Brother DCP-L2550DW Wireless Laser Printer Review Compact Design with Fast Printing

Description

Compact Design and Multifunctionality

The Brother DCP-L2550DW Wireless All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer delivers a sleek and compact design that fits seamlessly into any home office or small workspace. I was genuinely impressed by how this device combines printing, scanning, and copying into a single unit without taking up much desk space. The black and white exterior is minimalistic yet professional, making it an ideal addition to my workspace. Having both a 250-sheet input tray and a manual feed slot allows for flexibility, and I found it easy to load various paper sizes up to 8.5 x 14 inches. The two-line monochrome LCD control panel might feel a bit dated for some, but it’s straightforward and gets the job done without any unnecessary frills.

Impressive Printing Performance

I put the monochrome laser printing capabilities to the test, and the results were stellar. With a maximum resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi, text and graphics were sharp and professional-looking. The 36 pages per minute (ppm) print speed is a game changer, especially when handling larger documents. Whether it was printing reports, invoices, or even simple to-do lists, the printer handled it all efficiently without any hiccups. The automatic duplex printing feature made double-sided printing effortless, saving both time and paper—definitely a standout for environmentally-conscious users like myself.

Scanning and Copying Convenience

The Brother DCP-L2550DW truly shines in its scanning and copying features. The 8.5 x 11.7-inch flatbed is perfect for scanning single pages, while the 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) made bulk scanning and copying a breeze. As someone who frequently digitizes documents, I appreciated the optical resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi for flatbed scans, which ensures crisp and detailed results. The ADF scanning resolution is slightly lower at 600 dpi, but it’s still sufficient for most everyday tasks. One minor drawback I noticed is that the ADF isn’t duplex, so flipping pages manually for double-sided scanning might frustrate heavy users.

Connectivity and Mobile Printing

This printer excels when it comes to connectivity. I tested the Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, and Ethernet options, and all worked flawlessly. Setting up the wireless connection took just a few minutes, and I was able to print directly from my smartphone using mobile printing options. Apps like AirPrint and Google Cloud Print worked seamlessly, and I even tried printing from Dropbox, which was super convenient. The ability to print wirelessly from anywhere in my home was a game-changer. That said, I did wish the printer had Bluetooth connectivity as an extra option, but that’s more of a personal preference.

Positive Features

• Fast print speeds of up to 36 ppm make it suitable for high-volume tasks.
• Multi-functionality combines printing, scanning, and copying, saving space and money.
• Automatic duplex printing reduces paper usage significantly.
• Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity ensures seamless wireless operation.
• Compact design fits easily in small offices or home workspaces.

Areas for Improvement

• The two-line monochrome LCD screen feels outdated and lacks a touchscreen interface.
• The ADF does not support duplex scanning, which may slow down workflows for double-sided documents.
• Lacks color printing capabilities, which could be a dealbreaker for some users.
• No Bluetooth connectivity, slightly limiting mobile printing options.

Competing Products

I’ve tested a few competing monochrome laser printers, and while the Brother model holds its own, there are notable alternatives. For instance, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227fdw offers similar features but comes with a more modern touchscreen interface and duplex ADF scanning. However, it’s bulkier and slightly louder during operation. On the other hand, the Canon imageCLASS MF264dw is quieter and has excellent mobile printing features, but it’s a tad slower at around 30 ppm. Compared to these, the Brother DCP-L2550DW strikes a great balance between performance, compactness, and ease of use, though the lack of a touchscreen might deter some users.

Worth Every Penny

Considering the features packed into this device, I feel the Brother DCP-L2550DW offers excellent value for money. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the combination of high-speed printing, reliable connectivity, and versatile scanning and copying capabilities make it worth the investment. For someone like me who prints and scans frequently, it’s a cost-effective and efficient choice. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly monochrome laser printer that doesn’t compromise on performance, this one is hard to beat.