Dell Laser P1500 Printer - The More Than Capable Small Office Printer

The print quality is good, but at times you may find a little of speckle if you take a closer look. However, for the average user, it is decent enough. It also produces clean and distinct lines, which makes this machine good for graphics.

Moreover, the device lacks a display screen. If there is a problem, you would need to read the manual to tell what its six lights is trying to tell you. The six lights can indicate anything from cartridge problems to paper jams. The two buttons on the control panel can be used to cancel the ongoing print or resume it.

The Dell P1500 printer also boasts a monthly duty cycle 15,000 pages, which is pretty good for its price. It has a maximum resolution of 600x600 dpi or 1200 image quality. However, if you are planning to use this printer for specifically for graphics or photos, it might disappoint you. If you have a keen eye for detail, you will notice that some its lines are jagged or spattered.

The printer has a built-in 16MB memory, which you can expand up to 144 MB. It is powered by a 200 MHz processor, which is fast enough for heavy printing. Upgrading the memory is somewhat difficult since it involves opening the main door, removing the Dell compatible toners, and taking out the system board shield. It also requires you to loosen a couple of screws to remove it.

The input tray can hold a maximum of 400 sheets, while the output tray holds 100 sheets. However, the manual or auxiliary feed only one envelope at a time, which can be a little frustrating. If you want to print labels or other delicate media, the input tray might damage them. Here is what you can do, open up the exit door on the front and insert it there instead. Inserting paper through the exit door does not turn the paper a 180-degrees, unlike the input door or tray.

The bundled software is something that Dell needs to fix. It seems a status windows keeping popping up every time you start printing. Getting a notice regarding the how much toner is left every time is very irritating. Unfortunately, there is no way to turn off this feature.

The overlay management software is included in the utility CD. It also has an application that lets you add a watermark effect on documents. The utility software can also control the darkness of the ink. It has 10 levels to choose from. You can also choose from different print styles that best suit your needs.

Unfortunately, the Dell P1500 printer only supports Windows based computers. It also includes a one-year manufacturer warranty. You also have the option of extending the warranty for a premium price. Keep your printouts looking sharp and crisp by replacing the Dell P1500 toner when needed. Quality and clarity are important traits with Dell ink and toner. So stock up on cartridge toners.