Buying a color laser printer

[AMCRambler]

I've been without a printer for a while now mainly because I haven't needed one that often and when I did, I could just bring what I needed printed over to my parent's house. Lately it seems I've needed a printer a lot more often and not having one has become an inconvenience.

In the past I've had inkjets and when going weeks between uses the ink cartridges would dry up which is pretty damn frustrating when you're dropping 30 bucks on a cartridge. Because of this I'm looking at cheap color lasers that are out there now. The cartridges are more expensive but last many times longer and with toner it won't dry up on me.

Long story short there's a couple different options out there and I was wondering if anybody had any recommendations. I'm basically looking at the lowest priced printers on Newegg.

1. Samsung CLP-315 $139.99

2. Samsung CLP-315W $219.99

3. Konica Minolta A034011 $219.99

What do you guys think?

Edit: Swapped out #2 for another Samsung. The Lexmark C-534n toner cartrdiges cost $190 apiece to replace!

 

[Porter21]

We have mostly HP's here at work. Have had a hell of a time with those (and HP support).

We had a Samsung (some type of CLP model, not sure exactly what)

It has been working fine, we did have some jamming issues which are fixed easily with a new pick-up roller.

Also, the Samsung toner is probably cheaper to replace as well.

Just my two cents.

 

[Knavish]

I'm interested in this topic too. One more question: Is it possible or realistic to use toner refills on these printers? Are some printers easier to use refills on than others?

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

I too need a new laser printer and am not sure which one to get.

 

[alteredform]

Add me to the list. I think we need a comprehensive sticky

 

[AMCRambler]

Hehe. Well I am leaning towards the cheap side. That Lexmark I had on there is a great buy, but then when you look at the cost for toner cartridges, it's cheaper to just buy another printer. The yield on the cartrdiges is higher, but I can't justify 190 bucks for a cartridge. I will say that we do have a Lexmark C522 at work and it has been a tank. The parts for it are very easy to replace too. I've done photo conductors and a transfer belt on it.

Most of the reviews I'm reading about the Samsung's are pretty good. I also like the idea of the wireless print server built right in. Then I can put it anywhere in my apartment with an outlet. I don't have much space where the pc is now. It will also be good to get it on its own circuit, laser printers are power hungry. I think I'm gonna give that one a try. Worst case I have to hit Newegg up on their return policy, but I think it'll do the trick. Toner cartridges are also about the cost of an inkjet cartridge too!

 

[0roo0roo]

color lasers are for business use. for pamphlets and other documents with a bit of color. not photos. they arent as good as inkjets for photos esp on the cheaper end. they are fast though. but not economical for regular home use. if its just for home use get a b&w laser. those are economical per page..even on cheap paper it looks good. use kinkos or and the photo development places for color/photo prints.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Returned a Samsung CLP300; tech support knew of numerous problems. Have read of problems with the 315 too.

Have had a K/M 2400w for years. Still works well.

Have a new Xerox Phazor 6125 (got it for $179us shipped on a Newegg deal) that seems to be fine.

Have refilled toner on my Samsung 2150 and the K/M.

 

[Gunbuster]

If it has separate consumables be sure to price them out. (Waste toner bottle, developer drums, transfer belt) a set of that shit can get expensive.