While the base model HP Color LaserJet 2550 has a slow print speed and little connectivity it is a superb choice for small work groups and busy home offices as networking and paper tray options are available. The printer is extremely light weight for a color laser printer at a mere 48 pounds. This is in part due to the small and space saving design of its toner cartridges. To remove the toners the carousel containing them needs to be rotated via a button on the printer, but is very straight forward. The LCD screen is non-existent on the HP 2550, but a fairly intuitive software application that installs with the printer drivers.

The HP LaserJet 2550 only comes equipped with parallel and USB ports, but the 2550Ln, and 2550n models have this standard for an additional fee. Should a business be anticipating growth the higher end models would be a better fit; of course the print servers can be added to the base model at a later time and range from $130.00 to $270.00. Printing is well suited to the average user; text is presented well in small font sizes down to 6 or 7 point font. The HP Color LaserJet 2550 produces acceptable color prints but if your business or office needs highly complex prints this machine will fall a bit short.

At less than $500.00 the HP 2550 is as affordable as it is easy to use. Cost per printed text page is about $.02 and color documents are closer to $.03 per page. If the print demands are more complex these results will vary, especially if full page color prints are needed. Printing speed is a bit slow compared to other printers in its class but the HP 2550 makes up for this with its excellent text printing. A wealth of image and print enhancements will improve the overall quality of color and text printing with color matching and half toning; not meant for photographers and designers, but perfect for the home or small office.

While the base model HP Color LaserJet 2550 has a slow print speed and little connectivity it is a superb choice for small work groups and busy home offices as networking and paper tray options are available. The printer is extremely light weight for a color laser printer at a mere 48 pounds. This is in part due to the small and space saving design of its toner cartridges. To remove the toners the carousel containing them needs to be rotated via a button on the printer, but is very straight forward. The LCD screen is non-existent on the HP 2550, but a fairly intuitive software application that installs with the printer drivers.

The HP LaserJet 2550 only comes equipped with parallel and USB ports, but the 2550Ln, and 2550n models have this standard for an additional fee. Should a business be anticipating growth the higher end models would be a better fit; of course the print servers can be added to the base model at a later time and range from $130.00 to $270.00. Printing is well suited to the average user; text is presented well in small font sizes down to 6 or 7 point font. The HP Color LaserJet 2550 produces acceptable color prints but if your business or office needs highly complex prints this machine will fall a bit short.

At less than $500.00 the HP 2550 is as affordable as it is easy to use. Cost per printed text page is about $.02 and color documents are closer to $.03 per page. If the print demands are more complex these results will vary, especially if full page color prints are needed. Printing speed is a bit slow compared to other printers in its class but the HP 2550 makes up for this with its excellent text printing. A wealth of image and print enhancements will improve the overall quality of color and text printing with color matching and half toning; not meant for photographers and designers, but perfect for the home or small office.