Color Laser Printer

[Allanon]

Gents, I am in the market for a color laser printer. I work for Staples so we get to do training and earn points toward rebates on bigger stuff. I can end up getting the new Color Laserjet 3500 for about $250 after my rebates.

My question to you all is this.. It only puts out 600 X 600 dpi. I have seen some lasers put out 1200 x 1200 and higher. Does dpi matter on lasers that much? I wont probably use the color that much, but I will use the black a lot. Am I better off getting a 1200 or 2400 dpi black laser? Thanks - --

 

[jamestime88]

depends what your printing.......

for most stuff 600x600 dpi is fine. but if your going to be printing lots of pictures and stuff like that i would go for higher. my inkjet is 4800x1200 and prints great looking pictures.

 

[mobiux]

I think color lasers are fine for businesses, or some place that actually have a large use for them.
For personal stuff i would recommend getting a b&w laser and a nice color inkjet for photos. Or do what i do, (see below)

My main problem with color lasers is the cost of consumables.
Yeah the toner lasts a long time, but it's the fusers, transfer belts, developers, and maintenance kits that you end up buying every few years.

For example, where i work, we have a laserjet 4550, and the replacement parts are very steeply priced, since only HP makes them.

My setup...
I have a high res b&w laser, - 1200 dpi.
a decent color inkjet 1440x720 dpi, (for random color stuff)
and for digital photo's i take them to walmart or use this...
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=896477&cat=5426&type=25&dept=5426&path=0:5426