Brother MFC-L2820DW XL Review : A Compact and Capable Addition to Your Office
The Brother MFC-L2820DW XL mono laser all-in-one printer doesn't offer duplex (two-sided) scanning, copying, or faxing, but it delivers most other features that small and home offices need.
Printing, Scanning, Copying, and Faxing - All in One Package
If you're looking for a versatile, all-in-one printer for your small or home office, the Brother MFC-L2820DW XL is definitely worth considering. This mono laser printer may come with a high price tag of $299.99, but it offers enough features and quality to justify the cost. Plus, with the added bonus of an extra toner cartridge in the box, the XL version of this printer is definitely the better buy.
Brother MFC-L2820DW Printer
Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer with Copy, Scan and Fax, Duplex, Black & White
A Design that Delivers
Measuring at a compact 12.5 by 16.1 by 15.7 inches, this printer won't take up much space on your desk. It's also easy to unpack and set up, with a simple installation process that includes plugging in the cables and downloading the necessary software from Brother's website. The 2.7-inch color touch-screen control panel makes it easy to navigate the printer's functions, including printing from your mobile devices through Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct.
Paper Handling and Scanning Capabilities
The MFC-L2820DW XL offers a 250-sheet paper drawer and a single-sheet bypass tray, more than enough for light-to-moderate printing needs. The automatic document feeder (ADF) can handle up to legal-size paper for scanning, but unfortunately, it only supports simplex (single-sided) scanning. For duplex scanning, you'll need to manually scan each page on the flatbed. This may not be a deal-breaker for some, but it's something to consider if you frequently need to scan double-sided documents.
Performance that Packs a Punch
In terms of performance, the MFC-L2820DW XL holds its own against its competitors. It's on par with the Canon MF462dw and MF465dw in terms of speed, with a first-page-out time of 7 seconds and an average of 41 pages per minute for a 12-page Word file. However, if you typically print shorter or longer documents, the Canon printers may be a better choice for faster performance. The MFC-L2820DW XL also offers decent photo printing, with an average of 10 seconds for a 4-by-6-inch photo.
Quality that Counts
When it comes to text quality, the MFC-L2820DW XL delivers sharp and readable fonts, with most fonts easily legible at 4 points. Graphics quality is slightly lower, but still good enough for most needs. However, photos may appear darker and less detailed than expected, giving off a 1990s-era black-and-white newspaper vibe. This may not be ideal for professional-looking handouts, but it's still decent for everyday use.
The Verdict
Overall, the Brother MFC-L2820DW XL is a solid choice for a small or home office all-in-one printer. It may not have all the bells and whistles of its competitors, but it offers enough features and performance to get the job done. If space is a key consideration for you, this compact printer is definitely worth considering.
However, be sure to also look at other options like the Pantum M7102DW or the Canon MF462dw and MF465dw, which may offer better performance and features at a similar or even lower cost. Ultimately, it all depends on your specific needs and preferences.
