Decent, but there are better options
Written: Apr 23 '02
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Pros: Decent printing speed for larger projects
Cons: Expensive, wax printing, noise level
The Bottom Line: Decent printer but not as clear as lasers. I don't like the wax printing but its still decent.
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| trevdoggy's Full Review: Tektronix Phaser 850 Printer |
I work out of two different offices. One has the Tektronix Phaser 850 and one has the 850DP. They are basically the same printer, but the second has the ability to print duplex (both sides of the sheet). Xerox now owns the Tektronix line and they renamed this printer the Xerox Phaser 850. Initially I was excited to have a nice color printer at my disposal. The more experiences I had with the printer the more flawed I realized it was.
I love that this printer is so fast and relatively accurate with its printing. It claims to print up to 16 ppm in color or B&W...it definitely reaches this number with larger print jobs. Smaller projects with lower number of prints don't even approach it though. This printer is very slow to get each page out the first time. If you hope to print out a quick color copy to check for mistakes, plan to set aside a substantial amount of time to wait for it... especially if you have graphic files in it! I would advise having a HP laser printer for your proofs, just print them in black and white.
The noise level of this printer is substantially more than your conventional laser printer. The process it uses to melt the wax is somewhat time consuming and noisy. If you don't have the ability to block out outside noises, this printer will be very distracting.
The reason this printer can spit out color pages so quickly is because it uses a different type of printing process called solid ink whereas laser sprays dry ink onto the page. The problem with the solid ink is that it is basically a form of wax. What happens when you move your fingernail across wax? It scratches off...this is a problem if you plan to give something you printed to a customer. The problem is magnified if you print transparencies on the printer. The bonus is that they supply you with free black ink for the life of the printer (you pay shipping charges though). This is a bonus especially if you use this printer for all print jobs. It wasn't as great to me though because we had B&W laser printers for most of our printing. The wax still comes at a high price but is relatively affordable in the realm of color printers. Because it uses wax, the prints are not as clear as your conventional printers are. You will notice dots in some of the lighter colors it prints...this is annoying when you are printing pictures or graphics!
Within this past year, we have begun to experience frequent jams and occasional printer breakdown situations. I would advise anyone who purchases this to also get an extended repair agreement, as there are limited numbers of repair places that can fix these printers. We have had good experiences with these repair groups thus far though!
EAch of these printers have had their moments. I work with the reg. 850 most often and have begun to dislike it. The wax printing is the primary reason. I don't like that it can be scratched off and that you can only write on the paper with a Sharpie Marker...it makes proofing very difficult unless you print it in B&W on a laser printer. I wouldn't buy this again, but I haven't lost faith in the Phaser line or in Xerox. I am actually considering a Phaser 1235 for my next printer right now.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 3750
Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID:
trevdoggy
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Member: Trevor R
Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Reviews written: 29
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Newly married and new father, experience a new life with me!
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