Buying Guide for the Best Brother Wired Printers
When choosing a Brother wired printer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best model for your needs. Wired printers are known for their reliable connection and consistent performance, making them ideal for both home and office use. By understanding the key specs, you can make an informed decision that matches your printing requirements.Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how quickly the printer can produce documents. This spec is important because it affects productivity, especially in environments where large volumes of printing are required. Print speeds can vary widely; lower speeds (around 20 PPM) are suitable for home use or small offices with moderate printing needs, while higher speeds (30 PPM and above) are better for busy offices with high printing demands. Consider your typical printing volume to determine the appropriate print speed for you.
Print QualityPrint quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the clarity and detail of the printed documents. Higher DPI values result in sharper and more detailed prints, which is crucial for printing images or professional documents. For general text documents, a DPI of 600x600 is usually sufficient. However, if you need to print high-quality graphics or photos, look for a printer with a higher DPI, such as 1200x1200 or more. Assess the type of documents you will be printing most frequently to choose the right print quality.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the printer's ability to manage different paper sizes and types, as well as its paper tray capacity. This spec is important because it affects the printer's versatility and how often you need to refill the paper tray. Basic models may handle standard letter and legal sizes with a tray capacity of around 150 sheets, which is adequate for home use. For offices, look for models that support a wider range of paper sizes and types, and have larger tray capacities (250 sheets or more) to reduce the frequency of refills. Consider the variety and volume of your printing tasks to determine the right paper handling capabilities.
ConnectivityWhile you are looking for a wired printer, it's still important to consider the types of wired connections available, such as USB and Ethernet. USB connections are straightforward and ideal for direct connections to a single computer. Ethernet connections are essential for networked environments where multiple users need to access the printer. Ensure the printer has the appropriate connectivity options for your setup. If you plan to use the printer in a shared office environment, an Ethernet connection is highly recommended.
Duty CycleThe duty cycle is the maximum number of pages a printer can handle per month without experiencing wear and tear. This spec is crucial for understanding the printer's durability and suitability for your printing volume. For home use or small offices with light printing needs, a duty cycle of up to 5,000 pages per month is usually sufficient. For larger offices with heavy printing demands, look for a printer with a higher duty cycle, such as 20,000 pages per month or more. Estimate your monthly printing volume to choose a printer with an appropriate duty cycle.
Cost of ConsumablesThe cost of consumables includes the price of ink or toner cartridges and other replaceable parts like drums. This spec is important because it affects the long-term cost of owning the printer. Some printers have lower upfront costs but higher consumable costs, while others may have higher initial prices but more affordable consumables. Consider the cost and yield of the cartridges (how many pages they can print) to estimate the ongoing expenses. If you print frequently, look for models with high-yield cartridges to reduce the cost per page.