Brother MFC-L2717DW Laser Printer Review Compact All-in-One for Office Needs

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Brother MFC-L2717DW immediately caught my attention with its compact and professional design. Its monochrome finish gives it a modern look, making it a seamless addition to a home office or workplace. Despite its all-in-one functionality, the printer doesn’t take up much desk space, which is a huge plus for those working in smaller areas. The build feels sturdy, and the 30-pound frame gives it a solid, durable feel without being overly cumbersome to move around. I also appreciated the 2-line LCD display, although I found it to be a bit outdated compared to touchscreens available on some competitors.

Performance and Speed

One of the most impressive features is its ability to churn out 32 pages per minute, which is a lifesaver during large print jobs. The 2400 x 600 dpi resolution ensures that documents come out crisp and professional-looking. I tried printing everything from standard text documents to labels and envelopes, and the results were consistently sharp. The auto duplex printing feature not only saved paper but also simplified the process of creating double-sided documents, which is fantastic for anyone looking to maintain a more eco-friendly office setup.

The Brother MFC-L2717DW also supports mobile printing, letting me print directly from my smartphone. Setting up the wireless connection took me a moment, but once configured, it worked flawlessly. The Ethernet and USB options provide additional connectivity for more traditional setups.

User-Friendly Features

Navigating through the printer’s options was straightforward, though I found the LCD display a bit limiting for more advanced settings. That said, the overall controls are intuitive, and the automatic document feeder (ADF) made scanning and copying multi-page documents a breeze. I particularly liked the 250-sheet paper tray, which meant I didn’t have to constantly refill paper during busy periods. The ability to handle varied media types like envelopes, labels, and cardstock added a layer of versatility that I didn’t expect from this compact device.

The compatibility with PCs and smartphones ensures that it caters to a wide range of users. I tested it with both Windows and Mac systems, and the driver installation process was relatively painless. However, I did notice the absence of color printing, which might be a drawback for those who frequently work with graphics or colored documents.

Positives

The Brother MFC-L2717DW has several winning points that make it stand out in its category:

• Fast printing speed of 32 ppm, perfect for high-volume tasks.
• Auto duplex printing helps save paper and reduces manual effort.
• Compact and space-efficient design, ideal for small workspaces.
• Wireless and mobile printing capabilities for added convenience.
• Versatile media handling, including envelopes and labels.

Areas of Improvement

Despite its performance, there are a few caveats to consider:

• The 2-line LCD display feels outdated compared to touchscreens on other models.
• No color printing option, limiting its use for creative work.
• Setting up the wireless connection can be a bit tricky initially.
• The printer is relatively quiet but not completely silent, which could be a minor annoyance in very quiet environments.

Product Comparisons

When comparing the Brother MFC-L2717DW to some competitive options, a few key differences stand out. For instance, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227fdw offers a similar set of features but includes a touchscreen display, making navigation smoother. However, the Brother model takes the lead in terms of print speed and cost efficiency for toner replacements. On the other hand, the Canon imageCLASS MF264dw provides comparable performance but lacks the robust build quality of the Brother.

One area where this printer excels over its rivals is the auto duplex feature, which is often missing or more cumbersome on competing products. Additionally, the ADF feature makes it more suitable for those handling multi-page scanning or copying tasks.

Price Performance

From a bang-for-the-buck perspective, the Brother MFC-L2717DW delivers excellent value. It’s clear that this printer is designed for cost-efficient, high-volume printing, especially with its black toner system that reduces long-term operational costs. While it might not suit those requiring color printing, it’s an ideal choice for small businesses or home offices focusing on monochrome printing tasks.

In summary, this compact multifunction printer balances performance, functionality, and budget-friendly operation. While it has a few areas for improvement, its strengths in speed, versatility, and mobile printing capabilities make it a solid contender in its category.

Additional information