Looks- The Samsung SF 5100 mono, laser, fax printer working with Samsung SF 5100 toner is very good looking and compact for multi-purpose device, measuring 9x12x13 inches and weighing in at a rather light 6 kilograms. Quality is definitely not compromised by the very cheap price of the machine at approximately US$400.00. The printer is an investment for both business and home use.

Document and media handling- The paper tray handles a maximum capacity of 150 sheets input and 100 sheets output. Documents are fed at a 20 sheet capacity. Paper sizes compatible with the device are A4, Letter and Legal. Unfortunately, the machine only accepts plain paper.

Print quality- Samsung’s edge enhancement technology makes every print on this machine a black and white piece of art. Overall print and image quality is absolutely perfect. Copies are produced at 300x 300 dpi at a rate of 6 pages per minute. Faxes are transmitted at a Speedy Gonzales pace of 6 seconds per page. Documents can be enlargement up to 130% and reduced as low as 50%.

Control Panel- The general control panel is very user friendly with 7 language LCD display. However fax controls self are a little more complicated due to the variety of dialling options. Fax number can be keyed in using the numbers keypad and by pressing start/enter button or if you are dialling a previously stored or dialled number you can just press the one touch dial key. Speed dialling options are also available by merely adding the number to speed dialling list.

Advantages- The machine is a real workhorse, boasting with super fast fax transmissions and copies at a mere 6 second per page. Reliability is the device’s strongest feature with auto redial, priority transmission and transmission reporting as an added bonus

Disadvantages- The only flaw I could really pinpoint on the machine is paper tray design glitches. The input tray is too small both in length and width and output tray’s design affects the way the paper exists the machine. Sent and received pages both end-up in the paper tray located at the bottom of the machine. There is another tray at the top of the machine with rare hiccups. Paper flow problems may be encountered when using unconventional paper sizes or types.

Money, money, money- Let’s cut to the chase. Money makes the world go round and if you can save some you will definitely not let the chance pass you buy. The printer fax itself is very inexpensive at US$400. Now considering the expense saved on toner when comparing laser to inkjet, you will already have the printers’ investment price back in your pocket. The device comes with wonderful toner and power saving features which will make even environmental organisations smile not to mention stretching your budget. Be sure to only use Samsung SF 5100 toner with this product.