As the holiday season approaches, the importance of having a reliable *color* laser printer for your Mac becomes particularly clear. I’ve tested several models to see which handles professional-quality color printing smoothly, especially with macOS compatibility. The Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw stood out with its fast 26 ppm speed and intuitive 5-inch touchscreen, making it easy to print vibrant documents from any mobile device, whether via Apple AirPrint or the Canon PRINT app. It handles duplex printing effortlessly, perfect for saving paper on reports and marketing materials.
Compared to the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw, which also offers vivid color and auto duplex, the Canon’s combination of quick setup, high page yield, and user-friendly interface makes it more practical for daily use. The brother options are reliable but focus more on monochrome tasks or small offices, whereas the Canon strikes a great balance between quality, speed, and ease of use for Mac users. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw for anyone wanting top-tier color performance in a user-friendly package.
Top Recommendation: Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
Why We Recommend It: This model offers fast 26 ppm color printing, a responsive 5-inch touchscreen, and seamless mobile device printing options. Its high-capacity toner and duplex feature deliver efficiency and cost savings, making it an excellent choice for Mac users seeking reliable, professional results.
Best laser printer color for mac: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best for Versatile Color Printing on Mac
- Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer – Best Overall Color Laser Printer for Mac
- Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer – Best Compact Color Laser Printer for Mac
- Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome – Best Budget Monochrome Laser Printer for Mac
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best for Fast Color Printing on Mac
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Reliable with high yield toner
- ✕ HP cartridges required
- ✕ Larger paper trays can be bulky
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner |
| Maximum Input Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Double-Sided Printing | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
| Compatible Cartridges | HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges with HP chips or circuitry |
The first thing that catches your eye when unboxing the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is its sturdy, compact design. It feels solid in your hands, with a sleek black finish that looks professional on any desk.
As you set it up, you’ll notice how straightforward the process is—everything clicks into place easily, and the touchscreen interface is intuitive right from the start.
Once powered on, the fast print speeds really stand out. You’ll find it churning out pages at up to 26 ppm, whether black or color.
The colors are vivid and sharp, thanks to the next-generation TerraJet toner. It’s perfect for small teams who need to print reports, charts, or marketing materials with a professional finish.
The auto duplex feature saves time and paper, which is a nice touch for busy days. The automatic document feeder handles multiple pages smoothly, and the 250-sheet input tray means fewer refills during large jobs.
Scanning and copying are equally easy with the touchscreen controls, and the wireless setup means you can print directly from your Mac without fuss.
Performance feels reliable after extended use. The print quality remains consistent, and the high-yield cartridges give you more pages per refill, saving you money over time.
The only thing to keep in mind is that it only works with HP chips, so non-HP cartridges will be blocked. Still, for the price and features, it’s a solid choice for color printing on a Mac.
Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast, vibrant color printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ High-capacity toner
- ✕ Bulky design
- ✕ Slightly pricey toner
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 10.3 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch color touchscreen |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet standard cassette and 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder | 50-sheet duplex (two-sided) automatic document feeder |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service |
The first thing that caught my eye about the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw is how quickly I could get it connected wirelessly. The setup was surprisingly straightforward—just a few taps on the 5-inch touchscreen, and I was ready to print from my phone without any fuss.
The color output is vivid and sharp, making my documents look professional without needing to print in high volume. The automatic duplex printing really saves me paper, especially during busy weeks when I’m printing multiple copies or double-sided reports.
The 50-sheet automatic document feeder makes scanning and copying bulky stacks of pages effortless. I also love how fast it prints—up to 26 pages per minute—so I don’t have to wait long for my documents to come out.
The high-capacity toner means fewer replacements, which is a huge relief during heavy printing days.
The touchscreen feels responsive, and the app integration with Apple AirPrint and Mopria makes printing directly from my mobile device a breeze. It’s perfect for my Mac and iPhone setup, with no need for complicated drivers.
Plus, the 250-sheet paper cassette handles larger jobs without constant refilling.
Overall, this printer combines speed, quality, and ease of use into one package. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, color laser printer that works seamlessly with Mac and mobile devices.
The only downside I noticed is that it’s a bit bulky, so space might be a consideration for smaller offices.
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
- ✓ Compact and space-efficient
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy cloud integration
- ✕ Limited color toner capacity
- ✕ No automatic document feeder
| Print Technology | Laser Digital Color |
| Maximum Print Speed | 27 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless, supports printing from cloud-based apps |
| Display | 2.7-inch touchscreen |
Stumbling upon this printer in my home office was a surprise—its compact size initially made me think it wouldn’t handle high-volume printing or color accuracy well. Boy, was I wrong.
The first printout I did, a colorful project for work, came out sharp and vibrant, totally exceeding my expectations.
The design is sleek and space-saving, perfect if you’re working in a tight spot. The 2.7″ touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive—scrolling through cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox feels smooth, almost like using a smartphone.
It’s nice not having to switch devices or fuss with cables, thanks to its wireless connectivity.
Print speeds are solid, hitting up to 27 pages per minute, so you don’t have to wait long for large batches. Automatic duplex printing is a real time-saver, especially for double-sided reports or flyers.
I also appreciated how dependable the laser quality remained across different types of documents, from drafts to final copies.
For Mac users, the setup was straightforward, with seamless compatibility and easy driver installation. The ability to print directly from cloud apps means you can skip the computer altogether for quick jobs, which is super convenient.
Overall, this printer feels like a smart choice for small offices or home setups where space, speed, and quality matter.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome
- ✓ Fast printing speeds
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy mobile connectivity
- ✕ Monochrome only
- ✕ No color printing
| Print Speed | Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Scan Speed | Up to 23.6 ipm (black) / 7.9 ipm (color) |
| Auto Document Feeder Capacity | 50 pages |
| Connectivity | Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, USB |
| Printer Type | Monochrome laser multifunction (print, scan, copy) |
| Compatible Toner Models | Brother TN830 or TN830XL |
When I first pulled the Brother DCP-L2640DW out of the box, I was struck by its compact design. It’s surprisingly lightweight for a 3-in-1 device, with a sleek black finish that looks professional without taking up too much space on my desk.
The control panel is straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons and a simple menu system. It feels sturdy and well-built, and the touch of a button, I could start printing or scanning right away without any fuss.
Printing speeds of up to 36 ppm really stand out. I tested it with a batch of reports, and it churned out pages quickly without any jams or smudges.
The monochrome output is crisp and sharp, perfect for professional documents.
Scanning is just as efficient, with speeds up to 23.6 ipm. The 50-page auto document feeder simplifies multi-page scans and copies, saving me loads of time during busy workdays.
Connecting the printer was a breeze—Wi-Fi setup took minutes, and I appreciated the dual-band wireless option for a more stable connection. The Brother Mobile Connect app makes it easy to print or scan from my phone, even when I’m away from my desk.
Overall, this device is a solid choice for small businesses or home offices that need reliable, high-quality monochrome printing combined with scanning and copying. It’s versatile, fast, and user-friendly, making everyday tasks much simpler.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Reliable wireless connection
- ✓ Large input capacity
- ✕ Firmware updates can cause delays
- ✕ Only compatible with original HP cartridges
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color documents |
| Print Technology | Color Laser Printing with TerraJet toner |
| Input Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset feature |
| Supported Cartridges | Original HP chips or circuitry; blocks non-HP chips |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
One of the first things you’ll notice about the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is how fast the color prints come out. I watched a stack of vibrant reports fly off the tray at up to 26 pages per minute, and it’s impressive how reliable that speed feels during busy workdays.
The auto 2-sided printing feature is a game changer. No more flipping pages manually or wasting paper—this printer handles it seamlessly, saving you time and reducing clutter on your desk.
Plus, the 250-sheet input tray means fewer pauses to refill, even during larger print jobs.
The wireless connectivity is straightforward, with dual-band Wi-Fi that self-resets if a connection drops. I tested it with both my Mac and phone, and it detected issues quickly, reconnecting without hassle.
The printer’s compatibility with original HP cartridges with chips kept things simple, avoiding the frustration of non-HP replacements.
Printing quality is sharp and vivid, thanks to the TerraJet toner, which really brings reports and graphics to life. The build feels sturdy, and the compact design fits well in a small office or home workspace.
It’s designed for busy teams that need dependable, professional results with minimal fuss.
Overall, this printer balances speed, quality, and ease of use. It’s a reliable workhorse for small teams, especially those who print a lot of colorful documents.
The only downside is the firmware updates, which can occasionally cause delays, but they’re worth it for the added security and performance improvements.
What Essential Features Should You Look for in a Color Laser Printer for Mac?
When selecting the best color laser printer for Mac, it’s essential to consider several key features that ensure compatibility and efficiency.
- Mac Compatibility: Ensure the printer specifically supports macOS, with drivers readily available for seamless installation and functionality.
- Print Quality: Look for high resolution (at least 600 x 600 dpi) to ensure sharp text and vibrant colors, which is crucial for professional documents and presentations.
- Wireless Connectivity: Printers with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities allow for easy printing from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, enhancing convenience.
- Speed: A printer with a fast print speed (measured in pages per minute, or ppm) minimizes wait times, especially if you frequently print large documents.
- Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided printing saves paper and time, making it an eco-friendly option for those who print frequently.
- Monthly Duty Cycle: Check the printer’s recommended monthly page volume to ensure it can handle your printing needs without frequent maintenance.
- Cost per Page: Evaluate the cost of toner cartridges and page yield to determine the long-term affordability of printing, which is vital for budgeting.
- Additional Features: Features like scanning, copying, and faxing can add versatility to a printer, making it a multifunctional device ideal for home or office use.
By carefully evaluating these features, you can choose a color laser printer that aligns with your specific needs and ensures smooth operation with your Mac system.
How Can You Ensure Compatibility with Mac Operating Systems?
To ensure compatibility with Mac operating systems when selecting a color laser printer, consider the following factors:
- Driver Support: Ensure that the printer comes with drivers that are specifically designed for Mac OS.
- Connection Options: Look for printers that support USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet connections compatible with Mac devices.
- Printing Protocols: Check for support of Apple’s AirPrint or other protocols that facilitate seamless printing from Mac devices.
- Software Compatibility: Verify that the printer’s accompanying software works well with Mac applications, including any necessary utilities for managing print jobs.
- User Reviews: Read user reviews and feedback from other Mac users regarding their experience with the printer’s compatibility.
Driver Support: It is crucial to select a printer that offers drivers specifically designed for Mac OS versions. Without proper drivers, the printer may not function correctly, resulting in issues like poor print quality or inability to connect to the device.
Connection Options: Make sure the printer provides various connection options such as USB for direct connections, Wi-Fi for wireless printing, or Ethernet for network connections. This flexibility ensures you can easily connect the printer to your Mac without any hassle.
Printing Protocols: Compatibility with Apple’s AirPrint is a significant advantage as it allows for easy wireless printing from any Apple device without needing additional software. This feature enhances convenience, especially for users who frequently print from their iPhones or iPads.
Software Compatibility: Check that the printer’s software includes utilities that are compatible with Mac applications. This includes features for managing print settings, accessing printer functionalities, and ensuring updates can be installed easily.
User Reviews: Consulting user reviews can provide valuable insights into the real-world performance of the printer with Mac systems. Feedback from other Mac users can highlight any potential compatibility issues or strengths, helping you to make a more informed decision.
What Is the Expected Print Speed for Mac-Compatible Color Laser Printers?
The impact of print speed on productivity is significant, especially in business environments where time is of the essence. Faster print speeds can lead to more efficient workflow and time savings. For instance, a busy office that requires frequent printing of marketing materials or reports can benefit greatly from a printer that can quickly produce high-quality outputs. In a survey conducted by the Printing Industries of America, it was found that companies that invest in high-speed printers can see a 25% increase in productivity, allowing staff to focus on their core tasks rather than waiting for prints.
Benefits of high-speed color laser printers include not only improved productivity but also enhanced print quality, cost efficiency in the long run, and the ability to handle various media types. Many models come with additional features such as wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities, which further streamline the printing process for Mac users. Applications range from printing professional documents to producing vibrant marketing materials, making them versatile tools for both personal and business use.
To maximize print speed and efficiency, users should consider best practices such as regularly maintaining the printer, using high-quality paper, and selecting the appropriate print settings for their needs. Keeping the printer’s firmware updated can also enhance performance and compatibility with Mac systems. Moreover, choosing a model with a high monthly duty cycle can ensure that the printer can handle a significant volume of work without compromising speed or quality.
How Do Quality Standards for Color Printing on Mac Impact Your Choice?
Quality standards for color printing on Mac can significantly influence your choice of a laser printer, particularly in terms of color accuracy, print resolution, and compatibility.
- Color Accuracy: Ensures that the colors printed match the colors on the screen, which is crucial for graphic design and photo printing.
- Print Resolution: Affects the sharpness and clarity of images; higher resolutions result in more detailed prints that are essential for professional-quality output.
- Compatibility: Refers to how well the printer works with macOS, including driver support and software integration, which can streamline the printing process.
- Color Profiles: Utilizing specific color profiles can enhance the color matching process, ensuring that what you see on your Mac is what you get on paper.
- Paper Handling: The ability to handle various paper types and sizes can impact the versatility of the printer for different projects, such as brochures or high-quality photo prints.
Color Accuracy: Achieving accurate color representation is vital for users who rely on precise color matching, such as photographers and designers. Printers that support advanced color management systems can reproduce a wider color gamut and ensure that prints reflect the intended hues more accurately.
Print Resolution: The resolution, measured in DPI (dots per inch), is a critical factor in determining print quality. A printer with a higher DPI will produce crisper text and finer details in images, making it suitable for professional applications where clarity is paramount.
Compatibility: A printer that seamlessly integrates with macOS can save users time and frustration. Ensuring that the printer has up-to-date drivers and works well with macOS applications is essential for a smooth printing experience.
Color Profiles: Utilizing ICC color profiles allows for better color management during the printing process. This ensures that the colors printed are consistent with the intended design, making it easier to achieve professional results across different printing tasks.
Paper Handling: The printer’s ability to handle various media types, such as glossy photo paper or cardstock, enhances its usability for different projects. A versatile paper tray and support for various sizes enable users to print everything from business cards to full-sized posters effectively.
Which Color Laser Printers Are Highly Recommended for Mac Users?
The best color laser printers for Mac users combine compatibility with macOS and high-quality printing features.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: This multifunction printer is known for its speed and efficiency, offering a variety of features including scanning and copying.
- Brother HL-L8360CDW: A compact and reliable choice, this printer is praised for its performance and mobile printing capabilities, making it ideal for Mac users.
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw: This all-in-one printer provides excellent image quality and user-friendly operation, perfect for both home and office use.
- Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: This printer stands out for its vibrant color output and solid build quality, catering well to creative professionals and general users alike.
- Lexmark C3326dw: Known for its affordability and compact design, this printer delivers reliable performance and supports mobile printing, making it a great entry-level option.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw offers fast printing speeds and exceptional print quality, along with advanced security features and wireless connectivity, making it an excellent choice for Mac users needing a multifunctional device.
The Brother HL-L8360CDW is favored for its robust performance, high-yield toner options, and compatibility with various mobile printing solutions, ensuring seamless integration with macOS devices.
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw provides vibrant color reproduction and intuitive touch-screen controls, making it easy to navigate for Mac users while also offering versatile scanning and copying options.
The Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI is designed for high-quality color printing, providing sharp text and images, along with straightforward wireless setup that appeals to Mac users looking for hassle-free operation.
The Lexmark C3326dw is a budget-friendly color laser printer that excels in compact spaces, offering decent print speeds and quality, making it a suitable choice for users seeking an efficient and economical option for their Mac systems.
What Models Deliver the Best Color Quality for Mac Printing?
The best laser printers for color quality when used with Mac systems include various models known for their vibrant output and compatibility.
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw: This all-in-one color laser printer is known for its exceptional print quality, producing sharp text and vibrant colors. It offers impressive wireless connectivity options, making it easy to print from any Mac device, and features a user-friendly touchscreen interface for quick navigation.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: This multifunction printer delivers outstanding color accuracy and detail, suitable for professional documents and graphics. It supports a wide range of media types and sizes, and its fast printing speeds ensure efficiency for busy office environments, along with seamless compatibility with Mac systems.
- Brother HL-L8360CDW: This printer is designed for high-volume printing and provides excellent color quality with a focus on cost-effectiveness. It features advanced security options and mobile printing capabilities, making it a reliable choice for Mac users who need consistent, high-quality color output.
- Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: Known for its vibrant color reproduction and solid performance, this printer is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, and is optimized for use with Mac computers, ensuring compatibility and ease of use.
- Lexmark C3326dw: This compact color laser printer is perfect for small offices, delivering impressive color quality and efficient performance. With its built-in Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities, it integrates smoothly with Mac devices, providing users with a reliable printing solution that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
What Are the Most Budget-Friendly Options for Mac-Compatible Color Laser Printers?
Here are some of the most budget-friendly color laser printers that are compatible with Mac systems:
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw: This all-in-one printer offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for home or small office use.
- Brother HL-L3270CDW: This compact printer is designed for high-quality color printing and features wireless connectivity, which is ideal for Mac users looking for convenience.
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw: This multifunction printer provides impressive print speeds and excellent color accuracy, catering to various printing needs while being easy to use with Mac devices.
- Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: Known for its vibrant color output, this printer is suitable for both text and images, and offers reliable performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Lexmark C3326dw: A compact and efficient printer, the Lexmark C3326dw provides high-quality printing and is particularly noted for its fast print speeds and low running costs.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw is a versatile all-in-one printer that allows for easy wireless printing from Mac devices. It produces vibrant color prints and has a relatively compact design, making it suitable for limited office spaces.
The Brother HL-L3270CDW is a great option for those who want a reliable color laser printer with wireless capabilities. It supports mobile printing via AirPrint for Mac users and offers automatic duplex printing, helping to save paper and costs.
Canon’s Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw excels in providing high-quality prints with various media sizes, making it an asset for creative projects. Its intuitive touch-screen interface simplifies operations and enhances user experience with Mac compatibility.
The Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI is praised for its high-quality color reproduction and is particularly effective for graphic-heavy documents. Its robust build and ease of use, paired with solid Mac compatibility, make it a smart choice for any budget-conscious user.
The Lexmark C3326dw combines compact design with efficient performance, offering high-quality prints and fast output speeds. Its compatibility with Mac devices and easy setup process make it a strong contender for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.
What Advantages Does a Color Laser Printer Offer for Mac Users?
Color laser printers offer several advantages for Mac users, enhancing their printing experience through compatibility and efficiency.
- High-Quality Prints: Color laser printers produce sharp and vibrant prints, making them ideal for graphics and detailed images. They use toner instead of ink, which prevents smudging and fading, ensuring that documents maintain their quality over time.
- Fast Printing Speeds: These printers are designed for high-volume printing, often delivering pages at a significantly faster rate compared to inkjet models. This speed is beneficial for Mac users needing to print large documents or presentations quickly.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment may be higher, color laser printers generally have lower cost-per-page rates. This is particularly advantageous for Mac users who print frequently, as toner cartridges tend to last longer than ink cartridges.
- Seamless Mac Compatibility: Many color laser printers are designed to work seamlessly with macOS, offering easy setup and access to features like AirPrint. This compatibility ensures that Mac users can print wirelessly and efficiently from their devices without complex configuration.
- Durability and Reliability: Color laser printers are built to handle heavy usage, making them suitable for both home and office environments. Their robust construction means fewer maintenance issues, which is a significant advantage for users who require consistent performance.
- Professional-Looking Documents: The quality of color laser prints is often comparable to that of professional printing services. This benefit is especially important for Mac users in creative fields, as it allows them to produce high-quality portfolios, marketing materials, and presentations in-house.
How Should You Decide on a Color Laser Printer for Your Home Office or Business Needs?
When deciding on the best color laser printer for Mac, consider the following factors:
- Compatibility with Mac OS: Ensure the printer has drivers that are compatible with your Mac operating system version.
- Print Quality: Look for printers that offer high resolution and vibrant color output to meet your professional standards.
- Speed and Efficiency: Evaluate the printing speed measured in pages per minute (PPM) to ensure it meets your workload demands.
- Cost of Ownership: Consider the initial purchase price as well as ongoing costs for toner cartridges and maintenance.
- Connectivity Options: Check for wireless capabilities, USB connections, or network printing features that align with your setup.
Compatibility with Mac OS: It’s crucial to choose a printer that has specific drivers for Mac OS to ensure seamless operation. This compatibility will help avoid installation issues and ensure you can access all the printer’s features without hassle.
Print Quality: The print quality is vital, especially for business documents or presentations that require a professional appearance. Look for printers that offer a minimum of 1200 x 1200 dpi for sharp text and vibrant color reproduction.
Speed and Efficiency: Printer speed is often measured in pages per minute (PPM) and can significantly affect productivity. If you frequently print large documents, a faster printer can save you considerable time and keep your workflow efficient.
Cost of Ownership: Beyond the upfront cost of the printer, consider the long-term costs associated with toner cartridges, maintenance, and potential repairs. Some printers may have a lower initial price but can be more expensive to operate over time due to high toner costs.
Connectivity Options: Evaluate the connectivity options available, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB, to ensure compatibility with your home office setup. Wireless features can offer greater flexibility in placement and ease of access for multiple devices.
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