All Laser Printers

The Bottom Line: The Lexmark C500n is a fast color laser printer fit for a multiuser environment with high-volume printing needs. The competition offers more features, but slower printing or lower-quality prints.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Laser - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 31 pages/min, 8 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

The Bottom Line: The HP Color LaserJet 1600 printer is the same printer as the HP CLJ 2600n with fewer features. Unlike the 2600n, the 1600 is not network ready and can be connected only via USB. Finally, the CLJ 1600 printer is compatible only with Windows-based PCs; the 2600n works with both PCs and Macs. Because both models use the same processor and memory, performance and print quality should be the same, so our assessment of those aspects of the 2600n stand for the 1600 as well. With its basic features and smaller price tag (about $299), the HP CLJ 1600 is better suited for home office environments.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 8 pages/min, PC, USB

The Bottom Line: The HP 2605dtn has some flaws, but it prints color cheaply and well enough for small offices, individuals, and small corporate workgroups.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Laser - Color, Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, PC, Mac, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

The Bottom Line: The HP Color LaserJet 2605dn is the same printer as the Color LaserJet 2605dtn, just pared down a bit. It lacks the third paper tray and the photo memory card slots but costs $200 less than the 2605dtn. Its performance and print quality should be exactly the same as the 2605dtn that we reviewed.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Laser - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Wired, 12 pages/min, 10 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

The Bottom Line: The HP Color LaserJet 3600n is an average-performing color laser printer.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Laser - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 17 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

The Bottom Line: The HP Color LaserJet 3600dn is basically the same printer as the 3600n, but with additional memory and a duplexer for double-sided printing. The print quality should be the same as that of the 3600n.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Laser - Color, Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 17 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

The Bottom Line: The Lexmark C522n is inexpensive for a workgroup-ready color laser printer, yet it doesn't compromise on quality.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Laser - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 20 pages/min, 19 pages/min, PC, Mac, Unix, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

Editors' Take: The Xerox Phaser 8500 color printers are speedy, office-ready machines that best fit a small workgroup.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Solid ink - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 30 pages/min, PC, Mac, Unix, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

Editors' Take: The Xerox Phaser 8500 color printers are speedy, office-ready machines that best fit a small workgroup.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Solid ink - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 24 pages/min, PC, Mac, Unix, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

Editors' Take: The Xerox Phaser 8500 color printers are speedy, office-ready machines that best fit a small workgroup.

Specs: Workgroup printer - Solid ink - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 30 pages/min, PC, Mac, Unix, USB, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX