A Jack of one Trade, and a Master of it!!

Why I bought this product:
I needed a good solid printer for my summer camp that could handle a heavy workload, including printing out flyers and high copy runs. I also wanted a printer that had the flexibility of nice clear color so that the kids would be able to use it for school, reports, projects or whatever else they might need it for. While this printer was a bit larger than I had planned on, it fit the bill nicely.

Where you can get it:
I purchased this printer at Staples. After tax, this purchase came out to a little more than $500.00. I have seen this model available at Best Buy, Office Max and Office Depo at varying times of the year. If you're savvy, you'll watch for sales and rebates and you can probably get a better deal on it than we did.

What it comes with:
The box is pretty large; it comes with everything you need, including instructions, cleaning brush, cables and installation software. The software was very easy to set up, and I was relieved to not have the urge to toss the installation CD against the wall like I often do with electronics that come with installation CD's. Best of all, it comes with "starter" ink cartridges that I found to be more than generous. I used them for at least a couple of months before having to replace one, and we use our printer a lot. We were thrilled with the starter cartridges; we thought they were a very generous add on.

The Ink Cartridges:
The refill cartridges last for 10,000 copies, which I've seen to be pretty well on target. The color cartridges are $99.00 each (Yellow, Magenta and Cyan) and the black cartridge is a bit cheaper, usually around $68.00. You can find the cartridges anywhere that the printer is sold. Don't let the price of the ink scare you; when you consider how often you have to replace your ink jet cartridges, it's really not that bad after all.

My Experience with the Konica Minolta Magicolor:
I have had this printer for three years now, and I have used it extensively in a wide variety of settings. I am always pleased with it, and would purchase another to replace it without a second thought. It prints crystal clear, high quality prints, in both black and color. I have never been disappointed with it. It is a large machine, and does take a moment or two to "wake up" between uses, but I think that's a small sacrifice in exchange for what you're actually getting. I have used a variety of different papers in it, ranging from generic copy paper to thick card stock. It performs well on all papers; color photos seem to print out the nicest on paper that is somewhere in between. The paper is loaded from the bottom, and for an additional fee, you can add an additional paper tray for large copy jobs. As it stands now, I can print 250 copies with the tray that came with this copier. It prints as fast as, or faster than some of the black and white printers can print, but in color. It can print 18-21 pages per minute, depending on what you are printing. It doesn't have paper jams; I have have never had one since I've been using this printer.

Item Features and Specifications:
Laser Printer
Comes with cleaning brush
Prints Black and Color
Weight: Approx. 80 lbs
Measurements: 16" x 19.5" x 16.5"
Prints pages up to 8.5" x 14"

This printer is not a fancy-schmancy all in one combo printer, which makes it unique from some of the other printers that are often touted in the office supply stores. It is not packed with a bunch of useless features that you'll never use. It is a printer, and it's good at its job. I couldn't ask for more. It's not elegant or action packed, but it certainly accomplishes the job quickly and perfectly, each and every time.