Canon PC150

Reviews say the Canon PC150, still available but replaced by the virtually identical PC170 (*est. $150), is a good, portable black-and-white digital copier that gives good print quality. "Portable" is a matter of opinion. The Canon PC150 weighs 19 pounds, and some owner reviews say it's too heavy for serious toting. While the price is seductive and discontinued PC150s can be found dirt cheap, the replacement cartridge costs $85 and can handle about 2,000 copies. At four copies per minute, you probably won't want the Canon PC150 as more than a portable backup to the bigger copier at the office. It also lacks duplex capability (both sides at a time) and can handle no larger than letter-size paper. For a faster (but heavier) desktop copier with duplex ability, reviews like the Sharp AL-1631 (*est. $350).

Better Buys for Business covers more copiers than anyone else and tests them as part of the review process. It covers the Canon PC170, but you'll need at least a free online trial subscription to read that report. We found about two dozen owner reviews combined at Amazon.com, PC World and Epinions. Those who have modest expectations of the PC150, PC160 or PC170 say they're pleased.