Today we look at two printers from the same manufacturer, the Xerox Phaser 6180 and the Xerox Phaser 8560 , to see which one offers the overall best value. While both units are very similar in speed, features, and print quality, they have some very important differences to explore.

Each unit comes in multiple configurations to suit different needs. The N model of each includes built-in networking support, allowing it to be connected directly to an ethernet network for sharing among multiple users. The DN model of each also adds automatic duplexing to the mix, for printing on both sides of the page, opening up more printing options and helping to save on paper costs.

The biggest difference between the two printers is their ink technologies. The Xerox 6180 uses standard laser toner cartridges for its toner, while the Xerox 8560 uses a newer technology, known as solid ink. This incorporates the use of “ink sticks” which are melted before being transferred to the page. This has many advantages, including faster faster speeds and easier replacement. Let’s see if this is the case.

Print speeds are always a major factor with any printer, so let’s compare the two. The Phaser 6180 prints at around 26 pages per minute for black, and 20 pages per minute. The Phaser 8560 has the edge on speed, however, at a speed of around 30 pages per minute for both color and monochrome printing. In their review of the Phaser 8560N, computershopper.com pointed out that it begins printing much quicker than similar models, but takes longer to warm up in the morning.

Print quality is another major factor when comparing printers. On this point, the 8560 seems to have the edge as well. Computershopper.com called the print quality for 8560N “superb”, and said it was as good or better than a high-end laser printer. PC Magazine said the 6180 had solid print quality overall, but that the graphics quality could be a little better.

While the two printers are not noticeably different in many aspects, the solid ink technology of the Phaser 8560 offers many advantages the Phaser 6180 does not. For example, solid ink produces significantly less waste than laser toner cartridges. When a solid ink stick is completely melted and used up, there is no waste left behind. When a laser toner cartridge is used up, it leaves a cartridge that must be recycled or disposed of. Solid ink is also easier to use, as the Xerox 8560 ink tanks and sticks are notched to avoid placing them in the wrong spot. Replacing a Xerox 6180 toner cartridge can often be confusing and easy to misplace. Lastly, ink sticks are less expensive, and offer a lower cost per page than laser toner cartridges.

When weighing the faster speeds, better quality, and numerous other advantages of solid ink technology, the Phaser 8560 has the clear advantage.

Today we look at two printers from the same manufacturer, the Xerox Phaser 6180 and the Xerox Phaser 8560 , to see which one offers the overall best value. While both units are very similar in speed, features, and print quality, they have some very important differences to explore.

Each unit comes in multiple configurations to suit different needs. The N model of each includes built-in networking support, allowing it to be connected directly to an ethernet network for sharing among multiple users. The DN model of each also adds automatic duplexing to the mix, for printing on both sides of the page, opening up more printing options and helping to save on paper costs.

The biggest difference between the two printers is their ink technologies. The Xerox 6180 uses standard laser toner cartridges for its toner, while the Xerox 8560 uses a newer technology, known as solid ink. This incorporates the use of “ink sticks” which are melted before being transferred to the page. This has many advantages, including faster faster speeds and easier replacement. Let’s see if this is the case.

Print speeds are always a major factor with any printer, so let’s compare the two. The Phaser 6180 prints at around 26 pages per minute for black, and 20 pages per minute. The Phaser 8560 has the edge on speed, however, at a speed of around 30 pages per minute for both color and monochrome printing. In their review of the Phaser 8560N, computershopper.com pointed out that it begins printing much quicker than similar models, but takes longer to warm up in the morning.

Print quality is another major factor when comparing printers. On this point, the 8560 seems to have the edge as well. Computershopper.com called the print quality for 8560N “superb”, and said it was as good or better than a high-end laser printer. PC Magazine said the 6180 had solid print quality overall, but that the graphics quality could be a little better.

While the two printers are not noticeably different in many aspects, the solid ink technology of the Phaser 8560 offers many advantages the Phaser 6180 does not. For example, solid ink produces significantly less waste than laser toner cartridges. When a solid ink stick is completely melted and used up, there is no waste left behind. When a laser toner cartridge is used up, it leaves a cartridge that must be recycled or disposed of. Solid ink is also easier to use, as the Xerox 8560 ink tanks and sticks are notched to avoid placing them in the wrong spot. Replacing a Xerox 6180 toner cartridge can often be confusing and easy to misplace. Lastly, ink sticks are less expensive, and offer a lower cost per page than laser toner cartridges.

When weighing the faster speeds, better quality, and numerous other advantages of solid ink technology, the Phaser 8560 has the clear advantage.