Sharp AR-505 Toner Cartridges

Sharp AR-505 Printer Review

The Sharp AR-505 digital laser copier can operate at up to 50 copies per minute, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. With standard features like automatic duplexing included, other features like an automatic document feeder come at an upgraded price. Sharp AR-505 printer toner supplies are extremely cost-effective, and worth the tradeoffs, however.

The AR-505 is not by any means a compact machine. It measures 29x24x27 inches and weighs 217 pounds (though the weight of the Sharp AR-505 toner supply is included). It starts with a fairly modest paper capacity of 1,050 sheets, which includes a 50-sheet bypass tray. Upgrades are available for more capacity, and it supports a maximum monthly duty cycle of 125,000 copies, so there is plenty of room to grow.

When it comes to printing, the AR-505 does an adequate job, but its 600 dpi resolution will limit it to text documents and graphics, as photos will generally be lacking in quality. A parallel interface is included for connection to a computer, but the ethernet port connects to an office network for sharing, and will likely be the more popular choice for most offices.

Despite many great features, the low cost of toners might be the most appealing aspect. With a yield of around 25,000 pages for each Sharp AR-505 toner cartridge, replacements will not be needed too often. Combining the low cost and large capacity of the Sharp AR-505 toner cartridges, a very low cost per page for copying and printing is created.

If buyers can get past the high price tag of the Sharp AR-505, its fast speeds and low operating costs may be worth it overall. Those who need very sharp print quality might be a bit disappointed, however, and should probably consider other models instead.