The FS-920 is well built, speedy and incredibly economical to run. A perfectly pitched model from Kyocera.

The P4515x is a great option for those who need good quality, fast. With automatic duplex, comprehensive security and remote administration capability, this unit performs admirably as a workgroup printer and has few drawbacks.

With low ongoing running costs and excellent print speeds, the FS-2000D is definitely an ideal printer for small businesses and workgroups.

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

With fast printing, quality output, easy networking, and a built-in duplexer, the Brother HL-5250DN would be a great choice for a small office.

The focus of the Brother HL-2140 is clear, and as a good little text churner this laser packs the goods. Use it extensively and, in the long-term, you'll end up paying considerable amounts. But for the typical family, this is an excellent complement to a quality inkjet and thus an ideal way to arm your home with strong text to go along with great colour graphics.

Oki's B4400n deserves credit for its performance and its sturdy design. Even the seemingly ho-hum monochrome printer category has hot competition, though, and other printers offer as many or more features for less money.

The very stylish Samsung ML-1630 flouts the monochrome laser printer's reputation for dull efficiency. It's a decent machine whose low-capacity input tray and pricey toner restrict it to individuals or small offices that wouldn't mind sacrificing some usefulness for style.

Although the initial outlay is slightly high for a monochrome printer, the B6500N is very fast and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for a busy workplace.

The LaserJet P1505 doesn't look like much, but it is a fast printer. We think HP cut a few too many corners in designing it, but those seeking a no-nonsense workhorse may be willing to put up with some of its shortcomings.

The LaserJet P3005x offers a huge amount of features, so it can deal with a wide range of situations where delivering good quality mono printing is important. Although the P4015n out-specs the P3005x in quality and performance at the same price, the P3005x has enhanced office functionality and is Energy Star certified.

If your quantity and quality needs are modest, the Brother HL-2040's sticker price will make it at home on your desk.