AL-1655CS DRUM

Sharp AL-1655CS Review

Overview:

The Sharp AL-1655CS is a multifunctional desktop copy machine that, while covering all its bases as far as printing, copying, and scanning functionality, does not excel in any one area, and is an overall mediocre piece of hardware that is best suited for an individual user with moderate copy and print demands.

Pros:

The Sharp AL-1655CS is a capable all around desktop copy machine, regardless of its many limitations. The unit is in fact not equipped with a fax modem, placing it in the 3 in 1 category. It is equipped with a 30 page automatic document feeder which is a welcome addition considering the ramifications that an ADF bring. With the ability to automatically load up to 30 pages of input material for scanning and copying, users will save countless moments of hand feeding time, though using the flip top document glass is always an option.

Paper storage consists of two individual feeders. A 250 sheet tray is the printer’s main storage supply and can hold standard paper sizes such as Letter and Legal, while a 50 sheet bypass tray is perfect for special media types of all kinds including card stock, transparencies, and envelopes. Both the automatic document feeder and the bypass tray can handle documents as little in size as 3.5 x 5.5 inches. The standard paper tray can also accept small sizes, but not thicker note cards.

Cons:

Its not necessarily one particular area that the Sharp AL-1655CS really fails in, but more its overall mediocrity that makes it an undesirable piece of equipment. The device’s optical scan resolution of 600 x 1200 dots per inch is perfectly acceptable for a device in this category, but why is its interpolated resolution limited to only 2400 x 2400 dots per inch? Admittedly, the more common 9600 x 9600 dot per inch enhanced scan resolution that is most commonly seen is rarely taken advantage of in the real world, but it is still always nice to have the option to make an ultra high res scan.

The device’s copy speed of only 16 pages per minute ensures that it is significantly slower than its counterparts found on shelves today, and its print speed also tops out at only 16 ppm. Print resolution is also not great and is selectable up to 600 x 600 dots per inch. While this resolution is by no means inexcusable, it ensures that image printing and copying will execute with less than outstanding results and that the machine is best suited to handle plain black and white text.

Multiple users have reported that the Sharp AL-1655CS is of cheap design and is just plain flimsy. Regardless of its on paper specifications, it is prone to paper jams and is unreliable. The printer was designed with a low price point in mind, and did deliver when it came to affordability, but new technology has made the laser multifunctional printer much less expensive and buyers would certainly be best off looking at current models instead of bargain hunting for refurbished old units such as the Sharp AL-1655CS.