Tuned for speed and attractive output, the HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color Printer M451dn is a small-office printer that sings - but it hits a sour note with high-priced toner and expensive memory.

Does it do its job? The main points are: are the prints high quality? Is it fast enough? Is it reliable? The print is all three. Then is it affordable. The cost of the printer itself is okay, but per- cost is relatively high since toner is expensive. Other things are good.

Reliable; fast; and quality prints

Toner is expensive

I did not have a problem with the install on this printer as I had read others have. I did have to use the installation disc though. What I like about this printer is that it is smaller than my last HP color LaserJet. The ink cartridges are smaller too. It prints out fast copies.

compact fast clear copies

HP's $500 LaserJet Pro 400 M451dn color laser printer produces extremely nice output (including photos) and is very speedy for a model in this price range. It also has an automatic duplexer, a feature missing from the $450 LaserJet Pro 400 M451nw ( ) that we recently reviewed.

Good performance; Nice output quality

Pricier-than-average toner

The £378 HP LaserJet Pro 400 M451dn colour laser printer produces extremely nice output - including photos - and is very speedy for a model in this price range. It also has an automatic duplexer, a feature missing from the HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color M451nw that we recently reviewed.

Cons

Min specs

If you print in any sort of volume, the ongoing costs for any model in the M451 product line will hurt you eventually - especially if you print lots of colour. Alternatives in this price range include the Dell 2150cdn and Brother HL-4570CDW; the latter's high-yield supplies are much less expensive...

The $500 (as of April 2, 2012) HP LaserJet Pro 400 M451dn color laser printer produces extremely nice output--including photos--and is very speedy for

Nice output quality; Good

Pricier-than-average