HP (Hewlett-Packard) LaserJet 4100n Laser Printer - Monochrome - Plain Paper Print - Desktop

WHAT'S HOT: HP's new LaserJet 4100n prints graphics at 4.5 ppm--faster than all but one of the other corporate printers on the chart. Its 13.6-ppm text speed is second from the top, too. Yet it produced among the best text we saw in this comparison. Its type has an even, balanced look, with crisp serifs and details. The LaserJet 4100n prints graphics well, too. It generates balanced narrow lines in drawings and turns out smooth, detailed, somewhat dark gray-scale images.

WHAT'S NOT: HP charges a hefty $1550 for the LaserJet 4100n--for that price the company might have beefed up the unit's paper capacity (it holds only 500 sheets in the main tray, 100 in the auxiliary tray) or built in a duplexer. With the two optional trays attached, the 4100n holds up to 1600 sheets, but those additions raise the price by a total of $500. The 4100n makes a racket while printing, so your colleagues will be happier if you sequester it in a closed room.

WHAT ELSE: The 4100n's big price covers some unusual and attractive extras, such as an optional infrared port that lets notebook users print without plugging into the network, and a backlit LCD display so you can see your way around the simple, logical control panel. And of course the 4100n includes an ethernet interface as standard equipment.

BEST USE: Workgroups on the lookout for a fast printer with extra features will like the HP 4100n, though it isn't appropriate for high-volume printing unless you spring for the optional trays.

SUMMARY

HP LaserJet 4100n Rated 25 ppm, standard 32MB of RAM, 1200-by-1200-dpi maximum resolution, 600 sheets input, 300 sheets output. $1550 800/752-0900 www.hp.com