Samsung ML-2851ND

March 2009. Reviews say the Samsung ML-2851ND is a great value among black-and-white laser printers for PCs and Macs, offering excellent print quality for text, standard duplex printing (both sides of a page) and speeds competitive with printers costing much more. Reviews say that graphics and photo quality are less impressive, but still as good as can be expected from a mono laser printer. Cost per page is estimated at about 2 cents, which is lower than many other printers, and prints made with toner-saving print options are reportedly indistinguishable from other modes. The Samsung ML-2851ND has a comparatively high maximum duty of 50,000 pages per month. User reviews are mostly positive and back up reviewers' claims about this model's speed and print quality. However, the printer lacks wireless networking, and some reviewers find it light on features, considering the price. If you need a lighter-duty monochrome printer mainly for home use, consider the less expensive Brother HL-2170W (*est. $120).

PC Magazine tests speed and font sizes on the Samsung ML-2851ND, stating that it outperforms other Editors' Choice winners such as the HP LaserJet P1505 (*est. $150) and the Brother HL-2170W (*est. $120). We found good coverage at CNet.com as well, where the ML-2851ND was clocked at about 21 pages per minute for graphics and text. As befits a newer model, only about 25 user reviews at NewEgg.com and 35 at TestFreaks.com can be found, but they are generally positive.