Slick design and quiet operation are the big draws here, but buyers can find more features for the same price. The Samsung ML-1630 is a monochrome laser printer with a modern and stylish design. Opting for a shiny black exterior instead of the usual beige plastic of most printers, Samsung is gearing this printer toward users who like all of their office components to look good on their desk. In this aspect, it does not disappoint. With a “piano black” finish, classy blue light buttons, and a loading tray that slides out automatically with a push of a button, there is plenty to show off with this printer. While many printers get stashed under a desk, or somewhere out of sight, users who need their printer out in the open will likely appreciate the aesthetic design.
Another feature that makes the ML-1630 well-suited for this type of user is the printer’s extremely quiet operation. At 45 decibels, it is one of the quietest laser printers around. This makes it ideal for small offices, where space is tight, and printers may need to be in close proximity. Anyone who has ever had to sit next to a noisy printer during a long printing job while trying to continue working can appreciate a quieter model.
The model does have its downfalls, however. Its compact design makes it great for small office spaces but comes at the cost of small paper capacity. The loading tray holds only 100 sheets, so expect to make good use of the automatic sliding tray. The output tray will hold only 30 sheets. Print speeds are average for its price range, around 13 pages per minute. Print quality is good, with sharp text and graphics. The printer ships with a 1,000 page yield starter Samsung toner cartridge, but the replacement cartridge has a 2,000 page yield.
Overall, the sleek design, compact size, and quiet operation make the ML-1630 an appealing choice, especially if you need your printer on top of a desk in full view. But for the same price, you can find more features and paper capacity in other brands and models.
