Dell B1160 Laser Printer Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This dell b1160 laser printer review examines a compact monochrome device designed for straightforward office tasks. It delivers 21 pages per minute in black and white, which handles basic document queues without delay. The unit prints at 600 dpi resolution, ensuring text remains sharp for standard reports. It connects via USB, keeping setup simple for single-computer environments. The printer is desktop-friendly, measuring 18 inches wide and weighing 11 pounds. Manual duplex printing is included, allowing you to save paper on two-sided documents. This model focuses on essential functions rather than advanced connectivity or high-volume speed.
What stands out
- Prints at 21 pages per minute for steady output
- 600 dpi resolution keeps text clear and legible
- USB connectivity ensures easy plug-and-play installation
- Manual duplex printing reduces paper usage
- Compact footprint fits well on standard desks
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this printer if you need a reliable, no-frills device for light to moderate printing. It suits small home offices or workgroups that primarily print text documents. The 21 ppm speed is adequate for occasional bursts of work. Manual duplex printing is a nice touch for reducing paper costs. If you do not require wireless connectivity or high-speed color printing, this monochrome laser unit provides a practical, space-saving solution for your daily document needs.
Who should skip it
Skip this model if you require high-volume printing or advanced features. The 21 ppm speed may feel slow for busy departments with heavy daily loads. It lacks wireless connectivity, so you must connect via USB cable. There is no automatic duplex printing, meaning you must flip pages manually. If you need color output, this monochrome-only device will not meet your requirements. Look for a higher-tier model with faster speeds and network capabilities instead.
Verdict: The Dell B1160 is a basic, monochrome laser printer best suited for light users who need simple USB connectivity. It offers adequate speed and resolution for standard text documents, but lacks advanced features for high-volume or networked environments.
Dell B1160 Key Specs Explained
Print Speed: 21 ppm
This metric indicates the printer produces twenty-one pages every minute. For light office use, this speed handles standard document queues efficiently without causing significant delays. You should compare this rate with other entry-level monochrome lasers to ensure it meets your daily volume needs.
Print Resolution: Up to 600 dpi
The device prints at 600 dots per inch, which ensures text remains sharp and legible. This resolution is standard for business documents and reports. It provides clear output for everyday tasks, though it may not suit high-detail graphic work compared to higher-resolution models.
Connectivity: USB
This printer connects directly to a computer via a USB cable. You do not need network infrastructure to use it, which simplifies setup for a single workstation. Consider this limitation if you require wireless printing or sharing the device among multiple users in an office.
Duplex Printing: Manual
The machine supports two-sided printing, but you must flip the paper yourself. This feature saves paper compared to single-sided printing. However, it requires your active involvement to complete the job, which differs from automatic duplex models that handle flipping without user intervention.
Physical Design and Build Details
The Dell B1160 measures 18 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 20 inches tall. It weighs 11 pounds. These dimensions place it firmly in the desktop category. You can fit it on a standard office desk without crowding the workspace. The compact footprint allows for easy placement in tight areas, such as a cubicle corner or a small home office nook. The weight suggests a stable base that resists tipping during paper loading or maintenance tasks.
According to the listing, the exterior finish is black. This color choice helps the unit blend into most professional environments. The monochrome laser technology is housed within this sturdy casing. You do not need to worry about color fading or matching decorative elements. The design prioritizes function over aesthetics. This utilitarian look suits busy offices where durability and space efficiency matter more than visual flair.
The layout is straightforward. There are no complex control panels visible in the provided data. Connectivity is limited to USB. This means you connect directly to a computer rather than a network. The manual duplex feature requires you to flip pages yourself. This adds a step to your workflow but saves paper. The physical build supports these basic tasks without unnecessary bulk. You get a reliable machine that fits where you need it.
Setup And Daily Operation Guide
Connecting the Dell B1160 is straightforward because it relies solely on a USB interface. You do not need to configure network settings or install wireless drivers. This direct connection reduces initial setup time and eliminates potential connectivity issues common with networked devices. You simply link the printer to your computer using the provided cable. The monochrome laser technology means you only need to manage a single toner cartridge. This simplifies the maintenance routine compared to color laser models. You will not need to swap multiple ink tanks or manage complex color calibration. The manual duplex feature allows you to print on both sides of the paper. You must flip the sheets yourself after the first side prints. This requires your attention but offers the benefit of saving paper costs. The 600 dpi resolution is sufficient for standard business documents. Text will appear sharp and legible for internal memos and reports. You should avoid using this device for high-resolution photo prints or detailed graphics. The 21 ppm print speed handles moderate workloads efficiently. You can expect consistent output for typical office tasks. The desktop form factor keeps the unit accessible on your desk. You can monitor the print job status directly from your computer screen. This setup is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and reliable text output over advanced features.
Before you buy this printer
You should verify your computer has an available USB port before purchasing. This model connects only via USB, so it cannot join a shared network wirelessly. If you need multiple users to print, you will need to connect it to a host PC. Check that your operating system supports the drivers for this device. The printer includes manual duplex printing. You will need to flip each page by hand to print on both sides. This adds time to longer jobs. Keep extra toner on hand, as replacement cartridges vary by region. The 18-inch width fits most desks, but ensure you have clearance for paper output. Compare this unit against other entry-level options in Laser Printers & Office Machines. It suits single-user environments with light to moderate daily volume.
Check before you buy
- Verify you have a free USB port on your computer.
- Confirm your operating system supports the required printer drivers.
- Ensure you can manually flip pages for two-sided printing.
- Check desk space for the 18-inch width and output tray.
The product at a glance
Dell B1160 Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: Basic monochrome USB printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- 21 ppm
- Connectivity
- USB
- Duplex Printing
- Manual duplex
- Print Resolution
- Up to 600 dpi
View on Amazon: Dell B1160 Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Dell B1160 is a desktop monochrome laser printer designed for basic office tasks. It prints at 21 pages per minute with 600 dpi resolution. Connectivity is limited to USB. You can perform manual duplex printing. The unit measures 18 by 14 by 20 inches and weighs 11 pounds. It suits users needing simple, reliable black-and-white output without network features.
Pros
- 21 ppm monochrome print speed
- 600 dpi print resolution
- Manual duplex printing support
- Compact desktop footprint
Cons
- USB connectivity only
- Manual duplex operation
- No wireless networking
Good fit if
- You need a simple USB-connected printer
- You print mostly black and white documents
- You want a compact desktop unit
Skip if
- You require automatic two-sided printing
- You need wireless or network printing
- You print color documents
Verdict: Dell B1160 Monochrome Laser Printer fits users who need basic USB printing. It handles standard office documents efficiently. Skip it if you need color or wireless features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Dell B1160 Monochrome Laser Printer |
|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser |
| Print Output | Monochrome |
| Print Speed | 21 ppm |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Duplex Printing | Manual duplex |
| Print Resolution | Up to 600 dpi |
| Features | Duplex Printing |
| Scanner Type | Desktop |
| Duplex Scanning | Duplex |
| Dimensions | 14 × 18 × 20 inches |
| Weight | 11 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Model | B1160 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Dell B1160 support wireless printing?
No, this printer does not support wireless connectivity. It relies solely on a USB connection for communication with your computer. You must connect the device directly via cable. This limits its use to a single workstation or a PC sharing the port. It cannot join a wireless network for multi-user access.
Can the Dell B1160 print in color?
No, the Dell B1160 is a monochrome laser printer. It produces black and white output only. It is designed for standard office documents that do not require color. If you need color printing, you must look for a different model. This unit handles text and grayscale images efficiently.
Does the Dell B1160 have an automatic duplex feature?
Yes, the Dell B1160 supports duplex printing. This feature allows you to print on both sides of the paper automatically. It helps save paper and reduces clutter in your office. You do not need to manually flip sheets for double-sided documents. This is a useful efficiency boost for high-volume text printing.
What is the print resolution of the Dell B1160?
The Dell B1160 offers a print resolution of up to 600 dpi. This resolution ensures that text remains sharp and legible. It is suitable for standard business documents, letters, and reports. While it does not offer high-resolution photo printing, it delivers clear output for everyday office tasks.
How big is the Dell B1160 printer?
The Dell B1160 measures 18 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 20 inches tall. It weighs 11 pounds. These dimensions make it a compact desktop unit. You can place it on a standard office desk without taking up excessive space. Its size fits well in small workspaces or cubicles.
Is the Dell B1160 a scanner or a printer?
The Dell B1160 is primarily a monochrome laser printer. It does not function as a multifunction device with scanning capabilities. You use it solely for printing documents via USB. If you need scanning features, you must use a separate device. This printer focuses on dedicated print performance.