Sharp AJ-2000
Sharp's new addition to the ink-jet world offers quick printing speeds and clean text for a moderate price. Xerox produces essentially the same printer for $30 less, however.
WHAT'S HOT: Sharp's AJ-2000 uses the same engine as Xerox's DocuPrint M750 and the M760. The Sharp model prints text documents at a reasonably fast 4.6 pages per minute and graphics at 0.9 ppm.
The AJ-2000 includes a paper feed through the back of the case so that single sheets of heavy media and card stock can run a straight path through the printer; the rear feed also has a support for banner paper. To add paper to the main tray, you must remove the cover, which doubles as the output tray. That's somewhat inconvenient, but the cover is made of a tough, flexible plastic that won't break when it slips off your desk and crashes to the floor. Sharp bundles the AJ-2000 with MGI's PhotoSuite III SE, one of the better photo editors.
WHAT'S NOT: The AJ-2000's type looks generally clean and black, but its quality isn't great. Large letters show a few rough edges, and very small type is hard to read. Images also could be better: Gray-scale graphics look washed out and lack strong texture and shading, and color graphics have a slightly gritty texture.
WHAT ELSE: Sharp's price for ink and print heads is a reasonable 4.0 cents per page for black and 13.7 cents per page for color. The documentation provides a clear description of the AJ-2000's operations and even offers a helpful warning against printing money and passports. The AJ-2000 is no conversation piece; Sharp packages it in a rigidly symmetrical grayish plastic case with some parts in a bland, semi-opaque purple-blue.
BEST USE: Sharp's AJ-200 offers a reasonable compromise between price and performance, and it should fit well in a small office, dorm, or family room.
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