BROTHER MFC-8840DN DRUM

Brother MFC-8840DN Review

Overview:

With both duplexing and networking capabilities built into the device, the Brother MFC-8840DN exceeds in versatility as a combination print, copy, scan, and fax machine. Unfortunately, it’s slow print and copy speeds date the unit, and revoke its top of the line status when compared to the much faster MFCs of today.

Pros:

Offering a max print resolution of 2400 x 600 dots per inch, the Brother MFC-8840DN does very well when dealing with imagery as well as text. The device’s optical scan resolution is equally as respectable and measures up at 600 x 2400 dots per inch, while an interpolated scan mode allows users to set scan resolution up to 9600 dots per inch, though optimized scans will take considerably longer to execute.

The main outstanding features that the Brother MFC-8840DN boasts are its built in duplexor and networking abilities. With built in networking, an entire pre existing office network can access the machine with very little setup. PC faxing can also be executed across the network, though network scanning functions are, unfortunately, limited.

The device’s built in duplexor is the perfect solution for those looking to both reduce paper usage and add an appealing aesthetic to their document sets or flyers. While the duplex function does demand extra print times to operate, it is certainly much faster than manually duplexing on a machine that lacks the hardware.

As a fax machine, the Brother MFC-8840DN goes above and beyond. The device’s built in Super G3 fax modem allows for transmission and reception speeds of as little as 2 seconds per page. Due to the overall limitations of the technology itself, you will not find a faster fax machine out there. Further assisting with the device’s fax efficiency, a built in automatic document feeder is included with the package to mechanically load entire stacks of input material.

The built in ADF is capable of storing up to 50 sheets of paper, while the Brother MFC-8840DN’s other paper storage capacities include a standard 250 sheet paper tray and a 50 sheet multipurpose tray. An optional additional 250 sheet tray is also available for purchase seperatly.

Cons:

The overall size of the device is one of the many qualities that it has that reveals its age. With a large footprint and somewhat awkward mushroom, flip top design, the unit is larger than its modern day equivalent. Additionally, the Brother MFC-8840DN can print at a top speed of only 21 pages per minute. The current laser print market dictates that any self respecting machine absolutely must break the 30 page per minute mark, which makes the 8840 somewhat obsolete, though it still would serve perfectly as a lighter duty machine.