Sharp AL-1551CS Toner Cartridges

Sharp AL-1551CS Printer Review

As the most upgraded in its model line, the Sharp AL-1551CS multifunction laser copier has the most features and capacity among its similar models. This gives it the capability to support a fairly busy small office, with speeds of up to 15 copies per minute. It also provides the benefit of inexpensive Sharp AL-1551CS toner supplies.

Among the upgrades from smaller models, the AL-1551 includes a 30-sheet automatic document feeder for faster scans and copies of multiple pages at a time. It also includes a second paper tray, each holding up to 250 sheets, and a 50-sheet bypass tray that can hold alternative media like envelopes or transparencies.

The AL-1551CS model does inherit some of the other models problems, as well as their benefits. For example, output is still limited to only 600 dpi, which is great for text but not as impressive for photos and detailed graphics. It has the improvement of a USB port, however, unlike older models that were limited to a parallel port, so it is easy to connect to modern computers, but it lacks network or wireless support for those who might want it. It also inherits a design quirk that requires a user to open both the side and front of the machine to replace toners.

High-yield Sharp AL-1551CS toner cartridges are available for up to 6,000 pages of output. This is an improvement on the standard Sharp AL-1551CS toner cartridge that offers only 4,000 pages, and since it is only slightly more expensive, the cost per page is significantly reduced.

Small office users considering the AL-1551CS will want to make sure they really need its extra paper tray, as the smaller models in its line could be a better value. Otherwise, the unit provides solid speeds, a compact design, and inexpensive Sharp AL-1551CS toner supplies that could end up saving a small office a lot of money over time.