small office laser printer/copier?

[sheree]

Hi all,

My workplace is looking for a new printer/copier. Are there any out
there with only these two functions? Seems like if we want a combined
printer/copier, we almost HAVE to get a scanner and/or fax machine with
it, which we don't need.

Also, what are some recommendations for these requirements?

1)laser, not inkjet
2)$400-1000
3)includes duplexer
4)1-2k copies per month
5)easily networked

I've read good reviews about the Brother 8045D and 8840DN, but the
Brother brand reputation isn't very high.
Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Thanks,
Sheree

 

[LarryM]

We're using the Brother-8840D with good results at about 500-1K
copies per month. Paper curl is minimal, the duplex option works
well and noise level is acceptable.

Copy quality is good.

The only problem encountered is a left side margin problem when
printing from Outlook. Left part of any character printed in first
column is missing.

 

[Douglas]

How do you expect to COPY,without a scanner?That is what a copier is,a
scanner/printer!

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I think what she may be suggesting is that they do not need a scanner
that has a break out ability.

Sheree,

I don't know enough about these printers to give you a suggestion, but
what may help you is this. As Douglas so "quaintly" put it, a copier
does require a scanner section of some type. The older copiers used to
do this in a "photographic" (analog) manner, today most use a digital
scanner. The only difference between a model stating it has a scanner
capability and one that would not, is a minimal amount of electronics
and the interface plug that goes to a computer. This adds very little
cost to the unit, and I suspect is pretty much a given today.

The fax machine capability also adds very little to the cost. There are
many companies producing these multi function machines which use toner
rather than inkjet cartridges. Brother, Samsung, HP, Canon and
Konica-Minolta, Sharp, Xerox are some. I would not worry about the few
extra features. in terms of price point. Not having them won't mean the
product is much better made or cheaper. You do not have to connect them.

I use a Sharp/Xerox copier that can also be used as a laser printer and
a scanner, but I leave it dedicated for photocopy work (by the way I
don't recommend the model I own, however I bought it for a price I
couldn't refuse and it does what it needs to).

When looking at these machine, beside output quality and speed, look at
price and yield of the toner cartridge or any other consumables (drum,
developer unit, etc (some use separate parts some have one integrated
cartridge), and warranty coverage (length, what's covered, where you
need to go for repair, etc).