Brother MFC-L2700DW Review: Is This the Best Monochrome Laser Printer?

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Brother MFC-L2700DW Laser Multifunction Printer boasts a compact design that fits seamlessly into small office spaces or home setups. Weighing in at 28.5 pounds and measuring 18 x 16 x 20 inches, it doesn’t take up too much room while still delivering functionality. The printer’s black finish gives it a professional look, enhancing any workspace. I found the LCD display to be clear and user-friendly, making navigation through the various options an effortless task. With a 250-sheet capacity tray, it handles my printing needs efficiently, reducing the frequency of paper refills.

Performance and Speed

In terms of performance, this printer excels. It offers 27 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white printing, and the maximum resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi ensures sharp text and images. I was particularly impressed by the 27 copies per minute (cpm) feature, which makes it easy to produce multiple documents quickly. Whether I was printing reports or scanning important documents, the speed and quality consistently met my expectations. The automatic duplex printing feature is a significant plus, allowing me to save on paper while being environmentally conscious.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a breeze with this multifunction printer. I easily connected it to my home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, allowing multiple devices to access it without hassle. The option to print directly from mobile devices is a game-changer for my workflow. I often print documents from my smartphone, which I find incredibly convenient. The compatibility with various cloud services also allows me to scan documents directly to places like Google Drive, making my tasks even simpler.

Versatile Functionality

This all-in-one printer does more than just print. It combines the functions of a copier, scanner, and fax machine, making it a valuable asset in my office. The automatic document feeder can handle up to 35 pages, which is perfect for bulk scanning or copying. One feature I particularly appreciate is the ID copy function, which allows me to copy both sides of an ID card onto a single page, saving both time and resources.

Positive Features

• Fast Printing and Copying: The speed of printing and copying is impressive, with 27 ppm for both functions.
• Flexible Connectivity: Options for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile device printing provide versatility.
• Automatic Duplex Printing: This feature allows for easy double-sided printing, reducing paper usage.
• User-Friendly Interface: The LCD display simplifies navigation through various settings.
• All-in-One Functionality: It serves as a printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine, making it a versatile choice.

Limitations to Consider

Despite its many strengths, the Brother MFC-L2700DW does have a few drawbacks.

• Limited Color Printing: Being a monochrome printer, it doesn’t handle color printing, which might not suit everyone’s needs.
• Bulky Design: While compact for a multifunction printer, its size may still be too large for some home office setups.
• Moderate Noise Levels: During operation, it can be a bit noisy, which might be distracting in quiet environments.
• Initial Setup Complexity: Some users, including myself, found the initial setup a bit tricky, particularly with connecting to Wi-Fi.

Competing Products

In comparison to its competitors, the Brother MFC-L2700DW holds its ground effectively. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227fdw offers similar functionalities but tends to be pricier. It boasts faster print speeds and color capabilities, but it lacks the same paper capacity. The Canon imageCLASS MF445dw is another contender, featuring a touchscreen interface and robust mobile printing options, yet it falls short in terms of user-friendliness.

The Brother printer excels in cost-efficiency and reliability, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize functionality over frills.

Value for Money

Evaluating its price point, the Brother MFC-L2700DW delivers excellent value for money. While it may not be the cheapest option in the market, the features it offers justify the investment. It combines reliable performance with multifunctionality, making it a sound choice for both home and small office use. The longevity of the toner cartridges also contributes to its cost-effectiveness, as they yield a substantial number of prints before needing replacement.

In summary, the Brother MFC-L2700DW provides an impressive range of features and solid performance, making it a worthy addition to any office setup. Its strengths in speed, connectivity, and multifunctionality stand out, ensuring that it meets a variety of printing needs effectively.

Additional information