I retired our almost-eight-year-old HP LaserJet last week, replacing it with a Brother HL-2270DW wireless monochrome laser printer. The HP still worked well, but Debbie was having problems connecting to it via our network, and it was getting low on toner. When I discovered that a new, factory-fresh HP toner cartridge would cost the same as a new printer, I decided it was time for a switch.
It’s taken a while to get accustomed to the new printer, but overall I’m pleased with it. It has about the same footprint as the HP, but takes up less usable space because its paper tray is completely enclosed rather than extending from the front like the HP’s. The printer connected to our wi-fi network on the first try, although the process was more convoluted than it should have been. (These situations make me appreciate even more Apple’s “It Just Works” plug-and-play implementations.) Debbie’s MacBook also recognized the printer once the software and driver was installed.
Print quality is excellent, as expected, and the machine is pretty fast (up to 27 pages per minute). The duplexing (front-and-back) print feature works well. I’ve never had a printer with this capability and I like it a lot.
So, to recap: fast, high quality, front-and-back printing. What’s not to like?
Well, I do have a few quibbles. First, the machine is noisy, and not just while it’s printing, but even in standby mode, which lasts quite a while before it finally goes to sleep.
Second, printing envelopes or postcards is a bit tedious. You have to open a slot in front, open a tray in back, and pull down two hard-to-reach levers to facilitate the straight-through print path. Once you’re finished, you have to unflip and reclose everything.
Third, manual feeding of media is problematic. There’s no tray on which to rest the paper or envelopes, and thus far, the printer has had problems taking an envelope on the first try. When that happens, it pitches a little tantrum, displaying an error light and forcing a shutdown/restart. I’m probably not inserting it just right, but that shouldn’t be a skill that the operator has to learn.
In summary, this is not a perfect printer, but if you can live with the quirks, it’s hard to beat given the street price of $100 or less.
I’m interested in what you did with the older printer. The last time I upgraded I couldn’t give away my old printer. Even with new ink cartridges.
Our church’s missions ministry wants the printer. They have a whole list of missionaries who’d love to have even 8 year old technology.
I’m not surprised about no one wanting the old inkjet printer, though. They’re awfully cheap and the consumables are relatively expensive.