The Lexmark C720 color laser printer is an image ready printer with utilities and image enhancements standard; the printer is priced around $450.00.

Sporting an RM5231 266 MHz processor coupled with 32 MB of standard memory, higher end models come with 64 MB, the Lexmark C720 delivers specifications that help with printing color images. Installed on the printers in the series are parallel and USB ports on the base model while the C720n and dn models come equipped with networking via Ethernet ports. A maximum of 384 MB of memory is allowed on the C720. In addition some models have a Token-Ring connection by way of DB9 or RJ45 ports. Optional additions include a hard disk of 8 GB maximum size and auto dulplexing. One feature on the Lexmark C720, OptraImage, allows for the Lexmark C720 printer to be used as a printer or copier over the network. These are rated as desktop models but weighing in at 86 pounds you will need a very sturdy desk. Media handling is on par with comparable printers while the supported operating systems specification is far more impressive than other in class printers.

Color documents are excellent competing with high end inkjet printers with ease. The 2400 IQ image enhancement software is the brains behind the operation calibrating and adjusting for small variances in color and paper quality. Print speeds for color documents are only at 6 pages per minute but it is worth the wait; cost per printed color pages is average at $.12 at about 10% coverage. Text is presented well even at fine font sizes and cost around $.02 per print. While the maximum paper input is lower than some, comes in at 750 sheets, the monthly duty cycle is well suited for a small or medium work group at 45,000 pages. In addition to the image enhancements a simple to use desktop interface makes the LCD screen on the printer seem archaic.

The Lexmark C720 prints in full color with surprising precision based on its price; however, you will need to pay extra for duplexing and deal with slower printing speeds for color documents.

Both of these printers support the same printer languages, PCL 6, PCL 5E and PostScript 3 but the Lexmark C720 blows the HP 3800 out of the water with supported platforms. The HP only supports Mac and Windows users while the Lexmark is compatible with SuSE Linux, SunSoft Solaris, Novell, and Red Hat Linux to name a few; the list is long and covers almost everything. The HP does handle and carry more media capacity than the Lexmark by about 100 sheets creating higher performance and better work flow. Base memory is a bit higher on the HP 3800 at 96 MB opposed to the Lexmark C720 base memory of 32 MB.

Envelopes are supported well in both printer camps with a few variations; the HP LaserJet 3800 supports US No. 10, while the Lexmark C720 supports both US No. 10 and No. 9 giving it a slight edge over the Hewlett Packard. The HP has a larger monthly duty cycle of 65,000 making it a bit more durable and better suited to higher volume printing needs. Toner cartridges are a bit simpler to change on the Lexmark with all of the consumables in one place under a single access panel versus the HP 3800 toner cartridges. The HP Color LaserJet 3800 is far better suited for fast and higher volume printing but the Lexmark C720 provides slightly better graphics at a slower speed.