I am in the market for a color laser printer to use in my home-based
custom stationery business.  I
currently use an inkjet printer with good results, but would like a
faster machine, the flexibility of
printing on coated paper and ink that doesn't smear when wet.  I use
100 pound paper most of the time, but also use 24# copy paper and
80#-110# paper for various projects.  I need to be able to print the
card stock from the auto feeder....not manually feed it!

I print approximately 500 sheets/week during my busy times.  I
would like to spend no more than $500 or so, but will spend more if a
machine is worth it.  I've also just started hearing about the Xerox
Phaser solid ink printers and wondered if I should consider those?

I have used the (formerly Tektornix) Xerox Phasers -- they are
terrific for doing vibrant color graphic artwork, but they are very
expensive to operate -- the solid inks cost a lot.  A couple friends
use them in their graphic art work, professionally, and loves the
printer.

Yeah, I've compared the Xerox solid color to laser printer. It depends
on the laser--some lasers are excellent and some not so, but overall
the waxy ink is probably more vibrant than toner from a laser, but
there is less fine detail, and text isn't as sharp. The best way to
evaluate this is to call Xerox and get some free print samples from
their solid ink and laser printers.

You also have to be careful not to put the printed sheets in a hot
place or in the sun because the wax will melt! It will also scratch
off pretty easily with a fingernail.

Cost is another issue. Full color coverage of an 8.5x11 page can cost
from $1 to $2 in toner/ink costs. But I don't think it costs any more
than inkjet. It's probably cheaper than inkjet so this may not be an
issue for you.

Do you have full color coverage on what you print? What is your
approximate cost per page using an inkjet?