WHAT WE LIKED MOST:
It switches to sleep mode when not working and waiting for a command. It is ideal for work and school. In some situations, the cost of inkjet cartridges is too high. In most cases, I only need black and white and 5000 copies on one cartridge is affordable.
WHAT WE LIKED MOST:
The older firmware is not suitable for dual band wireless routers. Before calling support I was able to setup the printer to print wirelessly, but it would go into sleep mode and then I would have to go upstairs turn the thing off, then back on again before it could receive data. I tried online guides to fix the issue, but eventually gave up and called support. I initially believed I was in trouble, but I was transferred to their software department and the person there was knowledgeable. I took a half hour to install the firmware and then we were up and running with no issues. It prints from the Apple phones and tablets (requires a simple app download) and prints wirelessly from the multiple Mac laptops in our house. We do not have a Chromebook, so I did not configure the cloud print feature. Most likely, I am writing this review so other can speed up the process. I was unable to find reasonable guides on troubleshooting by searching Brother, MFC L2727DW, wake from sleep mode, turn off sleep mode, and similar searches so Tech Support sent me the online guides.
I had to use the install disc provided for Vista OS and a PC without a built in wireless router. I also had to use an Ethernet or USB cable. I had on hand, to get it to work. I blame these issues on my old PC and lack of ambition to use the wireless function, not the software or the printer. With that being said, this printer is a pleasant experience to use, especially if you are purchasing a laser printer based on a laser printer. I had to set my default print options to duplex through printer properties, otherwise I had to select it each time I printed. This was not an automatic update when the printer was installed. It is fast and clear printing with high quality copy and scan. The onboard touch screen provides a great convenience. I can not speak to that function, since I have not attempted to print through one of our Android mobile devices. I will update this review if I see any issues. We are pleased with the purchase for our small business.
I waited to post this review to get to use this multifunction printer. Thus far, I have used it to copy, print wirelessly, fax single and multiple sheets, as well as fax directly from MS Word. I have not had any problems with these processes, except for an occasional delay in transmission, which appears to be more of a WiFi/Router issue than a cause of the machine. The installation of software and connecting to computers was simple and painless. I am pleased with this Brother machine, the same way I was with what it replaced, another larger Brother MFC that lasted 11 years wireless makes it even better. The included toner cartridge lasts only enough that you may order another. I am glad I purchased the high capacity refill.
Brother Laser gave up. We have a Canon multifunction inkjet printer but the operating cost on that thing can be prohibitive. Our choice was to use a B&W laser. This thing is perfect. I followed instructions once in my life. The system of copying, scanning, and printing is as simple as can be. Faxing also works, which is helpful on occasion. This machine has an easy process for receiving a fax. Furthermore, wireless network connectivity could not have been easier. Setting it up to run on the other network computers was likewise easy. I knew that it would not be a high capacity. However, this was very unpleasant. I was surprised I thought my rating was too low, however a warning would have been appreciated.
I have had this multifunctional device for about a month and I am extremely pleased with it. The included CD provided the easy setup, allowing you to have it running in approximately 20 minutes. It is a large improvement over my previous printer. The replacement toner cartridges are not outrageously expensive like some others. At least, the off brand replacement cartridges are reasonably priced. I recently setup the wi-fi printing function for a laptop I use in another part of the house. Adding a printer to the control panel area is a simple way to connect the printer to the computer. I had no idea how simple it was.
WHAT WE LIKED MOST:
This is my third Brother laser printer, and it is by far the best I have had. My two other MFP printers also included a fax and scanner option, although I was unable to purchase them wirelessly. Likewise, they are not network printers. I had them plugged into the router so I could print on the network but I couldn't scan without being connected directly. A new drum and a printer with wireless capability was needed. I have not sent a fax in years, so this was the machine I desired. I had enough cash, so I was ready to install it, and I was ready to print it. It was a straightforward setup, but, if you have a Mac or want to use AirPrint on your IOS device, keeping it connected to the network was a challenge or at least for me it was. I am glad I did not write this review before I figured out my problems honestly I was about ready to return the machine but I am so glad I did not. There are reports over the forums and on Amazon about this machined. It loses connection when going into deep sleep, and in order to print especially on a Mac you have to turn off the printer then back on. Even then, it may not work. AirPrint won't work from your iOS device once it is in deep sleep. It is always good but it did not work for me. After some searching for a few days I discovered that it is not so much an issue with the printer as it is with the Mac itself. There have been some who have experienced printers undergoing slumber and this time when the Mac has slept, and wakes up when Bonjour fails to connect. I am not sure why, but for me that is what happened. To fix the problem instead of adding the printer through Bonjour, I added using the IP address of the printer and then it worked perfectly. The manual makes finding the IP address easy. Now I can print my mac at home. I can see the printer connection when I awake the printer in deep sleep. I do not have problems. When the printer went into sleep, my iphone devices did not see it. The solution is even easier. You can search in your browser for the IP address. It will take you to the printer's management page. From here you will need to check the box in the wireless tab to enable IPv6. Submit. I don't think anything else will work, check the box to enable IPv6 and submit. My iOS devices always see the AirPrinter, and can print whenever it is needed, without manually waking up the printer or restarting it. Now the printer is ready when I need it to work properly.
I really like this printer. The equipment is inexpensive to operate, especially when it is being used with off label toner cartridges. It accomplishes very well the task of scanning and printing, either one page at a time, or many pages at one time using the document feeder. I used to worry about how it said toner was low when it was not. I have found a solution here on YouTube, so I will show you to recover and avoid toner low message. Proceed quite quickly after the first step. If you move slowly, it will revert back to the default screen and you will have to start over. Open the front cover of the printer as if you were changing the cartridge then go to keypad.2. Press the option OK and wait for the screen to blank. Press the up and down arrows. You should see a screen, say, 00.
You can print what you want. If you want it when and where you like it. This is my first laser printer. I purchased it over a year ago and have gone through two reams of paper and I am still on the starter cartridge. The scanner works flawlessly, and it is capable of making accurate copies. I do not have any complaints, because this is the best printer that I have ever had. It is inexpensive to print. The only thing that I have had to give up is color printing, which I have realized I do not really need very much. I was back in school using my GI Bill. I had no problem printing my papers and assignments. I might upgrade to a Brother color laser printer and give this printer to my sons who are also in college. It is a great product and it will save you time, money, and hassle. I am only upset because I didn't switch to laser printers long ago instead of wasting all that time, money, and aggravation on ink jet printers. They are very economical. I have printed two sets of paper, and am still using the original starter toner cartridge. There is no issue awakening from sleep mode as all modern printers are connected to a network printer via USB or wireless network. Unlike inkjet printers, there are no printheads to clog. Color is not an option since this is a lowerlevel laser printer. For color, you may need to upgrade to another model. Depending on the printer, the temperature may need a few seconds before warming up, while printing. Various laser printers are slightly louder than an ink jet when printing. I can print whenever and whenever I want, without worrying about the ink in the printer. I have a Brother laser printer that is very good. It scans well and produces copies. I can print on any mobile device I'd like to print from our cell phones, tablets, laptops, and the desktop. Go laser instead of using inkjet printers. You will never regret it.
I decided that a laser printer would be the better choice after spending a year frustrated with an ink based printer. I researched in order to locate my Brother laser printer. After reading the reviews, I found that the biggest complaint was that the printer became unresponsive after a period of nonuse. This is a programming problem that is easily changed. I downloaded the correct Brother suite of programs. It was well thought out, and I opted out of the toner replacement, thereby running the install software, the test page printed perfectly. I saw complaints about installing the printer. The installation took fifteen minutes. I decided to install the printer and opt out of the other options. Using the IP address, I changed the sleep mode so that the printer stays in standby instead of sleeping. I have also installed the Brother app on my note 8 I have not experienced any problems connecting to the printer, nor have I encountered any issues installing the printer on my laptop or Android phone. I went into the printer's IP address and turned off the sleep mode. I have seen complaints about toner when using the printer. It does not smear on my paper. I would update this review if I found something to improve this printer.
Have you been frustrated because the printers did not work properly? I only print the occasional boarding pass or tax document. Therefore, I do not print often. When I do, I just want it to work. Unfortunately, my experiences with printers have been frustrating. Sometimes it is a poor driver, the printer does not appear on the network, or a Cyan cartridge is out even though I want a B&W printout. I want my Brother printer to work as designed without having to become an IT person to solve the problem. It always works well. There are no new ink cartridges, no network problems, paper jams, or other problems. I love that you can easily do one, two or four pages on one page, and you can print doublesided, without having to stand on one leg and pray that your drivers will work this time. I connected it to Google Cloud Print. Also, I can print on my Chromebook. If you are looking for a reliable, workhorse, that will not bother you after it is setup, this is it. Why do you wait? Click on the Add to Cart button.
