Buying Guide for the Best Brother Color Printers
When choosing a Brother color printer, it's important to consider your specific needs and how different features will meet those needs. Whether you're printing photos, documents, or marketing materials, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality, measured in dots per inch (DPI), determines how sharp and detailed your printed documents and images will be. Higher DPI values mean better print quality. For general office use, a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI is usually sufficient. If you need to print high-quality photos or detailed graphics, look for a printer with at least 1200 x 1200 DPI. Consider what you will be printing most often to decide the level of print quality you need.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), indicates how quickly a printer can produce documents. If you have high-volume printing needs, such as in a busy office, a higher PPM (20-30 PPM) will be beneficial. For home use or small offices with less frequent printing, a lower PPM (10-20 PPM) may be sufficient. Think about how often and how much you print to determine the appropriate print speed for your needs.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your devices to the printer. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. For a home office, Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, which is very convenient. In a larger office, Ethernet connectivity might be preferred for a stable and fast connection. Consider your workspace setup and how you prefer to connect your devices when choosing connectivity options.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper trays. If you frequently print on different types of media (e.g., envelopes, labels, cardstock), look for a printer with versatile paper handling capabilities. For high-volume printing, a larger paper tray capacity (250 sheets or more) will reduce the need for frequent refills. Assess your typical printing tasks to determine the necessary paper handling features.
Duplex PrintingDuplex printing allows a printer to automatically print on both sides of a sheet of paper. This feature can save paper and reduce printing costs. If you often print double-sided documents, such as reports or booklets, a printer with automatic duplex printing will be very useful. For occasional double-sided printing, manual duplexing (where you manually flip the paper) might be sufficient. Consider how often you need double-sided prints to decide if this feature is important for you.
Ink/Toner Cost and YieldInk or toner cost and yield refer to how much you will spend on consumables and how many pages you can print before needing replacements. High-yield cartridges can print more pages and may be more cost-effective in the long run. If you print frequently, look for printers with lower cost-per-page and high-yield cartridge options. For occasional printing, standard yield cartridges might be adequate. Evaluate your printing volume to choose a printer with suitable ink or toner costs.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features such as scanning, copying, and faxing can add versatility to your printer. If you need an all-in-one device for various tasks, look for a printer with these multifunction capabilities. Other useful features might include a touchscreen interface, mobile printing support, and cloud connectivity. Think about the extra functionalities that would benefit your workflow and choose a printer that offers those features.