Dell 2230d review

Dell has expanded their line of printers to include photo inkjets, the trendy inkless Wasabi, and speedy laser printers.  And while we've delved into their consumer lineup with reviews of the P703w, the V505, and the Wasabi we had yet to touch anything from the business side.  Until now.

Today, we have a review of the Dell 2230d single function monochrome laser printer.  It's advertised as a compact yet speedy printer with good, basic features.  But will it live up to the hype?  Read on to find out!

DELL 2230D SPECIFICATIONS

• Print speed: up to 35 ppm
• Print resolution: up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
• First page out: as fast as 7.5 seconds
• Automatic duplexing
• Monthly duty cycle: up to 35,000 pages
• 400 MHz processor, 32 MB memory standard
• 250-sheet paper drawer
• 1-page multipurpose tray
• Operating systems: Windows, MacOS, Linux, NetWare

BUILD AND DESIGN

The Dell 2230d is not a knockout in the looks department but it blends in well with a small footprint; in most offices, that's necessary.  The dimensions for the 2230d are approximately 16 x 14 x 10 inches and it weighs less than 30 lbs. 

The printer is done in a mix of dark grey and light gray and has a raised Dell logo on the top left hand corner.  The output bin is located on the top of the printer; it can hold a maximum of 150 sheets.  There is a small flip up output extension for larger jobs.

Below the extension resides the control panel.  There are only two buttons: a start button and a cancel button.  There are five LED lights that alert users to errors or depleted supplies.  For example, Dell offers their toner management system which informs users when toner is running low.

On the left side of the 2230d, there is a small button that releases the front panel giving users access to the toner cartridge.  The cartridge for the 2230d is apart of Dell’s Use and Return program and has a bright green handle for easy removal.

Below the control panel, there is a small handle that pulls out the single sheet multipurpose tray. The tray has two adjustable paper claps and can handle several different media types up to 43 lbs. in weight.

The 250-sheet paper tray is below the multipurpose tray.  There are three adjustable paper clasps; one on each side of the drawer and one on the back of the drawer. Additionally, users can add an optional 250-sheet drawer.

On the right side of the 2230d, there is access to the upgradeable memory.  The 2230d comes with a 400 MHz processor and 32 MB of memory, standard.  Users can add an additional 128 MB of memory giving the 2230d a maximum memory of 160 MB.

There is access to the paper path from the rear of the 2230d incase of a paper jam.  Below that, users will find the power switch, power port, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port and Parallel port.  The 2230d does not have network capability standard and does not include a USB cable.