Brother MFC-L5705DW Monochrome Laser Printer Review for Office Efficiency and Performance

Description

A Reliable Workhorse for the Office: Testing the Brother MFC-L5705DW

Using the Brother MFC-L5705DW Business Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer, I quickly realized why it’s a popular choice for small offices and workgroups. This multifunction printer is loaded with features that cater to productivity, cost-efficiency, and secure printing needs. It’s not without its quirks, but overall, it delivers solid performance for its price point.

Design and Build Quality

The design of this all-in-one printer is practical and understated, with a grey exterior that blends seamlessly into any office setup. Weighing in at 36.4 pounds and measuring 16.8 x 17.1 x 19.1 inches, it’s compact enough to fit on a standard desk but robust enough to handle high-volume printing. I appreciated the 3.7-inch color LCD touchscreen, which makes navigating menus and creating up to 48 customizable shortcuts a breeze. While the screen is responsive, I did notice that the interface feels a bit dated compared to newer models.

The 250-sheet capacity paper tray, adjustable for letter or legal paper, is a significant plus for reducing frequent refills. With the option to expand to a 1,340-sheet total capacity through additional trays, this device is clearly designed with scalability in mind. The build feels durable, and the automatic duplex printing feature worked flawlessly in my tests.

Performance and Speed

This printer is no slouch when it comes to speed. It boasts a printing speed of up to 42 pages per minute, and I found that it consistently hit those numbers during large print jobs. The initial page print time is less than 7.2 seconds, which is impressive for a business printer. Scanning and copying are equally fast, with a maximum copy speed of 56 images per minute in black and white. These speeds make it a great choice for busy environments where time is money.

The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution ensures sharp text and graphics, though it’s worth noting that this is a monochrome printer, so color printing isn’t an option. For offices that primarily deal with text documents, this limitation is negligible. However, if your work requires color prints, you might need to look elsewhere.

Upsides

Here are some of the positive features that stood out during my testing:

• High-speed printing and scanning capabilities make it ideal for high-volume tasks.
• The automatic duplex feature saves paper and cuts costs.
• Flexible connectivity options, including Ethernet, wireless networking, and mobile printing support, provide convenience.
• Advanced security features help safeguard sensitive documents and prevent unauthorized access.
• The inclusion of a 3,000-page toner cartridge in the box offers excellent value right out of the gate.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, there are a few areas for improvement:

• The LCD screen interface could benefit from a modern refresh to improve usability.
• While it supports a decent range of media types, including envelopes, plain paper, and labels, the paper handling options feel limited compared to competitors with more versatile trays.
• It’s a monochrome-only printer, which may not suit everyone’s needs.
• The printer’s weight and bulk might be inconvenient for smaller offices or those needing frequent relocation.

Features and Usability

Testing the flexible paper handling was a highlight. The adjustable trays worked smoothly with both standard and legal-size sheets, and the flatbed and sheet-fed scanner options ensured that even irregular-sized documents were easy to digitize. I was particularly impressed by the secure document handling features, which include advanced security protocols to prevent network intrusions and unauthorized access.

The mobile printing options stood out as a major convenience. Whether using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, I had no trouble connecting and sending print jobs wirelessly. It supports multiple devices, making it versatile for teams. The USB port is another handy feature for quick, direct printing.

Market Rivals

Comparing this printer to other competing products, it holds its own in terms of speed and efficiency. For instance, HP’s LaserJet Pro MFP series offers similar features but often comes at a higher price. While the HP models may have sleeker interfaces, the Brother all-in-one laser printer outshines them in terms of initial toner inclusions and overall cost-efficiency.

Canon’s ImageCLASS series is another competitor, known for its color printing capabilities. However, the Brother printer’s monochrome-focused performance makes it a better fit for offices looking to optimize text-heavy workflows. The expandable paper capacity also gives it an edge over models that lack such flexibility.

Worth Every Penny

Considering the range of features, this printer offers excellent value for its price. The cost-efficiency of the included 3,000-page toner cartridge is a standout feature, significantly reducing the need for immediate replacements. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the combination of speed, security, and scalability ensures you’re getting quality for the price.

Given its robust performance and thoughtful design, the Brother MFC-L5705DW is a worthy investment for small to medium-sized offices. It’s not perfect, but for businesses prioritizing secure, high-volume monochrome printing, this device is hard to beat.

Additional information