Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Laser Printer Review Compact All-in-One for Office Use

Description

A Compact Powerhouse for Small Offices

Using the Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer has been an interesting journey for me. This black-and-white laser printer is a versatile beast, offering print, scan, copy, and fax functionalities all in one compact package. As someone who juggles work-from-home tasks and office projects, I was eager to see if this printer could keep up with my needs. Spoiler alert: it did, but there were a few quirks along the way.

Design and Build: Compact Yet Practical

The design of this printer genuinely impressed me. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for small workspaces. I managed to fit it neatly on my desk without it feeling like it was taking over. At 22.5 pounds, moving it around wasn’t a struggle either. The 2.7-inch touchscreen display is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing me to navigate between tasks like scanning and copying with minimal fuss. However, I did notice that the screen could be a bit more responsive—it sometimes took a couple of taps to register my commands.

Efficient Printing and Scanning Performance

The performance of this machine is where it shines. It churns out up to 34 pages per minute, which is a lifesaver during those busy document-heavy days. I tested both single and automatic duplex printing, and the results were consistently crisp with no smudging. Scanning was equally efficient, thanks to the 50-sheet automatic document feeder, which handled multi-page documents with ease. However, the maximum scanning resolution of 300 x 300 dpi felt a tad limiting for high-detail image scanning.

Key Benefits

Here are some of the winning points I found:

• Fast printing speeds ensure you’re not left waiting.
• The auto duplex feature helps save paper.
• Mobile connectivity through the Brother Mobile Connect App works like a charm.
• Its ENERGY STAR compliance and Toner Save Mode make it eco-friendly.

Connectivity Options and Cloud Integration

Setting up the printer was straightforward, and I appreciated the dual-band wireless connectivity. Whether I was printing from my laptop or my phone, the connection was stable and quick. The ability to print from and scan to cloud-based apps like Google Drive and Dropbox through the touchscreen was a game-changer for me. Imagine scanning a document and uploading it directly to the cloud without needing a computer—that’s convenience at its best.

Areas of Concern

Though the printer performed admirably, there were a few caveats worth pointing out:

• The touchscreen responsiveness could be improved.
• The maximum scan resolution might not satisfy users needing high-detail image scans.
• It only prints in monochrome, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
• The initial print time of 8.5 seconds felt slightly slow compared to some competitors.

Product Competitors

Comparing this device to other peer products, I found it held its own quite well in terms of speed and functionality. For instance, some HP all-in-ones offer similar features but are bulkier and less intuitive when it comes to cloud integration. On the flip side, Canon’s laser printers sometimes have better scanning resolutions but lack the touchscreen convenience and seamless mobile app integration that this Brother model offers. Where this device truly excels is its combination of compactness, speed, and eco-friendly features like the Toner Save Mode.

Smart Spending

In terms of value for money, this printer hits a sweet spot. While you’re not getting a color option, the cost-effectiveness of the toner and its long lifespan more than make up for it. Plus, the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, which I tested, ensures you won’t run out of toner unexpectedly. The subscription’s rollover feature for unused pages is a neat touch, especially for those with fluctuating printing needs.

Final Thoughts on Functionality and Usability

Overall, the Brother MFC-L2820DW provides a lot of bang for your buck. Its 250-sheet paper tray cuts down on refill frequency, while the automatic duplexing and Toner Save Mode help reduce waste. Sure, it’s not perfect—the touchscreen quirks and lack of color printing might be drawbacks for some—but its reliable performance and thoughtful features make it an excellent choice for small offices or home setups. If you’re looking for a compact, efficient, and user-friendly laser printer, this one’s worth considering.

Additional information