Sharp FO-DC500 Printer Review
The Sharp FO-DC500 is designed to be mainly a laser fax machine, but its basic copying capabilities are adequate for a small office, and optional expansion kits can add printing and scanning functions as well. Copy speeds are solid, at up to 16 pages per minute, and users will save on Sharp FO-DC500 printer toner compared to competing models.
One of the best aspects of the FO-DC500's design is its compact size. Even with Sharp FO-DC500 toner installed, it weighs a bit less than 30 pounds, making it easy to move around. It measures 13.6x21.5x16.2 inches, so it won't consume a lot of office space.
While small devices often sacrifice control panel space, the FO-DC500 incorporates it into the design. The fax control panel actually sits on top of the automatic document feeder rather than in front of it. This offers more room for quick dial buttons and a large navigation pad, and makes it much easier to use.
The machine has a standard media capacity of 250 sheets, contained in a single input paper tray. It can be expanded to a maximum of 750 sheets, however, and the automatic document feeder is fairly roomy, holding up to 50 sheets at once.
The process of replacing toners is simple enough, and the Sharp FO-DC500 toner cartridges won't need to be replaced very often, especially in smaller offices. Each Sharp FO-DC500 toner cartridge offers an impressive yield of around 6,000 pages, keeping the cost per page low.
The FO-DC500 will mainly appeal to buyers who need a dedicated fax machine, but the copying function and optional upgrades make it a viable solution for multifunction use. Still, other models with these functions included will be a more affordable option, even with its low operating costs.