Okidata C531dn Toner
Oki C531dn Toner Cartridges

Okidata C531dn Printer Review

With glowing reviews on every aspect except its photo output, the Okidata C531dn color laser printer is pretty impressive. Its affordable price is a major selling point, yet it can still output up to 31 pages per minute in monochrome and 27 pages per minute in color. As an upgrade from the similar C331dn model, the Okidata C531dn printer toner supplies also have larger capacities, for a lower cost per page.

There is no C531 base model in the series, but the C531d offers the duplexing feature without networking. Given the small price break, this isn't recommended, as buyers may have a need for the ethernet port in the future. The main paper tray is equipped for up to 250 sheets, and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray can be used for everything from standard paper to envelopes and transparencies. An optional 530-sheet tray can expand the machine even further.

Reviewers were very positive about the C531dn, especially for its compact design and duplexing capabilities at such a low price point. They found its photo quality lacking, but found text and graphics quality to be fairly average. This makes it a better fit for office environments than for photo-centric home use, despite its affordability.

The cost of toners does tend to be higher than its competition, however, though Okidata C531dn toner cartridges come in multiple capacities for better cost management. The standard Oki C531dn toner cartridges provide 3,000 pages for each color supply and 3,500 pages for black. High-capacity supplies can go up to 5,000 pages, bringing the cost per page down significantly. Remanufactured Oki C531dn toner is available at even lower prices than OEM supplies.

The Oki C531dn is a great starter machine for a small office, with just enough speed and output quality to get the job one efficiently. Some users might want a bit more speed, but it is hard to complain about such a compact device with such impressive performance.