Specifications
2400 x 600 dpi; 32 MB memory; 250-sheet input tray capacity; 300-sheet additional paper tray; toner duty cycle 3500 pages; network port; USB 2.0 and parallel interfaces
Our Verdict
Here’s a feature-rich printer that offers a range of options. First there’s the extra input tray. Then, the HL-5170DN has the necessary Ethernet port to support network printing. The 32 MB of memory can be upgraded to 160 MB. Build quality is good. It has the best printing quality in its category, and offers dual-side printing to minimise human intervention. Both Windows and Mac are supported. After-sales support is very good, backed by a three-year on-site warranty, and there are 105 service centres across India.
The HL-5170DN is a bit expensive compared to the other printers in its category, but features and print quality more than make up for the premium you’ll pay.
Runner-up: Samsung ML-2010
Specifications
600 x 600 dpi; 32 MB memory; 180 sheet input tray capacity; 500-sheet additional paper tray; dual-sided printing; Windows and Mac ready; network port; USB 2.0 and parallel interfaces
Our Verdict
Still going strong is the Epson AcuLaser-C1100 with its rugged looks. An LCD screen gives you the status of an ongoing task. It was the fastest of the lot, with also the best printing quality, leaving the competition behind in all our tests; and compared to the competition, the price is very reasonable. Toner duty cycle stands at respectable 4,000 pages. Add to that its network capability, and you have the ideal solution for the printing needs of any medium-sized organisation. And if that’s not incentive enough, let us remind you of that Epson has a network of 211 service centres across the country to honour your one-year warranty. The 2006 Zero1 Award for colour laser printers goes to the Epson AcuLaser-C1100-just as it did last year!
Runner-Up: NA