First Look: Brother's New Wireless Mono Laser Printer

 

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Posted on 18 Dec 2007 at 12:27

We've managed to get our hands on Brother's HL-2170W wireless mono laser printer before it hits the shelves in the UK. It's billed as the fastest mono laser in its class, so we've put it through some initial tests to see how this compact device measures up.

While not as stylish as Samsung's ML-1630 (full review in Shopper 240), Brother's HL-2170W will retail for around the same price. However, unlike the ML-1630, this printer can connect to a wireless network.

Configuration was easy thanks to the helpful and detailed installer. It connects wirelessly to the printer's own ad-hoc wireless network so you can then enter the details of the network you want it to use. This process should be simple for anyone who has a passing familiarity with their network, and installation is even simpler if you'd rather connect the printer via USB or a wired network.

Print speeds are impressive for such a compact device, with our standard correspondence quality letters printing at 20ppm - just below the advertised maximum speed of 22ppm. The quality of the lettering was typically sharp, and our initial greyscale image prints showed good contrast.

Print costs are an economical 1.5p per page if you buy high yield toner cartridges. Unusually for a low-cost mono laser, it has a replacable drum, so you don't have to ditch the printer when the original wears out. Replacements cost £52 inc VAT, and last for around 12,000 pages.

This range of compact printers also includes the HL-2150N at £120 and the HL-2140, priced at just £77. The cheapest in the range can only be connected via USB, while the HL-2150N has an Ethernet port as well. The three devices are otherwise identically specified.

All three printers will be available in January, and we'll be giving the wireless HL-2170W a full review in Shopper 242.

Author: Kat Orphanides