© 2012 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
Generally speaking, there are four types of
printer formats, dot matrix, inkjet, laser, and color laser. Each serves a
specific purpose, so part of the selection process depends on your use. If you
only want one printer you’ll probably be best served with an inkjet model.
These are great for document as well as photo printing with a host of
affordable models and features available depending primarily on your photo
reproduction expectations, a subject for another article. The other practical
choice is a laser. Color lasers require multiple, expensive toner cartridges
and photo reproduction can be somewhat disappointing unless you spend BIG
bucks. B & W lasers have become very affordable and available in all price
ranges plus use a relatively inexpensive single toner cartridge. All lasers use
a drum that typically requires replacement after three toner cartridges have
been replaced.
(TIP: Laser printers use
toner cartridges, a drum, and a xerographic printing process. They differ from analog
photocopiers in that the image is produced by the direct scanning of a laser beam across the printer's photo sensor. An inkjet printer is a type of printer that
creates a digital image by propelling droplets of ink onto the
surface of the material to be printed. Dot matrix printers use a ribbon much
like the obsolete typewriters of days gone by, are rarely used now and would be
hard to purchase. )
I tested the compact, tri-platform, Brother 2270DW B & W laser printer.
This printer has numerous features that benefit both the home and small
business user at a very affordable price point. Its size, 18.5”W-14.2”D-12.6”H,
allows it to fit in tight spaces. However, the most impressive feature is its
ability to print double-sided documents, a savings in document pages and paper
stock. It prints 27 pages per minute with a resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi, has a
250-page capacity, and a 32mb memory buffer. It’s network ready too, providing
built-in wireless 802.11b/g, not AirPrint, and Ethernet interfaces. By
downloading the free CORTADO WORKPLACE App to your mobile device it may be
possible to print directly from mobile devices such as Apple, Android or Blackberry.
High volume toner cartridges are available with a yield of +/- 2600 pages
compared to the standard cartridge’s 1200.
(TIP: Laser printers offer a very
high quality, professional look to your documents. AirPrint is a wireless
technology for printing from a tablet or Smartphone. Cortado Workplace software
is a third-party app used to interface tablets and smartphones to this printer.
As always, certain operating system requirements may apply.)
I found the Brother 2270DW to be an exceptional printer at an unbelievable
price point. Brother’s support department that ranks at the top along with its
cost saving features and its print quality make it a GADGETEER’S BEST BUY PICK.
(TIP: To print double sided
documents the original must be in a group such as stacked PDFs or a multiple
page WORD document. Once you’ve selected the print command you will need to
select COPIES & PAGES followed by LAYOUT and then turn on TWO-SIDED. This
is the way it is done on a MAC, but a PC should be very similar.)
MSRP: $149.95
Available on line and at
various retailers.
GADGETEER’S
RATING: *****
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
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