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Enlarge ImageRicoh
If you want to print in color, inkjet printers have always been the necessary evil: They’re way less expensive than color lasers, or at least it seems that way until you have to replace their ink cartridges every five minutes.
Me, I’ve always preferred laser printers, which tend to cost more up front but have a lower total cost per page.
Today, however, you can get one for less up front: Adorama has the Ricoh SP C250DN color laser printer for $69.99 shipped. That’s after applying promo code 1CHPSKATE1 at checkout. Price elsewhere: at least $127.
The SP C250DN is a tall, office-friendly printer with a 250-sheet paper tray. It offers duplexing (i.e., double-sided printing), and it connects via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Bad news: It doesn’t support AirPrint or Google Cloud Print (natively). Good news: Ricoh offers Android and iOS apps for printing from your phone or tablet. There’s also a Google Cloud Print app for use with Chromebooks and PCs, but the SP C250DN isn’t listed among the supported models.
Speaking of which, CNET hasn’t reviewed the SP C250DN, and in fact I had a hard time finding any reviews of that model. PC Mag covered the SP C242DN and gave it mostly high marks, but I’m not sure of the differences between that printer and this one. Usually a higher number is indicative of more features, and they certainly look and sound identical.
In any case, read what PC Mag had to say about the cost per page: It’s lower on the Ricoh printer than most other models. Of course, that was back in 2012; you should definitely investigate the current cost of replacement toner cartridges, as well as refill kits. (I found one of the latter on eBay for about $40.)
Unknowns notwithstanding, this is one of the lowest prices I’ve ever seen on a new color laser with duplexing and wireless. Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: Any self-respecting home theater needs a hub in the form of a receiver. Like this one: Today only, and while supplies last, Meh has the Pioneer VSX-524-K 5.1-channel stereo receiver for $144, plus $5 for shipping. Price elsewhere: at least $247. The specs on this favorably rated model include four HDMI 2.0 inputs, a 4K pass-through and a front-accessible USB port. It does, however, lack wireless (and therefore app) capabilities, if that matters.
