Sleek and low-priced, the LaserJet 2550L seems promising for small offices, but its speed and print quality aren't stellar.

The HP Color LaserJet 3550n delivers decent print quality, especially for black-and-white documents, but it is both expensive and quite slow.

The Dell Laser Printer 5100cn is fast and should be an economical choice for a workgroup that plows through paper, but its image quality could have been better.

If blistering print speed is crucial--particularly if you're looking to make regular use of the lower quality settings--you'll find this a stunning printer.

Although the PIXMA's initial price is low, ink costs are steep. Overall this is a well-designed printer with high print quality, although our speed tests show it to be a good deal slower than Canon claims.

The HP Business Inkjet 1200d makes a good workhorse printer for a small office, as long as paper-handling options are more important to you than print quality.

Fast print speeds and a lot of features--including wireless capability--would make the IP4000R a good buy even if its printing costs weren't so low.

The HP Deskjet 5740 won't win any awards for speed or economy, but for all-around print quality, it's a good little performer.

The E232 has everything a first-time buyer's personal mono laser printer should. It's easy to install, simple to use and robust enough to take the knocks of family life. Add the low purchase price and excellent running costs and you have a great buy.

With a great price but slow performance and mediocre print quality, the X2250 seems appropriate only for those on the tightest of budgets.

Flexible paper-handling features and speedy printing make the X422 well suited to busy offices that don't need a full-featured scanner.

While the initial purchase price may be steep, the low running costs will probably save you money in the long run.