No No No

Standard paper supply 1 x 500 1 x 500 1 x 500, 1 x 1,500

Optional paper supply 3 x 500 ($999 Web)

1 x 2,500 ($1,249 Web)

3 x 500 ($999 Web) No

Bypass 1 x 150 1 x 150 1 x 150

11" x 17" paper Ye s Ye s Ye s

110 lb. index Ye s Ye s Ye s

Automatic duplex Standard Standard Standard

Output devices 1 x 400 (standard)

1 x 3,500 with stapling and 3-hole punch

($1,999 street)

1 x 2,500 with stapling, 3-hole-punch, and

booklet maker ($2,999)

1 x 400 (standard)

1 x 3,500 with stapling and 3-hole punch

($1,999 street)

1 x 2,500 with stapling, 3-hole-punch, and

booklet maker ($2,999)

1 x 400 (standard)

1 x 3,500 with stapling and 3-hole punch

($1,999 street)

1 x 2,500 with stapling, 3-hole-punch, and

booklet maker ($2,999)

Monthly duty cycle 150,000 pages 150,000 pages 150,000 pages

Warranty 1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

1 year (on site) + Total Satisfaction

Guarantee

Year introduced 2006 2006 2006

Product profile Page 55 Page 55 Page 55

The Business Ink Jet Printer Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

vEditor’s Choice Awards — page 126

The best values in each product category — as determined by our expert editorial staff

vVendor & Product Profiles — pages 127–130

Acomprehensive list of every model on the market, provided in alphabetical order by

manufacturer

Epson — page 127 Hewlett-Packard — page 127

vValue-Added Content

Industry Briefing — pages 131–135

Guide Number: 188. Press Date: November 2006.

oOrder: 800 247 2185 or www.betterbuys.com 125

Better Buys for Business

126

Editor’s Choice

Award Winners

Business Ink Jet Printer Guide

Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro K550 family — page 129

Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro K850/K850dn — page 128

EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARDS

From the nation’s leading independent authority on office equipment

Look for the Editor’s Choice

emblem inside the guide.

About the Award

What is an Editor’s Choice Award?

This award signifies the best values in each product cat-

egory, as determined independently by our expert edito-

rial staff.

Howoften are awards given?

Our Editor’s Choice ratings are awarded once per year

with each updated guide.

What are the selection criteria?

In each Better Buys guide, we evaluate models from all

major manufacturers. Machines are rigorously analyzed

to determine (1) the strength of their features and speci-

fications and (2) how they stack up against competitors.

Our independent Editor’s Choice Awards go to those

models thatwebelieve will deliver the highest levels of

performance and offer the greatest value for consumers

in a given price range.

Where can I find information about each

brand and model?

The page references at the right show where to turn for

write-ups in the Vendor & Product Profiles section. For

example, “Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro K550 family

—page 129” means that the product profile appears on

page 129.

The Business Ink Jet Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

EPSON

Long Beach, CA

569 981 3840

www.epson.com

Vendor Profile

Epson America is a division of Japan-based Seiko-Epson

Corporation, a manufacturer and supplier of imaging

products, semiconductors, liquid crystal displays, and

watches.

The company has been an innovative designer of ink jet

printers and sells an extensive line of them, most of

which are geared to home and school use (and therefore

not in the scope of this volume).

Epson is the inventor of a technology called piezoelec-

tric ink jet printing. Unlike other companies that have

thermal technology for placing ink, Epson’s technology is

based on changing the shape of a crystal, embedded in

the ink jet nozzles, by means of an electrical signal. The

shape change causes the ink to be squirted onto the paper.

Epson has perfected this technique and is using it to cre-

ate context-sensitive dot sizes, which allow for added

image control and ink savings. The technology can now

deliver the smallest ink dots on the market. It has also

refined its ink technology (called DuraBrite inks) so it’s

now water- and light-resistant, an important factor in

competing with laser output.

Product Profile

Epson Stylus C88+

Up to 14ppm full color (320 x 160dpi, draft mode)

Up to 23ppm black & white (320 x 160dpi, draft mode)

Sum-up: Good printer with high-quality inks and a very low

price.

This $80 Epson model can be only marginally defined as

a business-class printer. We are unable to provide specifi-

cations for its speed when printing in normal mode, part-

ly because Epson does not specify that speed and also

because this model lacks the standard 600dpi resolution

other companies offer.

Pros: Available external Ethernet server, available

IEEE 802.11b wireless Ethernet, waterproof light-resist-

ant inks, and low price.

Cons: Minimal paper handling (120 sheets input, 30

output), lack of speed rating for normal resolution, no

PostScript or PCL.

Hewlett-

Packard

Santa Clara, CA

800 752 0900

www.hp.com

Vendor Profile

In addition to being a leader in laser printing, Hewlett-

Packard (HP) is also the dominant market force in ink jet

printing. It offers a dizzying array of models and has

Vendor & Product Profiles

This section provides an overview on each vendor (complete with contact details) followed by

analysis on each model offered for sale in the business ink jet printer market. General information

about the market, including discussions of technology as well as advice on how to buy a business

ink jet printer, follows this section.

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become the vendor of choice. In printing, HP still reigns

supreme.

HPsells a confusing variety of choices in the business-

class ink jet market, an area where it is now the only seri-

ous player. Some of the current models seem to have very

similar specifications, though they are based on some-

what different architectures. All of these printers have at

least PCL capability, something many competitors do not

offer. HP claims to own over 85 percent of the business

ink jet market.

HP’s Officejet Pro line is radically changing the color

printing market on the low end, even on the laser side.

The line is a superior buy, and the innovative technology

it uses is only in its infancy.

Product Profiles

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 2800

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 2800dt

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 2800dtn

Up to 5ppm full color (600dpi, normal mode)

Up to 5ppm black & white (600dpi, normal mode)

Sum-up: High-end business ledger-size printer with

PostScript and other productivity features.

This family of ledger-size printers has the most expensive

models in the Business Inkjet line. The Business Inkjet

2800dt costs $749, while the dtn model costs $999. HP

does not list a price for the base-level 2800 version. The

big selling point is PostScript and PCL. Networking,

duplexing, and 400-sheet total capacity are available as

well, all standard on the dtn model. There’s lots of mem-

oryavailable (up to 544MB). The monthly duty cycle is

rated at 12,000 pages, very good for an ink jet.

Pros: PostScript, Ethernet, duplexing, ledger-size print-

ing, 400-sheet capacity.

Cons: More expensive than many faster color laser

printers.

Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro K850

Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro K850dn

Up to 6ppm full color (“laser quality” mode)

Up to 7ppm black & white (“laser quality” mode)

Sum-up: A ledger-sizeprinter with a revolutionary technolo-

gy.

The Officejet Pro K850 family is slower and more expen-

sivethan the K550 model, but has one key advantage, the

ability to print ledger-size pages. Otherwise, these print-

ers use the same innovative technology involving large

integrated arrays of color printheads built into a single

chip that allow them to print with minimum side-to-side

movement.

The “laser quality” speeds that HP gives are 7ppm in

black and 6ppm in color. Resolution appears to be the

equivalent of 1,200dpi printing. Speeds are not as fast as

the Officejet Pro K550, but they’re not bad.

There are two models in this family:

lThe Officejet Pro K850 ($399) comes with a USB

port, and has optional duplexing and Ethernet.

lThe Officejet Pro K850dn ($499) adds standard

duplexing and Ethernet.

Both models have a 256MHz processor and are rated

for a duty cycle of up to 6,250 pages per month. 32MB of

memory is included. PCL is supported as well as Mac OS

Xand Linux host-based printing.

The design is quite simple and compact for a ledger-size

printer. A low profile makes them easy printers to use on

adesktop.

The paper supply is a simple 150-sheet input tray, with

10-sheet manual feed. This printer can handle up to 13" x

19" paper. These models have a photo mode for printing

color photos. There’s also a single-page feed for specialty

papers. (This feature is only available if you don’t have a

duplexing unit installed.) The output tray holds 100

sheets.

HP gives you a choice of high- and low-capacity car-

tridges. The cost per page is estimated at a very

respectable 2.2¢ in black and a very good 8.4¢ in color.

The ink cartridges are easy to install, unlike most older

ink jet models.

These models are very good ledger-size printers.

They’re not quite as special as the models in the Officejet

Pro K550 series, but they are the best entry-level ledger-

size printers around and are surpassingly affordable both

to buy and to operate. At last, ink jet printers can really

compete with the laser models.

Pros: Ledger-size printing with a low cost per page.

Cons: Low paper capacity.

Hewlett-Packard Deskjet 9800

Hewlett-Packard Deskjet 9800d

Up to 6ppm full color (600dpi, normal mode)

Up to 8ppm black & white (600dpi, normal mode)

Sum-up: Affordable ledger model with slow speeds and low

capacity.

If you need an ink jet capable of printing at ledger size,

these models offer an array of features. The Deskjet 9800

Better Buys for Business

The Business Ink Jet Printer Guide: Vendor & Product Profiles

sells for $299, while the Deskjet 9800d sells for $399.

They can print on pages up to 13" x 19". However, they

print slowly and hold little paper. The 9800d comes with

automatic duplexing standard.

Pros: PCL, poster printing.

Cons: Meager paper handling (150 sheets input, 50 out-

put), slow speed.

Hewlett-Packard Deskjet 6940

Hewlett-Packard Deskjet 6940dt

Up to 6ppm full color (600dpi, normal mode)

Up to 10ppm black & white (600dpi, normal mode)

Sum-up: Good paper input and decent speed for a low price.

The Deskjet 6940 is priced at $130, while the Deskjet

6940dt comes in at $180. These new models (upgrades of

the discontinued Deskjet 6840 and 6840dt models) have

some good features for the price: up to 400 sheets of

input (standard on the dt model), duplex (also standard

on the dt model) and standardEthernet. This family’s

claim to fame is its standard built-in support for the wire-

less protocol IEEE 802.11g. That’s a faster version of the

now-common IEEE 802.11b protocol. Of course, you’ll

be limited to IEEE 802.11b speeds unless you have a

sending device that offers the newer protocol. Also, the

printer design is elegant and compact.

Pros: Ethernet and IEEE 802.11g standard, automatic

duplexing optional, decent 400-sheet capacity.

Cons: 50 sheets of output capacity.

Hewlett-PackardDeskjet 6540

Hewlett-Packard Deskjet 6540dt

Up to 6ppm full color (600dpi, normal mode)

Up to 10ppm black & white (600dpi, normal mode)

Sum-up: Inexpensive models with pretty good features.

These models, the $130 Deskjet 6540 and the $180

Deskjet 6540dt, are similar to other HP models at this

level. They have decent enough features and can be

shared among a few users.

Pros: PCL 3 standard, Ethernet and 802.11b optional,

automatic duplexing (standard on the dt model), and a

decent 400-sheet capacity (also standard on the dt

model).

Cons: Slow at normal speeds, only 50 sheets of output

capacity.

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 1200d

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 1200dn

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 1200dtn

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 1200dtwn

Up to 8ppm full color (600dpi, normal mode)

Up to 9ppm black & white (600dpi, normal mode)

Sum-up: Inexpensive machines with some interesting fea-

tures.

This family is priced from $200 to $350. A full range of

networking is available, and auto-duplexing is standard

for all models.

Pros: External Ethernet server option (standard on

three models), wireless connectivity, automatic duplex

standard, 400-sheet capacity.

Cons: No PostScript.

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 2300

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 2300n

Hewlett-Packard Business Inkjet 2300dtn

Up to 8ppm full color (600dpi, normal mode)

Up to 9ppm black & white (600dpi, normal mode)

Sum-up: These models have good paper capacity and a strong

duty cycle.

Priced from $499 to $899, these are capable models with

(for ink jets) decent paper capacity and speed along with

good features. But they are not inexpensive.

Pros: Ethernet (optional on Business Inkjet 2300), ade-

quate memory (up to 320MB), good maximum paper

capacity (900 sheets), duplexing, PCL, and PostScript.

Cons: Purchase prices comparable to color laser

printers.

Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro K550

Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro K550dtn

Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro K550dtwn

Up to 10ppm full color (“laser quality” mode)

Up to 15ppm black & white (“laser quality” mode)

Sum-up: A revolution in office printing.

The Officejet Pro K550 family is a winner. It combines

real-life speed with features good enough to surpass those

of many of the bargain color laser printers in this guide,

and atmarkedly lower prices. Even better, it has consum-

ables costs that are remarkably low for an entry-level

office printer. Frankly, it makes almost all of HP’s busi-

ness ink jet line that we have documented above irrele-

vant.

Log on to www.betterbuys.com

for update information and more.

These machines print at 10ppm in what HP calls “laser

quality” color, which would appear to be at 1,200dpi. HP

has come up with a technique involving large arrays of

color printheads built into a single chip that allows these

printers to print quickly with minimum movement from

side to side.

There are three models in this family:

lThe Officejet Pro K550 ($199) comes with a 250-sheet

input tray, a USB port, and optional duplexing.

lThe Officejet Pro K550dtn ($299) adds an extra 350-

sheet tray, standard duplexing, and Ethernet.

lThe Officejet Pro K550dtwn ($349) adds a Wi-Fi con-

nection.

All three models have a decent 300MHz processor and

are rated for a duty cycle of up to 7,500 pages per month.

32MB of memory is included. PCL is supported as well

as Mac OS X or Linux host-based printing.

The design is elegant and compact. The ink cartridges

are easy to pop in and out, a big improvement over many

earlier designs. The paper path is very simple, so paper

jams are no problem. Even better, this machine is very

quiet. Between its quiet operation and its compact size,

this is a nice machine that can reside comfortably on

someone’sdesk (not the case with most low-end color

laser printers).

There are two input trays, a 250-sheet tray and a 350-

sheet tray (standard on all but the base model). Output

maxes out at 150 sheets.

While this is a solid office printer, it also has a photo

mode for printing color photos. Photo printing is slower,

but not as painfully slow as with some other inkjets.

HP has developed high-capacity cartridges for these

models. That’s a big plus over most ink jet printers. The

high-capacity black cartridge will run for up to 2,350

pages, and the color cartridges can yield up to 1,200

pages. Better yet, HP indicates the price of a color page is

around 7.7¢ per page, far below those of similar laser

printers. The black cost per page is stated to be as low as

1.5¢.

Be aware that this is an ink jet printer. This means that

unlikealaser printer,it will slow down as the pages get

more complex and more ink gets laid down. But on nor-

mal office documents, the speed does very well against

comparable laser models.

What’s remarkable about this series is that it is only the

first version of this technology. We know HP plans to

build on it, both in terms of speed and features. The tech-

nology will doubtless disrupt the low-end color laser mar-

ket; whatwill be interesting to see is whether it can

reshape the larger workgroup market as well.

Pros: Everything, including price, design, running

costs, and features.

Cons: None really, unless you need PostScript.

Better Buys for Business

The Business Ink Jet Printer Guide: Industry Briefing

Introduction

Traditionally, manufacturers of ink jet printers have

focused on the small-office/home-office (SOHO) market.

These low-cost machines feature speeds, operating costs,

connectivity features, and duty cycles appropriate for

low-volume users, making them less suitable for users in

demanding workgroup environments. For the most part,

users in workgroups have had to buy a laser machine to

handle their color printing needs.

Afew years ago, however, the market saw the birth of a

new, more upscale kind of ink jet printer. This class of

machine was designed to help bridge the gap between

personal ink jets and lasers. (Henceforth in this section,

the term “ink jet” will apply specifically to “liquid” ink

jets, not to solid ink jets — see page 61 for a discussion of

solid ink jets, which are generally regarded as being

“laser-class.”)

The ink jet printer market can be divided into a number

of different categories. They are:

4Small-office/home-office models, with prices under

$100

4Ultra-portable models designed for “road warriors”

4Wide-format printers for printing posters and signs

4Special mini-printers for 1-up uses including name

tags and barcoding

4Photo-quality printers primarily used for creating

glossy pictures on special paper

4Multifunctionals that offer some combination of

printing,copying, scanning, and faxing (we review

these in our Printer Multifunctional Guide — see back

cover for more)

4Business-class ink jets

Although most ink jet models seem like relatively sim-

ple machines, getting both high quality and fast speed out

of an ink jet is a serious engineering task. For that reason,

there are fewer manufacturers in the ink jet than in the

laser market. Only a handful of vendors — Hewlett-

Packard, Epson, Lexmark, and Canon, along with Fuji

Xerox (which does not sell ink jets in the US) — have

honed this technology for the office and continue to

improve on it.

In an ink jet printer, images are created just as in dot

matrix and laser printers. Each image is comprised of

thousands, or even millions, of tiny dots. As technologies

have improved, resolutions have gotten higher and image

quality has improved dramatically. Speeds have also

reached respectable levels.

However, the whole sector of business ink jets faces a

very big challenge — the emergence of sub-$500 color

laser printers. That challenge is being muted by the emer-

gence of a new, faster ink jet technology from Hewlett-

Packard.

Business ink jets defined

It’s the business-class ink jets that have made an impact

on the color printer market covered by this guide. We

consider printers to be “business-class” if they have at

least two of the following capabilities:

4Ethernet compatibility (standard or optional)

4PostScript support (standard or optional)

4Duty cycle of 5,000 pages per month or higher

There are other characteristics that are important as

well, shared by many of the printers we cover. These

include rated speeds (in draft mode, at least) above

14ppm, automatic duplexing, decent paper-input capaci-

ty (over 150 sheets), and the availability of PCL printing

support. Many of the printers in this guide have one or

more of these characteristics as well.

Because of the additional features, business-class

machines often cost over $200 and can reach prices of

$1,000 or more.They also vary greatly in features. For

example, over half of the units do not offer automatic

two-sided printing even as an option, something that

most color laser printers now include. Stapling, by the

way, is not offered by any of the ink jet printers we cover.

Industry Briefing

www.betterbuys.com

Ink Jet Technology

Vendors have done well in overcoming the two major

problems that used to plague ink jet printing: consistency

and quality. Older models used to suffer from uneven ink

flow, along with clogging of heads from dried ink. They

required a lot of maintenance to keep them from produc-

ing occasional “accidents” on the page. But major ven-

dors have invested in improved ink chemistry and deliv-

ery technology and have engineered more nozzles into a

smaller area. The quality and resolution of current ink

jets are excellent.

Printheads

The printhead contains a series of nozzles that are used

to spray drops of ink. The head is moved from side to

side, and the paper is slowly moved forward as each line

of ink is laid down. The spacing of the nozzles is the key

to the resolution of the printer. At 600dpi resolution, noz-

zles are spaced every 42.5 micrometers (about 1/600 of

an inch), hence 600 nozzles per inch. Typical printheads

are from one-third to one-half inchin width, though the

newer HP Officejet Pro models are coming out with very

wide heads, adding to print speed. In addition, some

newer printheads have more than one row of nozzles.

Miniaturization is leading to higher resolutions and high-

er speeds.

Printheads havetraditionally had the problem of

becoming clogged. This is particularly the case when the

printer is not used frequently, leading to ink drying on the

nozzles. There are several ways to address this problem,

as recommended by your vendor. You can access the

heads and clean them (there are commercial solvents for

this purpose). You can use a self-cleaning function that

more and more ink jets offer (check your printer manual).

Or you can replace the printhead or (more likely) the car-

tridge, which is often integrated with the printhead in

office printers, as we discuss below. It should be noted

that improvements in engineering have reduced clogging

problems considerably.

Ink cartridges

It’s important to understand that as far as vendors are

concerned, they are in the business of selling ink, not

printers. Many ink jet printers are sold at break-even mar-

gins (or even at a loss), the better to induce you to get a

machine. The real profits are in the cartridges.

Ink cartridges in some older ink jet printers came in

three colors (cyan, yellow, and magenta — some even in

red, green, and blue). Black areas like type were made

from a combination of the three. Current technology

involves four colors — black, cyan, yellow, and magenta

—just like color laser printers. Note that, depending on

the manufacturer and the model, the three color inks may

be combined in a single cartridge or sold as independent

cartridges, one for each color. The idea is that individual

cartridges can save money, since if you run out of, for

example, magenta ink, you don’t need to toss out the yel-

low and cyan ink left in the cartridge. You can simply

replace the magenta cartridge.

The cartridges of many office ink jet printers include

the printhead itself. Since the printhead can wear out or

get dirty, replacing it every time you replace the cartridge

has the benefit of making the printer easier to maintain.

On the other hand, it does seem wasteful to replace a part

that potentially could last thousands of pages every time

you reload the ink. On some printers, cartridges and

printheads are separate consumables.

Cartridges can be refilled, but manufacturers advise

against it. That’s partly a matter of trying to get you to

buy new high-priced cartridges from them (after all, that’s

where the money is). But it also brings up a very real con-

cern. As ink formulations have been tailored more and

more expressly for each vendor’s printing technology,

replacement inks will not work as well as the manufactur-

er’s own. You may want to experiment with some of the

refill solutions, but make sure you test any such scheme

thoroughly. Furthermore, because of the integration of

ink cartridge and printhead on many models, you may

find that the printhead wears out after only a few refills.

Furthermore, photographic prints that do not use the

manufacturer’sown ink will fade far more rapidly. In a

home situation, refills might make sense. In a business

situation, it may not be advisable.

Printer controls

ACPU (processor) and a small amount of circuitry are

built into each printer to control both the mechanical

aspects of operation (such as the transport system that

moves the printhead and the paper) and the decoding of

information sent to the printer from the computer. Most

inexpensive ink jet CPUs are not very smart about han-

dling thatcode: it arrives alreadyencoded as a series of

on/off instructions, pre-translated by the computer send-

ing the job (using a technology called GDI in Windows).

This approach requires only a relatively basic processor

and a small amount of memory. In fact, many vendors

don’t even state the processor speed or memory capacity

on their ink jet models, quite the opposite of the laser

printer market.

But many of the business ink jets we cover offer the

ability to interpret jobs sent in either PCL or PostScript

print languages. This capability requires added memory

and more muscle in the processor.The advantage of

Better Buys for Business

The Business Ink Jet Printer Guide: Industry Briefing

using these printer languages is twofold: it frees up the

sending computer faster (you don’t have to wait around

until the print job is fully interpreted), and it allows you

to print more sophisticated jobs, especially those with

enhanced graphics capabilities such as large or small

type, complex diagrams, and documents created in a

page layout program like Quark XPress or Adobe’s

PageMaker and InDesign. Note that PostScript printing,

especially, profits from added memory and processor

speed.

Paper

Paper is a very important part of the ink jet printing

process, even more than with laser printing. You can, as

many do, use regular copy-grade paper for printing.

However, you can get better results by upgrading to a

paper specifically designed for ink jet printers. Papers

vary in two key details: absorbency and reflectance

(brightness).

Absorbency is an important factor because of the

nature of the ink. As ink is sprayed onto the paper, the

best results are produced by a clear, symmetrical dot. If

too much ink is absorbed into the paper, the dot will tend

to spread out, making a fuzzy dot. This will result in

indistinct colors and fuzzy type and line graphics.

To prevent this, you may want to use a specially coated

paper. The coating is a thin waxy film that helps keep the

ink from being absorbed too much. Most of the vendors

sell such paper, especially for use in printing photo-

graphs. Because of the clarity and precision of the dots,

the printer can lay down an extraset of interpolated dots

on each row with no fear that the ink will simply run

together. If you need color images to be archived, you

should use the manufacturer’s photo paper only, since

these companies have thoroughly tested the combination

of their ink and their paper for color durability.

More important for regular office printing is the

reflectance, or brightness, of paper. This is a measure of

howmuch light is reflected from the surface. Rough sur-

faces (such as on most recycled papers) have low

reflectance; that is, they scatter light. Copy paper has

medium reflectance.And high-quality papers (sometimes

sold as laser printer or ink jet printer paper) have high

brightness,reflecting more light back to the reader.

Brighter paper means brighter, more vivid printing, both

black and in color. Take, for example, the difference

between the printing on a newspaper (low reflectance)

and a glossy fashion magazine (high reflectance) to see

how the same image can look very different when paper

is the variable.

Note that ink jet manufacturers also sell their own

paper suggested for use with their printers. This may

sound likeaploy,and for regular office use it is unneces-

sary. But for printing photos, you’ll get the best results —

in terms of color accuracy and color stability — using

special paper. As ink jet printers replace standard silver-

halide photo prints, that’s an important consideration for

some users.

Aside from office paper, of course, ink jets can print on

many substrates, from labels to transparencies to

envelopes. Not all special papers will work well with all

ink jet printers. Vendors will be glad to sell you special

papers and transparency material appropriate for your

printers, but you can also purchase them from third

parties.

Speed and resolution

Speeds for ink jet printing have improved dramatically

over the past few years. Even so, buyers should be very

careful when evaluating speeds, especially when compar-

ing them with their laser-printing alternatives. First, the

speed for color laser-class printers has significantly

improved over the past few years, so that you can get

excellent, fast color lasers at a price unimaginable not

long ago. Second, with color lasers, the difference in

speed between printing a page with heavy coverage and a

page with light coverage is pretty minimal. But with ink

jet printers, the more coverage on a page, the slower the

printing speed. Because ink on an ink jet printer is being

put down line by line, the more blank space, the faster the

printing. By contrast, a laser machine has to image the

full drum whether it has lots of coverage or very little.

For this reason, we generally state the speed of ink jets

as “up to” acertain number of pages per minute (ppm).

The rated speed given by the manufacturer is usually

based on a low-coverage page. A color page with heavy

coverage can take considerably longer. While manufac-

turers are making more productive engines these days,

the fact remains that per-page speeds are less predictable

on ink jets than on lasers, especially if the page contains

more than 10 to 15 percent ink coverage.

Another factor that affects speeds has to do with resolu-

tion levels. Nearly all ink jet printers offer a low-resolu-

tion draft mode, a normal mode, and a high-resolution

photo mode.Speeds vary widely according to the mode

selected. When possible, we use the normal-mode figure

in our comparisons, but some vendors don’t clarify the

distinction between draft and normal. Normal resolution

is generally 600dpi, while draft mode is often 300dpi.

From our point of view, 600dpi printing is acceptable for

office use. 300dpi is not the kind of resolution you’d want

to send out of the office.

In theory, this should not be a problem. You can print

in draft mode during the composition of any document

in draft stage and wait to print at normal resolution when

adocument is completed and readyto send out. In our

experience, however, we find that it is hard to get users to

select printing modes in a real office situation. You may

find it difficult to train users to work this way, and there-

fore draft mode may rarely get used.

Photo mode is available on most of these printers.

Often that means resolution of up to 2,400 x 600dpi or

even higher, and this involves some image enhancement

software. It is remarkable how ink jet printers can print

superb photographic output on the right kind of paper.

Be aware, however, that photo mode slows down ink jet

printers to a crawl. If you need this capability more than

occasionally, you should get one of the dedicated printers

that specialize in printing at photo resolution.

The bottom line on ink jet speeds is that a good meas-

ure of skepticism is warranted. Ink jets are a lot faster

than they used to be, but they’re not comparable to color

laser printers, even those older models with similar offi-

cial page-per-minute speeds. If you need 20 prints of the

same page and you’re in a hurry, or you need to print a

50-page report more than once in a while, ink jets may

not be suitable.

The one exception to this rule is Hewlett Packard’s

Officejet Pro series. These run at high quality in speeds

up to 10ppm in color, 12ppm in black-and-white, which

is quite respectable.

Connectivity

The three basic types of connectivity on these machines

are parallel (the old standard), USB (the current stan-

dard), and Ethernet. Hewlett-Packard, in particular, is

providing wireless connectivity for an increasing number

of units.

Note that Ethernet compatibility is a lot simpler than it

used to be. At one point, we made a strong distinction

between those printers that had built-in Ethernet (that is,

through a card or board inside the computer) and exter-

nal Ethernet (through an external server). An external

server is a device (usually a small box slightly larger than

adeck of cards) that connects easily to the Ethernet net-

work and is connected to the printer in turn, using either

aparallel cable or a USB connection. The external serv-

er has some memory and limited intelligence, allowing it

to direct traffic to the printer. This once was considered a

second-class solution, but as external servers have

improved (adding more processor speed and internal

memory for buffering), the gap has narrowed consider-

ably.

As a result, several major vendors now offer external

Ethernet server add-ons thatareas fast as their internal

ones. Hewlett-Packard offers a variety of connectivity

options in both laser and ink jet lines, often allowing the

user a choice between internal and external connectivity.

HP offers external connectivity for some of its lowest-

priced and least robust ink jets. As home-office users are

starting to set up small Ethernet networks, this trend

keeps growing. The upshot is that Ethernet compatibility

is growing more common and the distinctions between

the different approaches are narrowing.

Wireless

As laptop and handheld computers have grown in use, so

has the need for a convenient way of sending print jobs

from these devices to peripherals such as printers,

copiers, and multifunctionals. Until recently, every time

you wanted to print in a new location, you’d have to whip

out a cable and attach and configure the new printer —

not something you’d want to do to print one or two

pages. The ideal solution is transmitting data using wire-

less technology, so that you don’t have to mess with

cables. Wireless technology has become common in

other aspects of life (take TV remote controls, for exam-

ple). But until recently, the lack of agreed-on certified

standards has slowed its adoption in the printing world.

We now have two popular wireless standards, namely

Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi). More and more

printers are offering interfaces to one or both of these

technologies. Hewlett-Packard has been leading the way,

offering interface options for both technologies for both

ink jet and laser printers (through a variety of servers and

hubs). The triumph of wireless has been long pro-

claimed, but it is now finally reaching critical mass, both

from the vendors of computers, handheld personal digi-

tal assistants (PDAs) like PalmPilot, and cell phones on

one hand and from printer and network suppliers on the

other.

Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)

Wi-Fi, or IEEE 802.11 (more precisely, IEEE 802.11b or

the faster, but compatible, IEEE 802.11g), is a standard

for wireless local area networks (WLANs). This defines a

full Ethernet connection between devices and gives phys-

icallyunconnected devices connectivity to the local area

network (LAN). In theory it can replace the office

cabling entirely, though up-to-date versions of wired

Ethernet (Fast Ethernet) are far better suited to heavy net-

work traffic. Wi-Fi signals can go through walls, and

these wireless transmissions can extend to a distance of

100 feet or more.

Wi-Fi is generally used to connect a handheld or a lap-

top to a hub that is in turn connected to a traditional

wired Ethernet backbone. In that way, the device can pig-

gyback onto an existing LAN. In order for this to work,

both ends of the transaction need a transceiver (transmit-

Better Buys for Business

The Business Ink Jet Printer Guide: Industry Briefing

ter/receiver). This can be in the form of built-in electron-

ics, an add-on computer card, or an external unit plugged

into the device via a USB or some other port. HP has

both printers and print servers that can accept 802.11b

signals.

Bluetooth

The simplest form of wireless communication uses

beams of light in the infrared spectrum to communicate

between components. Infrared communications is “line

of sight” technology. As you know from channel surfing,

you have to point the infrared source at the receiver for it

to work.

Bluetooth is becoming the industry-standard infrared

technology. Developed by a consortium of vendors,

including Siemens, Intel, Toshiba, Motorola, and

Ericsson, Bluetooth involves building a very small trans-

ceiver into a computer, printer, or other electronic device.

Paper handling & finishing

Ink jet printers are generally limited in both paper-feed

capacity and output options. The majority of business-

class printers have paper capacities of 250 sheets or less,

and a few have options to go beyond 400 sheets. But in

general, you’ll have to feed the machine regularly if you

plan to use it more than casually, and you will rarely have

asecond drawer for letterhead or any other secondary

paper choice.

While most business ink jet printers offer imaging up to

legal size (8.5" x 14"), an increasing number offer ledger-

size (11" x 17") printing.Also, automatic duplexing is

becoming more common as an option.

On the output side, the options are few. As we have stat-

ed, duplexing is offered on many of the models in this

guide. None of these machines offer stapling, hole

punching, or offset stacking. In fact, some units have a

scanty 50 to 100 pages of total output, meaning you’ll

have to get up out of your chair frequently to empty the

output tray. That will be good for your health, no doubt,

but it is another reason why ink jets and long jobs just

don’t mix. Along with sustained speed, paper capacity is

an area wherecolor laser printers still make ink jet print-

ers look like 98-pound weaklings when it comes to seri-

ous office use.

The future of business ink jets

Over the past few years,prices for low-end color laser

printers have come down significantly, with several low-

cost models coming in at less than $500 and many faster

machines coming in at less than $1,000. Given the advan-

tages in real speed and cost per page as well as other fea-

tures that color laser printers have, these models have

encroached significantly on business-class ink jets.

Wewould be giving up on the business ink jet printers

except for the arrival of HP’s new Officejet Pro models.

These machines are tolerably fast, even at laser printer

resolution. They also have costs per page that compete

well with all but the lowest cost laser jet printers, under 8¢

per page in color, around 1.5¢ per page in black-and-

white. In addition, they are quiet, low-profile machines,

in contrast to the bulk of color lasers, making them more

suitable for a desktop. These are machines that give busi-

ness ink jets a real future, and we expect faster models to

follow the first introductory models.

Using This Electronic Document

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Reader Online Guide:

● For additional instructions on using Acrobat Reader, select “Reader Online

Guide” from your Help menu. This contains detailed information about viewing

articles, finding topics, advanced searches, zooming in, and moving through the

document.

Specifications/Prices Charts:

● The specifications/prices charts at the back of the guide were designed to be

printed out. Unless you have a 17-inch or larger monitor, these may be difficult to

view on screen.

● Page numbers at the bottom of each chart entry do act as links to the associated

product write-up. (For technical reasons they do not appear in blue.)

Better Buys for Business

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Update Information @ www.betterbuys.com

We are now publishing databases on our website showing

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The Low-Volume Copier

&Multifunctional Guide

Black-and-white copiers below 22 pages per minute or less than

$1,000, for volumes between several hundred and 10,000 copies

per month. Includes multifunctional models with full platen copier

functions.

The Mid-Volume Copier

&Multifunctional Guide

Black-and-white copiers and multifunctionals (copy, print, fax, and

scan) that cruise at 20–49 pages per minute and support 11" x 17"

—best suited for 10,000–40,000 copies per month.

The High-Volume Copier

&Multifunctional Guide

Black-and-white copiers and multifunctionals (copy, print, fax, and

scan) that cruise at 50–135 pages per minute — suitable for over

30,000–40,000 copies per month.

The Laser Fax Guide

Covers laser plain-paper faxes, many of which also have low-end

multifunctional capabilities.

The Printer Multifunctional Guide

Small-office multifunctionals and multifunctional office printers that

print at up to 50ppm. These also copy, scan, and fax, and include

both ink jet and laser machines that operate in black-and-white

and color.

The Office Laser Printer Guide

Black-and-white laser printers that run at up to 49ppm. These

machines can be either personal, workgroup,or departmental

models.

The High-Volume Printer

&Digital Duplicator Guides

Two-in-one guide: (1) Laser printers with speeds of 50–135 pages

per minute; (2) High-speed digital duplicators.

The Color Laser Printer

&Business Ink Jet Printer Guides

Two-in-one guide: (1) Color laser-class printers for the office from

$499; (2) Business ink jet printers from $99.

The Color Copier Guide

Full-color copiers that can also double as upscale color printers.

Prices from $2,000 to and higher.

The Scan-to-File Guide

Mid/high-volume scanners for document management, and an

introduction to electronic filing systems.

Publishing Intervals & Guide Numbering

All guides are numbered using a consecutive numbering system.

It’s generally easiest to request a guide by its name, not number.

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check www.betterbuys.com for latest dates). New guides do not

appear every month and, sometimes, more than one new guide

may be published in the same month. A subscription is for 10

guides, which are delivered over a 12-month period.

Independent Consumer Guides to Document Imaging Equipment

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