Personal printer Laser Printers

The Bottom Line: The Samsung ML-1630 can't claim to be the best value among $200 mono laser printers--the competition offers faster print speeds and more features--but the ML-1630's aesthetic appeal is undeniable.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Monochrome, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Wired, 16 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB

The Bottom Line: The Dell 1320c is a decent choice for a small office or work group, but a little more cash will net you a faster printer with better print quality.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Wired, PC, USB

The Bottom Line: The HP LaserJet 1020 is a good deal for home users who have light print needs, but just a little bit more money can get you more features and better print quality.

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

The Bottom Line: The tiny Samsung CLP-300 color laser printer is a good bargain for those with very basic print needs. If you need more from your printer, you'll have to spend a little more money.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Color, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 17 pages/min, 4 pages/min, 16 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB

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 Samsung ML-2010 markedly improves on its predecessor but remains a personal laser rather than a serious business printer.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Monochrome, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 20 pages/min, 22 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB

The Bottom Line: This is a decent first laser printer for a student or a writer, and it would make a good companion to a photo inkjet or an all-in-one.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Monochrome, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 15 pages/min, PC, USB

The Bottom Line: Need a reliable, bare-bones laser printer with a sense of style? The HP LaserJet 1022 deserves a look.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Monochrome, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 18 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB

Editors' Take: The HP LaserJet 1022 series of grayscale laser printers is designed for small offices and homes. We reviewed the 1022 base model. To network this printer via Ethernet, pay $100 more for the 1022n version. If you're into Wi-Fi, add another $100 to get the wireless-ready 1022nw.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Monochrome, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 18 pages/min, PC, Mac, USB, 802.11b, 802.11g, Ethernet 10/100Base-TX

The Bottom Line: The Brother HL-2040 makes a fine first laser printer. To serve a small workgroup, seek its sibling, the HL-2070N.

Specs: Personal printer - Laser - Monochrome, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), Wired, 20 pages/min, Linux, PC, Mac, USB, Parallel