Small size and a low price make the HP LaserJet 1020 a good fit for a home office in which space is at a premium and occasional printing jobs don't require the utmost in speed, quality and economy.

The compact HP PSC 1610 is slower than average, but its extensive software and high-quality prints make it a great value.

A great all-rounder for those on a budget.

Canon's LaserShot LBP-3000 runs quietly, quickly and offers acceptable print quality for work documents or assignments - provided you run Windows.

Lexmark's execution is a little disappointing on the P310. We don't like its slow access time when reading memory cards, nor do we think the omission of an output tray is a good idea. We also don't like this unit's print quality and its high cost per page.

In a sea of inkjet competitors, the Photosmart D7160 stands out for its conveniences and its superior photo prints. Though some comparable printers may cost less or print a little faster, this would still be a good buy.

Although it isn’t the most stylish printer out there, the PM270 prints fairly fast and produces decent quality. It won’t fit in your backpacking luggage, but for the average family photographer, the PM270 is portable enough to take away on holidays.

The HP A626 delivers plenty of bang for your buck. With enough photo-editing and enhancing features to keep the kids occupied, the easy-to-use HP A626 produces crisp, colour-rich prints. Pity about the drying time, though.

Suitable for the small or home office, this unit will print, copy, scan and fax, and it also has handy camera photo printing features. Its output was a little dull, even on glossy paper, but nevertheless adequate for typical business use.

If you need a cheap combination of printer, scanner, fax, and copier for a home office in which speed and quality are of no concern, the Lexmark X5470 could be a good choice. But if you need to make a good impression, consider spending a little more money.

While the Lexmark P315 is easy enough to use, it is mediocre in every other area.

Neither of the new Lexmark wireless multifunction printers is cheap, but the wireless features are well worth looking into. Add to that great ease of use and very competent print quality, and the X4850 is a very decent model for photo enthusiasts.