The screen is tiltable. Using the WiFi module, the machine lets you print emails. The front USB port will let you print without tinkering with the settings and connections. The available security protocols include IP filtering, IPSec, Kerberos, SNMPv3, Secure Fax Receive, Secure HTTPS (SSL), and Secure Print.
The Linux drivers are clunky.
The Xerox WorkCentre 6515dni is smooth, quiet, consistent, and efficient. It will prove a great fit with small offices. The screen's tablet-esque layout will prove accessible to most, so you should be able to quickly figure out the settings. The prints come out looking clean, crisp, and evenly coloured.
Printing, copying, scanning, faxing
Print speed: 28 ppm (colour & mono)
Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi
Main paper tray: 250 sheets
Duplex automatic document feeder: 50 sheets
Up to 5000 pages (recommended monthly volume)
1,500-page black toner, 1,000-page cyan, magenta, and yellow toners
Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Hi-Speed USB 3.0
2 GB memory, 1.05 GHz processor, 12.7-cm colour touchscreen
1 year
The NFC module will let you put any NFC-enabled gadget next to the unit and start printing immediately, without tweaking/configuring the software. The multi-purpose tray accepts tracing papers, labels, envelopes, non-standard sheets, transparencies, and more.
The software is not very intuitive.
From the print speed to the almost countless connectivity options to the 30-sheet single-pass ADF, the Brother MFC-L3770CDW ticks most boxes. The unit prints excellent-looking text, charts, and graphics. The noise levels do not even go above 50 decibels.
Printing, copying, scanning, faxing
Print speed: up to 24 ppm (colour & mono)
Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi (600 x 2400 quality)
Standard paper tray: 250 sheets
Multi-purpose Tray: 30 sheets
Automatic document feeder: 50 sheets
300 to 1500 pages (recommended monthly volume)
1,000 pages black and colour toners
Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port & USB Host, NFC
512 MB memory, Celeron 3865U processor, 9.3-cm colour touchscreen
2 years
The cartridge yield where the colour toners are concerned is limited.
The HP M283fdw will be streamlining productivity, accommodating mid-size workforces that require consistent high-quality printing. The text, charts, and graphics will be coming out well-shaped. Even the least experienced users will face no challenges navigating the touchscreen and its UI.
Printing, copying, scanning, faxing
Print speed: up to 22 ppm (colour & mono)
Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
Standard paper tray: 250 sheets
Automatic document feeder: 50 sheets
150 to 2500 pages (recommended monthly volume)
1,350-page black toner and 700-page colour toners
Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port, Front Host USB
256 MB DDR, 256 Mb Flash memory, 800 MHz processor, 6.8-cm colour touchscreen
3 years
Simple set-up and a compact design make this printer one of the best offers so far. You can control it via your smartphone with the Brothers App. It supports multiple services like AirPrint, Cortado Cloud Print, iPrint&Scan, and so on.
It is not compatible with Ethernet cables.
This device is best suited for small offices and family companies. Perfect printing quality and a simple connectivity process make it suitable even for inexperienced users. It has a user-friendly interface and convenient document handling functions.
Printing, copying, scanning, faxing
Print speed: Up to 18 ppm (colour & mono)
Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi (600 x 2400 quality)
Standard paper tray: 250 sheets
Automatic document feeder: 50 sheets
300 to 1500 pages (recommended monthly volume)
1,000 pages black and colour toners
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port
512 MB memory, 9.3 cm Colour touchscreen, 800 MHz processor
1 year
The bypass slot above the main tray lets you print head papers as well as different non-standard media without fiddling with the main tray. with WiFi Direct support, you can print from countless WiFi-enabled gadgets without establishing a wireless network first.
The model takes more time to wake up from the Sleep mode than its predecessors.
The HP LaserJet Pro M255dw aims at small offices and home use, covering light-duty printing, scanning, and copying needs. Measuring just 44 x 29 x 37 centimetres, this machine will occupy almost no space. The 6.85-centimetre touchscreen, with its straightforward menu structure, will simplify walk-up operations.
Printing
Print speed: up to 22 ppm (colour & mono)
Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
Standard paper tray: 250 sheets
500 to 1000 pages (recommended monthly volume)
1,350-page black toner and 1,250-page colour toners
Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port
256 MB Flash memory, 800 MHz processor, 6.85-cm colour touchscreen
3 years
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Xerox WorkCentre 6515dni
Huge Screen
The Xerox WorkCentre 6515dni is capable and even a little sophisticated, which is not always the case with Xeros as the company usually puts efficiency before aesthetics. Its speed is above average, the output quality is respectable, and the feature set is quite generous.
Getting a little more technical, the model starts with the massive, 12.7-centimetre touchscreen. Other than its size, the screen's biggest strength is that it can be tilted upward, aiding visibility. Below the screen, the unit puts a USB port, letting you work with USB thumb drives without reaching to the printer's back. Its 300-sheet capacity is split between the 250-sheet main tray and the 50-sheet duplex automatic feeder.
Besides the aforementioned USB port, the unit's connectivity options include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct interfaces. The wireless module enabling the latter two options can be plugged into the port behind the removable door in the printer's back. Once you do that, the touchscreen will add Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct to the Connectivity menu.
As far as print speed is concerned, the model reaches 28.8 ppm printing text-only portions, matching the rated speed. Printing bull business suites that include complex documents in Excel, PPT (PowerPoint), or PDF formats, the unit averages 13.1 ppm, which is also fairly respectable.
Solid Output
Xerox laser-class printers seldom disappoint in the output quality respect and, in this case, the statement holds true as well. Without going into unnecessary details, the model prints excellent-looking text, above-average graphics, and decent photos.
Even those businesses that require small types (as long as you use standard fonts) should be satisfied with the unit's text output. The graphics, again, should be able to accommodate everyday business use, including PPT handouts. They will occasionally introduce slight blotchiness visible in dark backgrounds, but nothing that will make a substantial difference, especially on a large-volume scale.
The photos that this device prints will be fine for company newsletters. As you would expect, marketing materials will be a little outside of the model's wheelhouse. Though they don't necessarily look bad, the colours will look saturated at times and you might notice slight detail loss in bright areas.
Ultimately, the Xerox WorkCentre 6515dni is a well-rounded machine that should feel right at home with small offices.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £480.48 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01N3K0WWR |
Brother MFC-L3770CDW
Impeccable-Looking Text, Graphics, and Charts
The Brother MFC-L3770CDW can print, copy, scan, and fax, what you'd expect from any printing unit within this price range. This is an expensive machine (compared to most everyday printers), so certain attributes come without saying. These attributes include an above-average print speed, pumping out 24 pages per minute, both colour and mono. These attributes also include considerable maximum page volume reaching 1500 pages.
There are multiple semi-obligatory features that we can mention but, instead, let's pivot towards something more impressive. Before anything else, what separates premium models from second-rate printers is an impeccable-looking text. As you'd expect, this is the case with this unit too. The model does not produce misshaped characters, you will not see weird spacing, even the smallest font will be seen without magnification.
To add more, this laser printer pumps out great-looking Excel charts and PowerPoint graphics. The fills are solid, without banding and streaking, the gradients are stepped evenly, the hairlines come out unbroken (from end to end), and the colours are accurate and consistent, without sudden shifts and anything like that.
The unit even does photos justice, keeping the quality at least adequate, though you might find faint yellow streaks here and there but this is not something that printers around this price can solve.
30-Sheet Multi-Purpose Tray
Where the product somewhat drops the ball is that the software is not especially intuitive, featuring a UI that's muddled and clunky compared to its predecessors. Still, nobody's saying that you have to use the touchscreen anyway. Between the USB port, the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC modules, and an Ethernet interface, the device lets you print via computers, laptops, phones, anything that's outfitted with a corresponding tech. You can use third-party applications, including the standard lineup like AirPrint, Google Cloud PRINT, Mopria, and more. Plus, you can always make configuration changes and tweak the software, so the options are practically limitless.
Sure, besides the NFC module, this is not something that most mid-range AIO printers are not offering nowadays. What these printers are usually lacking though is the model's 30-sheet multi-purpose tray where you can load tracing paper, labels, transparencies, envelopes, and more.
Long story short, the Brother MFC-L3770CDW started off strong and is still going strong, delivering across the board and the needs of most small and medium-sized workgroups.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £369.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07HZPXD78 |
HP M283fdw
Compact Footprint and Top-Notch Security
Without unnecessary introductions, what catches the eye first about the HP M283fdw is that the unit is really compact, measuring 42 x 42 x 33 centimetres so that even the smallest workplaces can fit this AIO printing machine without making considerable space sacrifices. Also, the device weighs 15 kilogrammes, enabling easy relocation. Needless to say, these are not the product's biggest highlights, but these details are not negligent too. So, what are the biggest highlights?
Well, some like the 5-centimetre LCD touchscreen, and we can certainly see why. Its interface is easy to navigate, adding three buttons (back, home, and help) to the touch module. Sometimes the objects on the screen will be pretty minute, so you'll have to concentrate to avoid misclicking. But, with practice, you'll start hitting them with sniper-like precision. Plus, the software includes customisable shortcuts, streamlining the operation and allowing you to execute comparable tasks within the shortest timeframe.
This is HP we're talking about, the company that doesn't always match Canon and Brother on the print speed and cartridge yield fronts but always delivering top-notch security solutions. Here, these solutions are represented by real-time threat detection and software validation, detecting and stopping attacks so that sensitive information that you do not want to share with the public remains private. You can even access backend web pages using basic but reliable HTML (SSL) authentication.
Pristine Text
Despite the compact footprint, the unit holds 250 sheets, including the 50-sheet, single-pass ADF (automatic document feeder). These numbers are not as important as the printing quality though, which's mixed here. Now, the text comes out well-shaped and pretty easy to read, even at about 7 points, putting the unit above most mid-range printers but not quite among those who can print you those business documents that require fine print without making that print look a little muddled.
The Excel charts and PowerPoint handouts will look alright too, aside from occasional slight banding around gradients and dark background fills. Dark-green gradation might start turning a little black when these colours collide but, again, we're talking about slight, barely noticeable issues here.
Bottom line, the HP M283fdw will streamline productivity without sacrificing results and without forcing you to pay through the nose initially and down the road.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £497.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B081FGS43D |
Brother MFC-L3710CW
Easy to Control and to Connect
Looking for a new reliable laser printer that won’t cost you an arm and a leg? If so, make sure to check out the Brother MFC-L3710CW Colour Laser Printer. Boasting great functionality and affordable price, this device will be a perfect fit for small offices and for family use alike.
Starting off, this colour printer has a very user-friendly interface. Fitted with a big and clear colourful touchscreen, the device doesn’t require any complicated adjustments. There is also a number keyboard with big buttons near the 9.3-inch display that allows you to change the number of printed pages. Since this model combines features of 4 separate devices (printer, scanner, copier and fax machine), choosing the needed mode will be a breeze with this simple control panel.
Apart from being simple in use, the laser printer also has very simple connectivity. Even though it doesn’t support Ethernet standard for wired connectivity, you can connect it to Wi-Fi thanks to the built-in module. Thanks to that, you will be able to control the unit via a special Brother app which you can find in the App Store and Play Market.
Compact 4-in-1 Unit
Now, let’s move on to the printing speed. Considering the fact that this is one of the more affordable options, this machine still prints quite an average number of 18 pages per minute. And even though it is lower compared to its major rivals, we hope that this fact won’t be a deal-breaker for those users who seek a printer for home use and don’t need lots and lots of documents to be printed immediately. Plus, unlike other printers that sacrifice quality for faster speed, this machine shows much more impeccable results.
Moving on, the starter toner cartridges that come in a set with the printer are pretty capacious. Depending on the resolution of your prints, you will be able to print up to 1,000 pages (both black and white and coloured ones), so they should last you for a while.
The other thing that we really like about this product is its design. Even though this 4-in-1 device combines the functionality of other stationary machines, it is not too bulky. The overall dimensions are 41 x 47.5 x 41.4 cm. Thus, we hope you will be able to find a small place for it even in the small office.
To wrap this review up, the Brother MFC-L3710CW is a pretty decent colour laser printer for this money. Just one product is able not only to print but also to scan, copy and even accept and send fax documents while providing pretty good printing quality. All of that makes this printer a worthy buy for most homes and small offices.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £364.55 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07HNQCRJ5 |
HP LaserJet Pro M255dw
Bypass Slot
The HP LaserJet Pro M255dw easily covers small businesses needs without breaking the bank. Measuring 44 x 29 x 37 centimetres (17 x 11 x 15-inches), the model is aimed at home use and small business customers with budget printing, scanning, and copying requirements.
Build-wise, HP appliances seldom disappoint and this model follows the same suit. Despite featuring multiple clip-together plastic mouldings, this machine looks and feels solid. There's the usual 35-sheet ADF sitting at the top so that you can automatically scan and copy both sides without manual intervention. A little below, the single 250-sheet tray keeps the engine fed, with the company's signature bypass slot above so that you can work with headed papers and non-standard media without bothering the main tray.
There's nothing especially interesting about the usual interface lineup, including Ethernet, USB, and an integrated Wi-Fi module. The 6.85-centimetre touchscreen is pretty interesting though. Its menu structure is straightforward, simplifying walk-up operations. Plus, the screen is responsive and scratch-resistant, so you can tap all you want without worrying about damaging the display.
Respectable Output
Looking at its duty cycle, 8,000 pages per month is pretty reasonable, especially considering the laser engine printing both colour and mono pages at ~22 pages per minute. Working with a wireless connection, there's a small but noticeable lag when you send documents to print, with the first page usually taking ~10 seconds before appearing. The pages that come next, however, come out without delay.
The scanner is rated at 6 and 14 pages per minute for colour and mono scans respectively, which's average. Generally speaking, the model takes ~13 seconds to produce one scan, not the worst result, but not the best either. The print quality is respectable aside from the fact that you cannot print right to the paper's edge. Also, the machine takes more time to wake up from the Sleep mode than its predecessors. On the plus side, the running costs with this one are pretty low, with one cartridge covering at least 1,500 pages.
Long story short, the HP LaserJet Pro M255dw is a small business workhorse which limitations will not even matter for an average user anyway. What is more, the model supports direct wireless printing from laptops, tablets, and smartphones without establishing a Wi-Fi network or even connecting to one.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £419.89 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B081FHZXRH |
Infographics
What Is a Colour Laser Printer?
A colour laser printer is just what the name says - it's a printer that prints in colour. Unlike a regular printer, this one uses four colour toners of cyan, magenta, yellow and black that it applies one at a time to the drum and then adheres to the paper.
Colour laser printers are immensely popular and often bought for both home and office use. They deliver fast speed, ensure excellent quality of the text, and allow hassle-free paper handling, making them one of the better choices for those who often work with bulk text output. Also, they are rather cost-effective: most of them use high-capacity toners that do not tend to dry out throughout the entire use, which helps in keeping printing costs quite low. Finally, most modern models boast of a whisper-quiet operation so you can safely use them in any environment without worrying about additional buzz.
Those who'd like to equip their office with everything needed for comfortable work may also be interested in reading our reviews of wireless printers, fax machines, flatbed scanners, document scanners, and shredders.
What Features to Compare
Functionality
Before purchasing a colour laser printer, first things first, decide on the tasks you want it to perform. In general, all models of colour laser printers can roughly be divided into two classes: simpler printers designed for home use and more expensive units for office printing tasks. Therefore, in order to choose a printer that will be right for you, think of how often you're going to use the colour function and how many functions overall you're likely to need. This is what will affect the price tag.
Print Settings
Next, consider the print speed and resolution. The print speed is measured in the number of printed pages per minute (ppm). It may differ depending on whether black or colour ink is used; also the content of printed page matters. The optimal value for print speed is 14-19 ppm. The resolution is measured in the number of printed dots per inch (dpi), and the higher this value is, the higher the print quality is. It's worth saying that colour laser printers aren't suited for printing photos and if that's the intention why you need a printer, consider different models with the maximum resolution. Colour printers can print graphics though pretty well.
Capacity and Maintenance
The capacity determines the maximum number of pages that fit the input and output tray. The larger they are, the less often you will need to fill in and collect paper sheets. It’s also important to consider how often you are going to use the printer. As a rule, all laser colour printers have the maximum and recommended number of printed pages per month. To ensure a smooth and efficient operation, it’s necessary not to go beyond these limits. All printers, including these ones, require regular maintenance such as cartridge changing, ink refilling, etc. All this should be done on time.
Interface and Hardware
Laser printers are connected to a computer via a USB port. But if you plan to print out from multiple computers, then you should pay attention to the models with an Ethernet port, enabling connection to a local network. To print out from a tablet or a smartphone, make sure your printer supports Wi-Fi technology. It’s also important to pay attention to the processor's speed which indicates the number of commands per second. 333 MHz and higher speeds are considered to be reasonable. RAM memory is responsible for storing print jobs. If you plan to print out PDF documents or PowerPoint presentations, we recommend paying attention to the printers with 64Mb RAM or above. For your convenience, you may want to look for a printer with an LCD display to see clearly all settings and printing modes right on there.
Did you know?
- Though most people would probably figure that laser printers haven't been around for quite that long, the very first commercial laser printer was actually developed and manufactured in 1975 by IBM. The model was initially used for printing mailing labels and invoices. As it usually is with the early iterations of technologies that only become popular as time goes by, the first laser printer intended for office use was sold for a whopping twelve thousand pounds. Now, the first printer that was designed with the mass market in mind was the HP LaserJet. The product in question was capable of printing an impressive at the time 8 pages a minute and was worth about 2500 pounds.
- Experts estimate that it requires around 3 to 4 litres of oil in order to produce a single toner cartridge. This phenomenon, in turn, creates a market with companies reproducing toner cartridges, using a recycled product that has been cleaned, refilled, and tested in order to maintain the kind of quality of printing that laser printers are known for.
- An interesting observation has been made that throughout the printing process itself, laser printers would generally consume up to three times more energy than a regular inkjet printer. However, an idle inkjet printer will likely use up to 5 times more energy than a laser printer.
- On top of everything else, laser printers generally tend to be more accurate compared to the inkjet printers. A colour laser printer is capable of printing realistic-looking photos at 2400 dpi. Other than that, laser printers are also designed with longevity in mind, with some of the oldest laser printers out there still being used on a regular basis.
- The World Record for the fastest inkjet printer belongs to the HP Officejet Pro X Series. The device managed to print 70 pages of perfectly clear and crisp documents in no more than 60 seconds. This achievement was documented and, in turn, recognised by Guinness World Records.
- The initial cost of a laser printer is normally higher than that of a regular inkjet printer, but the cost of toner cartridges and paper is lower. The companies that design and produce inkjet printers receive the majority of their profits from the sales of inkjet ink, meaning they can afford to sell their product for pennies.
- The majority of colour laser printer manufacturers will include a tiny series of dots to every single page with the printer’s model, serial number, and date. From time to time, the customer’s info will be placed within this coding. Given that the quality of laser printers keeps increasing, the dots were originally intended to serve as a viable counterfeiting measure. Nevertheless, plenty of people believe that this approach is nothing short of an invasion of privacy and the manufacturers have no right to interfere with customer's documents.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between an ordinary printer and MFP?
A: A printer is a device that takes text or graphic data from a computer and transfers it to standard-size sheets of paper. A multifunction printer (also known as MFP or MFD) is a multi-functional all-in-one machine that incorporates the functionality of at least two of the following devices: a printer, a photocopier, a scanner and a fax.
Q: Do I need a colour or black-and-white printer?
A: It typically depends on your needs and printing tasks. If your only task is to print texts and documents in black, a black-only printer is an appropriate choice for you. However, if you’re planning to print photographs, you definitely need a colour laser or inkjet printer.
Q: Do I need a wireless printer?
A: It depends on the tasks and the level of comfort you want to obtain. A wireless colour printer generally enables you to print documents and photographs from your PC, laptop or smartphone without connecting them to a printer with a cable. Therefore, you can get an opportunity to print out your docs remotely.
Q: Which type of printers is better: inkjet or laserjet?
A: To answer this question you need to decide on the quality and the printing speed you require and how much money you can spend on buying a printer. Inkjet printers typically offer low startup costs, a compact size, and good quality colour printing. Laser printers are usually more expensive but they also operate faster and print notably sharper pictures of higher resolution. They will become a better option for consumers who have large-scale and high-volume printing tasks.
Q: What is Duplexing?
A: Duplexing is the function which allows printing on both sides of the sheets without having to refeed the paper a second time. This function can significantly save user's time and paper required for printing tasks.
Q: What is dpi?
A: Dots per inch. The resolution of printing or scanning.
Q: How to connect my printer to a network?
A: Printers with the built-in network capability usually feature an Ethernet port, or come with a built-in Wi-Fi module. In order to connect such printers to your network you need:
Sources:
1. Ted Needleman Home Printer Buying Guide: How to choose the best printer, Digital Trends. May 19, 2014.
2. Justin Yu Printer buying guide, CNET. October 4, 2012.
3. Erez Zukerman How To Pick The Right Laser Printer For Your Needs, MakeUseOf. September 17, 2013.
4. Melissa Riofrio How to choose the best printer for your business, PCWorld.
5. Chris Holt Buying guide: Color laser printers, Macworld.
6. Jason Fitzpatrick The How-To Geek Guide to Buying the Right Printer, How-To Geek. January 2, 2012.
7. Steve Duncombe Printer buying guide, Choice. August 22, 2016.
8. David Robinson Inkjet or laser printing: which is more cost-effective? The Guardian. March 30, 2013.
9. Laser Printer Buying Guide, eBay. March 3, 2016.
10. Printer Buying Guide, Consumer Reports.
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