WHAT'S HOT: The LaserJet 2300dtn has a lot to recommend it, including an internal duplexer and an extra paper tray that boosts standard paper capacity to 850 sheets. Both are extra-cost options on most printers and help account for the 2300dtn's $1300 price tag. Though it's not as fast as many network printers, the 2300dtn (tested via a USB 1.1 interface) delivered text at 17 ppm, fast enough for a small workgroup. Text quality was fairly clean and readily legible even at small type sizes. HP provides detailed on-screen manuals, one of which covers using and maintaining the printer, and another that explains administering it over a network. Like those on most HP control panels, the LaserJet 2300's buttons and menus are designed to work with each other, so the printer is easy to operate. Its LCD is backlit.

WHAT'S NOT: HP's printed documentation consists of two brief booklets packed with cramped illustrations and captions. The 2300dtn's control panel has a help function button that displays a few tips, but these provide little useful information. Though backlit, the LCD is set at an almost-vertical angle, so it's hard to read when you stand in front of the printer. Finally, at default settings the LaserJet 2300dtn produced poor gray-scale images, with lots of posterization and weak detail (gray scales looked noticeably better when printed at the maximum 1200-dpi resolution).

WHAT ELSE: The 2300dtn's power switch is located on the side of the case and is not recessed, so you might turn it off by accidentally bumping it. If you don't need the duplexer or extra paper tray, you can buy the LaserJet 2300 for $649.

UPSHOT: The LaserJet 2300dtn is a good match for small workgroups with access to an IS administrator.

SUMMARY

HP LaserJet 2300dtn Rated 25-ppm monochrome laser. 48MB RAM standard, 1200-by-1200-dpi maximum resolution, 850 sheets input, 250 output. $1300 800/752-0900 www.hp.com