Ricoh Aficio SP 4210N

The standard configuration includes a 500-sheet input tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, plus a 250-sheet output tray. All three are sturdy and easy to use, with helpful, colored decals for guidance. Little dials on each input tray indicate the paper size within, but you must adjust these dials manually. You may add one or two more 500-sheet input trays (priced at $275 apiece); an envelope feeder to attach to one of those trays ($120); or a duplexing unit ($195). Complementing the USB and ethernet connections is an extra USB port (Type A) in back for plugging in third-party applications.

Ease of use isn't great. Duplexing and color-management features are active in the driver even if you haven't installed the optional duplexer and even though the SP 4210N is a monochrome printer. The control panel's visual monotony--all six buttons are the same size and color, and the up/down navigation arrows are just a different shape--makes knowing where to look and recognizing what's important unduly difficult; also, some of the button labels--such as 'Suspend' and 'Escape'-- use potentially confusing technical jargon.

The Ricoh Aficio SP 4210N may lack the pricing or panache to rank higher on our chart, but it's deserves consideration. It's built for high-volume use and backs that up with supercheap toner. For some busy offices, that combination could be enough.