Samsung SCX-4600 Toner Cartridges

Samsung SCX-4600 Printer Review

Users looking for a simple monochrome multifunction laser device should consider the Samsung SCX-4600. To the naked eye, this unit seems as basic as they come, with a square frame, a dull black color and a control panel that has only a few buttons. There is an LCD but it only displays text, so users can't preview documents or images on it. For its affordable price, though, the SCX-4600 is a steal and will be a good addition to a home or small workgroup.

Speed is average for an entry-level monochrome printer, clocking in at a maximum rate of 23 copies or prints per minute. It takes about 9 seconds for the first page to be printed once the job is sent from the connecting computer. Unfortunately, networking is not a built-in feature, so only one external device will be able to connect at a time through the USB port. However, most major operating systems are supported.

Though this machine only operates with a single Samsung SCX-4600 toner cartridge, there are two different sizes of toners available. Cost per page is measured by the cost of printer toner divided by the number of pages it yields. The low-capacity Samsung SCX-4600 toner cartridge can yield up to 1,500 pages, which breaks down to a cost per page of about $0.04. The high-capacity supplies can yield up to 2,500 pages for just a few more dollars, equating to a cost per page of $0.03.

The unit includes 64 MB of memory and a compact frame ideal for users in a small space. It measures about 16x16x11 inches and weighs just a tad less than 25 pounds. Duplex printing is an option, but it must be done manually, which could be burdensome for users that prefer to have documents printed on both sides. The input tray holds up to 250 sheets of various media types, and the output tray can hold about 80 completed prints.

Quality is above average for a monochrome device, which is important in a professional atmosphere. The Samsung SCX-4600 toner can produce a maximum resolution of 1200x1200 dpi. There is a 2-line LCD that can display up to 16 characters and will serve as a messenger to users. For instance, if there is a paper jam, the LCD will flash the appropriate error message. Warnings for low Samsung SCX-4600 toner will also appear on the screen.

At the end of the day, the SCX-4600 can only produce black-and-white documents, but can do so as a scanner, copier or printer. Its affordability and versatility make it an excellent all-in-one device for small or medium offices.