BROTHER MFC-3240C BLACK OEM INK CARTRIDGE

Brother MFC-3240CN Review

Overview:

As far as color fax machines go, the Brother MFC-3240C holds its ground in its old age as an excellent way to incorporate additional features such as copying and scanning into one’s basic fax hardware. However, in an age of super high performing multifunctional units, the device comes across as dated, and underpowered when compared to the affordable MFCs of today.

Pros:

Unlike the previous model in the MFC series, the Brother MFC-3220C, the Brother MFC-3240C includes a full speed Super G3 33.6 Kbps fax modem instead of the slower 14.4 Kbps modem. This allows for speeds of 3 and even 2 seconds per page when transmitting and receiving data, while the 14.4 K modems top out at a sluggish 6 seconds per page. The device also speeds larger fax projects along with the help of its built in automatic document feeder. The document feeder has a slightly limited 20 page capacity but, for a light duty machine, this will most likely suffice.

Probably the most outstanding feature of the device, other than the convenient telephone handset, is its above average print quality settings. With full color print resolution selectable up to 6000 x 1200 dots per inch, truly lab quality photo printing is possible when using glossy paper. Borderless printing is also achievable when using standard sized photo paper, and eliminates the need for tedious photo trimming.

Cons:

The unit’s print speeds, though not completely atrocious, are dated when compared to current units. With 20 pages per minute maximum speed for black and white and up to 15 pages per minute for color, the Brother MFC-3240C cannot keep pace with the 30 page per minute plus machines currently on the market and, with costs below one hundred dollars, the only reason to hang on to an older device such as the 3240C would be to keep hardware overheads and an absolute minimum without concern for overall performance. Printer consumables are, gladly, still readily available for this discontinued model.

Interestingly, copy speeds operate at speeds slower than print speeds, a conflict that most current multifunctional devices have resolved. With copy speeds of 17 pages per minute for black and white and only 11 pages per minute in color, large quantities of duplicates will take quite some time to process, though the device’s copy quality is decent.

The device’s paper storage capacities are also particularly small, with a 100 sheet standard input capacity and an output tray good for up to 50 sheets of 20 lb paper.