Monochrome Laser Printer Information

All the models we considered for this report are monochrome laser printers, with an emphasis placed on those that would be suitable for small office and home/home office users.

Color laser printers are a bit more expensive. Experts agree that inkjets do a better job with photos, while mono laser printers do the best job of printing text. See our report on color laser printers if you need color printouts.

Inkjet printers are the best choice for home users who want to print photos. You can buy excellent low-volume inkjets for between $100 and $400. See our report on inkjet printers for the best models.

Multifunction printers can scan, copy and fax as well as print. Low-volume home-office models are affordable and can eliminate the need for several machines. We have a separate report on multifunction printers.

We found many helpful how-to-buy guides and sources of advice, though some of them are dated. Start with these sites:

College Buying Guide has a helpful article called "Inkjet or Laser?" that outlines the major differences between the two printer types.

IT Reviews: Buyers Guide to Inkjet Printers and Laser Printers: Choosing the Best Laser Printers and Inkjet Printers.

PC Magazine: Personal Printers: The Essential Buying Guide.

Laser Printers.org offers a how-to-buy guide and other information.

The Experts Exchange website is a good resource for people with printer problems or questions. Members can post questions for experts to answer, search through the database or read reviews written by other members. There is a charge for membership, though the site has a novel option where experts can acquire a free membership by working to earn points.

The following manufacturers' websites offer more detailed specifications for individual printers:

Brother

Dell

Hewlett-Packard

Konica Minolta

Lexmark

Samsung

Xerox

Oki