Brother MFC-465CN review

The MFC-465CN is impressive in many ways.

It's constructed like a tank in that every part of it is solid and clearly built to last, while the specification is hugely impressive. An automatic document feeder is joined by Ethernet, a built-in fax, LCD screen, PictBridge port and a dedicated paper tray for 6 x 4in photo stock.

There are also separate ink tanks and a memory card reader. Cosmetically it is impressive, if utilitarian, with a low-slung profile and responsive buttons with a rubberised finish. It's not as pretty as the Canon but the MFC-465CN is clearly a well-made machine and though it breaks no speed records, the quality of its output is very good.

An A4 print took a jaw-dropping nine minutes. The MFC465CN even spent three minutes, 12 seconds producing a 6 x 4in image. But these slow times were offset slightly by the impressive results achieved by this all-in-one.

However, it has to be said that speed is an important issue and clearly it is something that Brother will have to address.

The colours are accurate, though we found the results a little bland in comparison to the Epson and Canon. Nonetheless the hues are more than acceptable - and text and copies are much the same, though thankfully delivered a lot faster.

The Brother provided sharp and accurate output that impressed in comparison to the competition. Nothing jumped off the page as being really superb but on the other hand there were no deficiencies either.

The MFC-465CN would make a decent office workhorse. The specification is very good for the price and the design isn't all that bad. This is a robust device that's going to cope with the rigours of everyday office life and, if you can spare the time to print photographs, you'll not be disappointed by the end results.

The Brother represents good value for money and should be a consideration for all but the photographic user.