BROTHER MFC-5840CN BLACK OEM INK CARTRIDGE

Brother MFC-5840CN Review

Overview:

Though the Brother MFC-5840CN is a fully network capable device and includes print, fax, copy, and scan functions in a single piece of hardware, its overbearing size and dated performance specs make it a less than desirable machine in the current marketplace. With lukewarm print speeds and downright poor copy performance, the Brother MFC-5840CN’s day has certainly past.

Pros:

In the Brother MFC-5840CN, users will find a feature not seen in many other MFCs in the series: an additional paper tray. While many of Brother’s MFCs boast a very limited 100 page input capacity, the 5840CN far exceeds this standard with a 350 sheet total capacity that consists of a standard paper tray and an additional special media tray for glossy photo paper and other media types such as transparencies and envelopes. The additional tray could also potentially be used simply as additional letter or legal sized paper storage.

The device’s fax functions are up to speed thanks to a built in 33.6 Kbps Super G3 fax modem and built in memory. With fax transmission and receptions speeds as fast as 3 seconds per page, and a fax page memory of 400 pages (expandable up to 480 pages with additional memory), the device holds its own in the fax arena, and could prove to be a simple way to add fax and PC fax functionality to an entire home or office network.

Cons:

With print speeds of only 20 pages per minute for black and white prints and 15 pages per minute for color, the Brother MFC-5840CN is no longer at the top of its class in the performance category. Copy speeds fall even further behind the curve with a 17 copy per minute black and white maximum and a mere 11 page per minute peak color copy speed. The built in 35 page automatic document feeder is a crucial addition to this hardware set but, unfortunately, it cannot help with the simple lack of overall CPM performance.

The additional paper tray and large ADF are welcome additions to this MFC’s hardware, but its overall footprint is quite overbearing. In a current market where units half the Brother MFC-5840CN’s size can outperform it by leaps and bounds, the device further shows its age.