Samsung ml-2550 - a couple of questions:

[Ch3w33]

Hello,
I am looking at purchasing the Samsung ml-2550, for the following reasons:
- Samsung seems to have a very good track record with laser printers
- This is the only laser printer under $300 that I found that prints double-sided, which is a feature I really want.

I was looking at the ml-1750, for ~$100 less, but it doesn't print double sided, and from Samsung's website, the 1750's starter cartridge is 1000 page capacity, and the ml-2550 is 5,000 capacity, so that in itself almost makes up for the $100 difference. Same deal with HP's in that price range.

My questions are (in ascending order of importance):
1) Has anyone had any experience with this printer? Can you verify that the starter cartridge is 5,000 pages capacity?
2) Why is is so hard to find toner replacement cartridges for this printer? I literally spent 20 minutes on this - even Samsung's website does not list a part number for the toner replacement. Compusa, Officemax/depot, Staples - none carry it. Where can you buy it, and what does it cost?

Thank you.

 

[Ch3w33]

Note - a user already asked about this, but there are no replies:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...y&keyword1=ml-2550

 

[Ch3w33]

I've just been on the phone with three different Samsung departments: toner replacement, tech suppot (this is how they answer the phone: "Samsung. What's your phone number?"), and parts. None of them sell the toner module for this printer, and neither parts or toner replacement had any listing at all for this printer. Tech support gave me a price ($149) and replacmenet part number (ML2550DA/XAA) but they do not sell the part. In fact, the parts dept tried to send me to a company called "Superwarehouse". He also said the replacement module is for 8,000 pages not 10,000 as written on Samsung.com, and gave me a different price of $134.99.

A second call to the toner replacement dept (I figured maybe the first guy just didn't know his stuff) was more fruitful, and they said they DO have the part, it costs $199.99 (plus s+h) and prints 10,000 pages.

At this point, I'm somewhat put off by the experience. Is that even a reasonable price for a toner/drum replacement module? Are there printer companies out there who have their stuff together? I can't even imagine the nightmare that would be involved with actually getting the printer repaired.

Thanks.

 

[ChefJoe]

For a factory toner cart, I usually hear $100-ish is ok. Some can be cheaper (HPs for like 70 or up to 200) depending on some factors I don't know about. I was going to try to refill the one that came with my printer.

http://www.superwarehouse.com/...ML-2550DA_XAA/p/360529

http://www.amatteroffax.com/it...-ML-2551N-ML-2552W.htm

http://www.directron.com/ml2550daxaa.html

and a number of UK stores have it.