How much does a decent laser printer cost?

[Maezr]

I don't need something that's 'top of the line' but just something to get the job done. Namely, printing large amounts of text pages faster than an inkjet can...

Thanks.

 

[xXgambitXx]

for a nice "basic" HP laser, you're looking at around $250 - $300. the only reason you would want a better one is if you're doing high volume stuff, like for office use. the pricier ones also offer some upgrade options like "bluetooth" wireless printing and junk.

 

[T2T III]

For a basic Brother 1440 laser printer, you'd be looking to spend between $160 - $180. Check the hot deals forum out where there are several threads regarding various sites that have this printer on sale. Dell is the latest site with specials on this printer.

I think it's worth noting that the Brother 1440 prints at a rate of 15 pages per minute. Some of the newer ink jet printers (e.g. Canon i850) can print at the rate of 20 pages per minute when it comes to black and white printing. Don't overlook some of the newer ink jet printers because they are quite quick, reliable and quiet. However, if you need your printed documents to have a retained life, print them on a laser printer.

 

[LED]

My Samsung ML-1430 was $150 after rebate

 

[vegetation]

Only if your inkjet is printing in ugly mode at 5% page coverage. A laser will hands down beat any text output job from an inkjet if the same quality settings are used, and even then, the laser text will look a lot better.

I think it's worth noting that the Brother 1440 prints at a rate of 15 pages per minute. Some of the newer ink jet printers (e.g. Canon i850) can print at the rate of 20 pages per minute when it comes to black and white printing. Don't overlook some of the newer ink jet printers because they are quite quick, reliable and quiet. However, if you need your printed documents to have a retained life, print them on a laser printer.

 

[LH]

Only if your inkjet is printing in ugly mode at 5% page coverage. A laser will hands down beat any text output job from an inkjet if the same quality settings are used, and even then, the laser text will look a lot better.

Not to mention price. Laser will hands down beat and inkjet long term.

 

[RanDum72]

My Samsung ML-1430 was $150 after rebate

Same here.

 

[dullard]

I generally advice against getting the bottom of the barrel for anything - and laser printers are not an exception. Many times the sub $200 laser printers are that cheap for two reasons:

(1) They are cheap since they have 2 MB or less memory (and may not even be upgradeable). Laser printers need to store the entire page into memory. A 8.5" by 11" paper with 1" margins all around set at 600 dpi has 6.5*9*600^2 = 21 Mbits of data. Divide by 8 to convert to MB and you get 2.6 MB of data (the printer cannot do it). Yes there are compression methods, but try printing a complex photo on a laser printer with just 2 MB of memory and you will find you cannot print what you want. A simple Word file with several Excel graphs on it requires more than 2 MB of laser printer memory. For home use, I recommend a minimum of 4 MB memory. You MIGHT be safe with 2 MB (you can always print at 300 dpi instead), but why lose quality? So if you get a cheapo laser printer make sure it is upgradable and that the extra memory doesn't push the price too high.

(2) They are cheap since they often ship with a toner cartridge that is half full (or even less). Thus you quickly have to turn around and buy a new toner cartridge. Pretending that toner is $60, by giving you a half full toner they save $30.

There are some very nice laser printers that don't cost too much. I'm just warning you of two potential pitfalls.