Xerox Phaser 7400 Review

When I first looked at the Phaser 7400, I wondered why it was so much more expensive than my favorite Phaser model, the 8560. The speeds were slightly better, but for that alone I couldn't understand why the 7400 was almost $2,000 more. Looking a bit closer, I was quickly able to understand what made the 7400 such a good printer, and why it's price, which looks daunting at first, is more than justified. It's actually a steal at this price for everything you are getting.

Since I mentioned speed above, let's see what the PPM (prints per minute) of the 7400 are. Color clocks in at an impressive 36, with black and white at a very good 40. Also the speed for the first page out is 12 seconds, and very modest speed, but very useful nonetheless. These speeds match, or are slightly below, those of Xerox's larger commercial printers, so you're definitely getting your money's worth here, but there is still more.

Most of the Phaser models Xerox created have a maximum paper size of 8.5x14, or legal paper. While this isn't bad, some of us want to print on larger sizes, say for small banners or easier to look at graphs and spread sheets. Well, unlike so many predecessors, the 7400 can print on 12x18 paper, a paper size standard for many artists. So those of you looking for a great printer outside of common business use will find this increase size to be quite an asset. Also, other printer companies that offer this option force you to place the paper in a bypass tray. For the inexperienced printer, I can tell you that this can be tedious and difficult. Yet, the 7400 comes with regular paper trays equipped to hand the paper size, thereby loading paper is easier, and the job runs smoother. But is this all? No, we still have more to look at.

Again, unlike many Phaser models, the 7400 is capable of doing many finishing options. For those of you who don't know what I mean by finishing, I mean stapling and hole punching, which is exactly what this printer can do. Not only that, but you can make a small upgrade and give your 7400 the ability to duplex (double sided) print. This will save paper, and will help the environment (not to mention your wallet, I'm sure you know by now, but paper prices are on the rise). You will find these options useful for your business, or wherever you plan to use the 7400.

The price tag is a little steep, but compared to commercial machines with just a few more options, this printer is really worth the money. So if you need color printing with larger sizes than 8.5x14, great speeds, and a bunch of finishing options, consider getting the 7400. It's a wise investment for any business, artist, graphic designer, or beginning commercial printer.