HP OfficeJet 7000

Features are geared more toward work than play, but at light volume. A single input tray holds up to 150 sheets. Above it, the 100-sheet output tray locks at an upward angle to ease media loading. Its telescoping extensions bounce easily when tapped. Automatic duplexing is manual only (with driver help); no upgrades to the paper handling are available.

The control panel is also spare. Buttons are identified by icons rather than words; the four LEDs with droplet-shaped icons (one for each ink color) lack any labels; and there's no LCD to display status or instructions. You'll need to consult the online manual to identify the controls and decipher at least some of the flashing LED combinations.

Ink costs are very affordable, especially when using the high-yield cartridges: The 1200-page black cartridge costs $32, or 2.7 cents per page, while each color cartridge costs $15 and lasts 700 pages (2.1 cents per page). Standard cartridges cost less than average.

At its best, the Officejet 7000 produces high-quality output on plain paper--and does so cheaply. Its features restrict it to use by small workgroups or home offices, however. For a faster and better-equipped (but costlier) option, check out its older cousin, HP's Officejet Pro K8600dn.

--Susan Silvius