Printer survey: tell us about your devices

We’re looking for your help again to track the best printers four the 2010 update of our Business Buyer’s Guide to printers. Please take a few moments to complete our online survey.

Based on user feedback, hands-on reviews, and information from manufacturers and specialist websites, last year’s guide highlighted around 50 models that performed well for reliability, quality and value for money. But in such a fast-moving marketplace, it’s hard to know which models have been discontinued and which have taken over as the best buys. The information from survey participants helps us do just that.

The recommended models are collected in a set of four PDF guides:

Desktop - Small office machines typically printing fewer than 20 A4 pages a day. Prices: £60-£300.

Workgroup - Shared printers for small office networks. Prices: £100-£370.

Networked - Expandable machines able to cope with 15+ users. Prices: £200-£2,400.

Enterprise - Departmental printer/copiers that can churn out several hundred pages a day. Prices: £400-£3,000.

The 2009 survey uncovered some underlying trends, such as:

• HP’s continued dominance of the market was confirmed by a 40% share among 2009 survey participants. Vintage black and white LaserJet 4000-series models performed particularly well. HP’s overall satisfaction rating was 3.22 out of 4.
• Canon was the next biggest supplier, with a 17% share and 3.35 satisfaction rating. Its users were split between departmental multi-function laser machines and desktop inkjets such as the popular Pixma MX850 (pictured above, but sadly now discontinued).
• Inkjets were a minority in the 2009 survey; for business use, laser printers are far more reliable and economic. There are also signs that colour laser devices are becoming a common feature in many offices.
• Brother had a 10% share of the sample and achieved the highest satisfaction rating, 3.44, with good scores for reliability (3.62), value for money (3.54) and speed (3.31).
• Xerox’s solid ink Phaser range came out with the highest rating for quality at 3.67, ahead of Samsung’s 3.50.

But can the big manufacturers rest on their laurels? Our series of printer guides includes recommendations for some very good machines from the likes of OKI and Kyocera Mita, while Dell and Lexmark have introduced some exciting new devices during the past year.

By taking part in this year’s online survey, you can help us spot this year’s best buys. Our updated guides will be published later this month.