HP LaserJet 4050TN

Overall, print quality for the 4050TN is extremely good. There's no point in using 1,200dpi for text, line drawings and business charts - 600dpi is easily good enough - but photographic images benefit tremendously from the higher resolution. Both PostScript and PCL6 drivers produced excellent results, with high levels of detail and smooth greyscales, while banding was kept to an absolute minimum.

The only problem with the 4050TN is its hefty price tag, so if you don't desperately need the extra quality and network features you'd be wise to consider the alternatives. For example, Brother's HL-2060 (reviewed issue 53, p167) is just as fast with 16Mb installed, boasts a similar specification and is considerably cheaper. Then there's Samsung's little gem: the 16ppm ML7000N (reviewed issue 56, p166). Although its top resolution is only 600dpi, output quality, performance and the inclusion of a duplex unit for a modest £1,049 gave it a well-deserved PC Pro Recommended award.

There's no doubt that the 4050TN is a quality piece of kit. In fact, in terms of ease of use, print quality and specification, there are few other printers that can touch it. But for this, unfortunately, you do end up paying through the nose.

Author: Dave Mitchell