Desktop Copiers: Reviews

Updated December 2006
Desktop copiers have been supplanted by multifunction printers (ConsumerSearch has a separate up-to-date report on those), but if you only need copy functionality, you might be able to find a used desktop copier for that purpose. We've kept this older report online for those looking for an older or used copier. Large office copiers are not covered here.
 

Light-duty office copier

Sharp AL-1631 *Est. $350 Compare Prices

Better Buys for Business: Reviews are based on extensive testing and more copiers are rated here than anywhere else.

Amazon.com: About a dozen user reviews combine to give the Sharp AL-1631 a middling score.

Epinions.com: A handful of owner reviews give the Sharp AL-1631 a good average score, and most are very happy.

OfficeDepot.com: A handful of owner ratings give a middling score to the Sharp AL-1631, but just a couple post written reviews and they disagree.

ENERGYSTAR.gov: This government website periodically lists energy-efficient copiers, and the Sharp AL-1631 is included.

Personal desktop copier

Canon PC150 *Est. $75 Compare Prices

Better Buys for Business: Editors here base reviews on thorough testing and review most copiers on the market.

Amazon.com: About a dozen user reviews combine to give the Canon PC150 a good average score, most giving it four or the maximum five stars.

PC World: About ten owner reviews give the Canon PC170 a high average score, almost all praising the quality but pointing out that 19 pounds isn't all that portable.

Epinions.com: There are just a couple owner reviews of the Canon PC160, but they're realistic, saying it's fine for light duty.

ConsumerGuide.com: Reviews here seldom detail testing methods, but at least hands-on use is apparent in this coverage.

Full-featured desktop copier

Xerox CopyCentre C20 *Est. $1,300 Compare Prices

Better Buys for Business: These reviews are based on exhaustive testing, but are behind a subscription-required wall.

ConsumerGuide.com: This review is brief and offers little that you couldn't surmise by reading the specifications yourself.

ENERGYSTAR.gov: The Xerox CopyCentre C20 is among the copiers included in this government listing of energy-efficient models.

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