We were honestly expecting to see some slow down in the speed at which the ML1651N printed pages from the following tests, but to our surprise the rate held steadfastly at exactly 17 pages a minute according to our stopwatch. Upping the resolution to 1200dpi showed no slowdown in any of the test printings.

Printer Test Patterns

The next set of tests revolve around ZDnets set of printer test patterns. Since we are looking at a mono Laser printer we will only be using two of the three tests. Those of you who would like to test out your current printers can go here to download the test patterns. The patterns are supplied as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat and Jpeg images. Ideally the .AI patterns should be used, but if you don't have the software the .pdf files offer a good alternative. The jpeg image should be avoided where possible as none of the patterns are vectors so if offers the least resolution of the three.

The test patterns are grouped into two sets, the first measuring gradients and resolution, and the second letter quality at different font sizes.

Gradient Test Pattern: The test pattern is encompasses both a vertical and horizontal gradient, which ideally should move smoothly from black to white with no visible banding or jarring. The horizontal gradient is very smooth with only the slightest hint of banding in one or two places. The vertical gradient on the other hand shows some visible banding as the gradient moves past 50% black, ans some minute stepping as the intensity progresses further towards pure black.

Line, and Angled Lines Test Pattern: The solid horizontal and angled lines are perfectly reproduced with no visible breaking or discontinuity.

Bezier Curves and Radial Fills: If you happen to test your own printer out, be sure to note the differences in quality between the Acrobat and Illustrator files. In particular the curves and radial fills will look substantially sub-par when output through the acrobat program. Illustrator works with vectors and the reproduction is much more true. The spirals are very well printed, with only scant instances of blotching visible. The curved lines appear smooth and uniform in width illustrating good print quality.

Font Size Test Pattern

The type test pattern has one sentence, "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog" written in sizes ranging from 48-point to 4-point. In all cases the text is clearly legible, even at the smallest size. Even the "e" in times new roman is clear and distinct with no filling in visible.

Cost per printed page sits at approximately $0.016 per page. The actual yield will undoubtedly be under 8000 pages from the cartridge, but should keep below $0.022 per page if we assume up to 70% yield - still providing a good source of inexpensive printing. Naturally, individual costs per page depend on what you tend to print. If you only ever print pages of text, the 5% coverage and $0.016 cost will stand more valid than if you tend to print pages from the web, or documents with images.

The cost of replacement toner cartridges is about $125.