The Epson Aculaser C1100 is a good choice for low-volume colour printing, with best of breed output quality, providing you don't mind the slightly higher than average running costs and slow colour output.

This entry-level colour laser delivers high text quality and fast colour speeds, but operating costs are high.

The HL-4040CN is designed to be, and is priced as, a low-end machine. Its only option is a networking add-on.

Lexmark's budget-priced colour laser delivers fast, high-quality text. Albeit without the option for a duplexer, but you can increase your paper tray to a 530-sheet tray for an additional cost.

A low price and great-looking photo quality helps this model stand out, but its toner cartridges are expensive.

A robust printer with network support and excellent opportunities for expansion, the 2700dn is also extremely fast. Colour reproduction could be more accurate, but for offices with a little less to spend, the 2700 merits attention.

In spite of the corporate edge, the overall verdict on the Konica Minolta Magicolor 2550EN has to be that it doesn't stand out from the competition.

The Konica Minolta Magicolor 2530DL is an economical choice for printing text and photos, if space and convenience are more important to you than print quality. It will appeal especially to professionals in need of quick, tolerable-quality photo prints from a digital camera.

If space is at a premium in your office and you aren't too concerned about print quality or page costs, the Samsung CLP-300N makes an easy-to-use, no-nonsense color printer.

Overall, the C534dn produces good quality prints, especially for colour documents. End users should find it easy to use, while IT managers will appreciate the user restrictions and security options that are on offer.

The performance of this sub-$1000 colour laser printer is fast and we're happy with its ease of use and installation. Its colours could have been a little more vibrant, but its overall print quality was impressive. Consider this model if you want a fast printer for a small workgroup environment.

The Dell isn't cheap, but its running costs are among the lowest available. Add strong output, some heavyweight specifications (with options that'll beef it up considerably) and network support as standard, and you have an excellent colour laser that should go down extremely well with small and medium-sized businesses.