Minolta-QMS magicolor 3100 review

Unlike Lexmark's single integrated toner cartridge design, the magicolor 3100 has separate toner, imaging and fusing parts. While this makes the printer more complicated, it doesn't actually affect running costs too much, thanks to sensible pricing. That said, print costs of 1.29p per page in mono (5 per cent coverage) and 6.95p per CMYK colour page (5 per cent per colour) are much more than the Kyocera FS-8000C at 0.56p and 3.1p for mono and colour respectively. In the end, print costs are still comparable to most colour lasers, and colour printing also works out cheaper than Lexmark's C750n.

The Minolta-QMS magicolor 3100 is a good colour printer for small businesses looking for a fast colour device. The ability to print excellent graphs and images is also a bonus, and the built-in duplexer is perfect for making flyers and brochures. It doesn't offer the best text quality, though, and it's not as intuitive to set up and manage as the Lexmark C750n. It also lacks the C750n's wide variety of optional modules. However, for a basic networkable colour laser, the magicolor 3100 is impressive, offering superb performance and fine colour image quality at a sensible price.

Author: Gareth Ogden