Laser printers are the “workhorse” of your business. They should be fast, inexpensive to operate and feature useful options such as two-sided (duplex) printing. To select a good laser printer, remember these tips:

  • Look for models with fast print speeds: at least 15 pages per minute or greater for B & W models, 8 PPM color laser
  • Look for models with lots of memory or add more when you purchase: more memory frees up your computer faster while the printer processes large print jobs
  • Look for models with built-in networking, so they can be located anywhere in your office and still be available to everyone on the network
  • Newer models include Wireless networking - either WiFi or Bluetooth; WiFi networking means you can locate the printer anywhere in your office if you have a wireless router; Bluetooth means you can print from your laptop or PDA directly to the printer even if you don't have a network!
  • Check the cost of ink cartridges before you decide on a laser printer model; cheaper models are sometimes a “bait and switch” to more expensive supplies you will need to purchase every month!

Black Only Laser Printers

Print this page and use the following table to compare the standard printer features and "what to look for" specifications with the "what you've found" specifications while shopping for your new laser printer.

FEATURE

“What to Look For” SPECIFICATIONS

 

FEATURE

“What You’ve Found” SPECIFICATIONS

Memory

128 MB or greater

 

Memory

 

Print Speed

16-24 ppm black; 17-24 ppm color

 

Print Speed

 

Resolution

600 x 600 dpi minimum
1200 x 1200 dpi more common

 

Resolution

 

Networking

Ethernet Adapter built-in WiFi Wireless (optional), Bluetooth (for PDA printing)

 

Networking

 

Connectivity

USB or Network

 

Connectivity

 

Total Media

Single Tray: 250 pages

Double Tray: 500 pages

 

Total Media

 

Cartridges

8000 page capacity

 

Cartridges

 

Monthly Duty Cycle

25,000 pages minimum

 

Monthly Duty Cycle

 

 
Average Model Prices: $200 - $400 for larger models suited to multiple uses; $150 - $300 for individual user models.