The Dell P1500 printer is a very attractive device for people that prioritize speed without spending a fortune. The device can print 25% faster compared to any printer under the price range. At $289, it even beats some of its more expensive counterparts.
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.
It has a monthly duty cycle of 15,000 pages, which makes it very attractive for a person with a home office or small business. The Dell P1500 laser printer can deliver up to 600 x 600 dpi resolution. If you are going to use this primarily for photo and graphic printing, the device might disappoint you. Some spattering and jagged lines might ruin the picture.
Installing additional RAM can be a bit troublesome. It involves removing the toner and loosening some screws to take out the system board shield. You have to do all these to reach the DIMM slots for the RAM. The memory or RAM can be expanded up to 144MB. The 200 MHz processor is also fast enough to handle almost anything you can throw at it.
A 400 sheet input tray is included in the package. However, if you are planning to print on sticker, labels and other delicate media, you might want to use the output tray instead. This is because of the input tray’s 180-degree turn. The auxiliary feeder can only handle one envelope at a time, which is a bit frustrating if you are in hurry. The output tray can also be used to store 100 sheets.
Dell needs to fix the bundled software. The application always pops up when you start printing. Getting a reminder occasionally is good, but receiving one each time you use the printer is too much. And to a make matters worse, there is nothing you can do to turn it off.
The software also lets you print watermarks. Overlay management is also a feature found in its supplementary application. The depth of the ink can be controlled by choosing from 10 levels of darkness. Features like smoothing and negative page for graphing purposes are also included. You can also choose from a variety styles, like poster and booklet.
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 Laser P1500 replacement toner when needed. Quality and clarity are important traits with Dell laser toner. So stock up on replacement toner.