Samsung ML6040 Printer

Samsung continues its assault on the competition with the introduction of a group of seven new mono lasers aimed at personal users, small businesses and corporates. On review here is the ML6040 model, sitting at the lower end of the range and offering a top true resolution of 600dpi plus a print speed of 12ppm (pages per minute).

The ML6040 targets workgroups and small offices. Top resolution is at 600dpi with processing power at 66Mhz, while standard memory is 4Mb, although this cannot be upgraded. However, also being a Windows GDI driven printer (graphics device interface) the ML6040 relies on host PC horsepower.

Along with the standard parallel port, the ML6040 offers a USB port and the single lower paper tray has room for 270 A4 sheets. Printing costs are far more acceptable, as the toner cartridge (£65 ex VAT) lasts for 6000 pages at five per cent coverage and can deliver a page for only one pence. We found quoted print speeds spot on, with our 15-page document churned out in 75 seconds and a 12-page DTP document done and dusted in just over one minute.

Print quality is superior to the entry-level Samsung ML4050, as text was razor sharp right down to the smallest sizes, while graphics and photographs showed good levels of detail and minimal banding.

With a price tag of only £224 ex VAT, the ML6040 looks very good value although upgrade potential is severely limited. If you want network printing you'll need to consider the ML6060 (£262 ex VAT), which supports an optional print server card and also offers PCL6 drivers. Even so, the ML6040 is impressive: it offers features well suited to the target market, with good print quality and output speeds, and all at a very reasonable price.

(Adapted from an original review which also featured the Samsung ML4050 printer.)

Contact
Samsung 020 8391 0168 www.samsung.com