Monochrome Laser Printers

PC Magazine has devoted most of its recent attention to color and multifunction laser printers, but major monochrome models are still reviewed occasionally. The reviews are balanced, comparative and… thorough. Detailed benchmark results show comparative speeds. Each printer is rated, and top models receive an Editors' Choice designation. This roundup covers all types of laser printers, and most of the printers included are Editors' Choice models. Of the mono lasers, the Lexmark T650N and Brother 2170W get high marks.

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U.K.'s Computer Shopper -- not affiliated with the U.S. magazine with the same name -- has reviewed a few monochrome laser printers in the last year. Generally, the site's reviews are very short, but… concise and substantive. Comparisons are relevant and reviews are productive. Descriptions of text and image quality are detailed. Printer reviews are all mixed together in the archive, making it difficult to browse for monochrome lasers alone.

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U.K. website Trusted Reviews is one of the most prolific reviewers of all types of printers, including about 15 monochrome laser printers this year alone. Testing is shallow, however, and no proof of text… or graphics quality is provided. Speed is measured and cost of use is reported, but we aren't certain if Simon Williams attempts to calculate the cost-of-use figure or uses the manufacturers' claims. The reviews are balanced, occasionally comparative, objective and performance-oriented.

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U.K. magazine Personal Computer World covers a good selection of modestly priced laser printers, most of which are also sold in the U.S. The reviews are short and only generally comparative, but… substantive. Overall and subcategory ratings provide some distinctions, but none of the subcategories cover any aspect of performance. No documentation is provided. No recent monochrome laser printer earns a Recommended designation, although Brother's HL-2035 and HL-2170W models receive high marks.

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Explanations of text and image quality at Consumer Guide are more descriptive than what most reviews provide. The reviews are easy to read and well balanced, though ratings provide the only method of… comparison. Other shortcomings include the absence of documentation or explanation of test methodology. In this product category, Consumer Guide provides a good spectrum of ratings, but no mono lasers from the last year or so. The Lexmark E120n is selected as a Budget Buy, and the Brother HL-5250DN still stands as a Best Buy with an overall "excellent" rating.

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Printer Showcase is a retailer that reviews the printers it sells. The company may be motivated to give the best reviews to the printers with the highest profit margins, but the editors seem to make an… effort to be objective, rating the printers on setup, print quality, speed, paper handling, supplies and service/reliability. The company claims to provide "unbiased real-world information" and service technicians, managers and salespeople all provide input.

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