EmailBest Reviewed
Multifunction Printers
- Multifunction printer with fax HP Photosmart Premium Fax C309 *Est. $250
- Compact MFP with fax Epson Workforce 600 *Est. $200
- Best budget MFP, no fax Canon Pixma MP480 *Est. $110
- Best all-in-one printer for photos, no fax Canon Pixma MP980 *Est. $300
- Tabloid-sized MFP with fax Brother MFC-6490cw *Est. $325
- Monochrome laser all-in-one printer Brother MFC-7840W *Est. $300
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Tabloid-sized MFP with fax
- Prints tabloid-size pages
- 50-page auto document feed
- Includes fax
- Two paper trays
- Wired, wireless networking
- Slow
- No duplex printing
- No automatic page-size detection
- Color oversaturated, some say
Reviews say the Brother MFC-6490cw is a slowpoke, but it offers one advantage over most other inexpensive multifunction inkjet printers: It can scan and print tabloid-size pages up to 11 inches by 17 inches (legal size is 8.5 inches by 14 inches). That's the perfect size for menus, tri-fold brochures and newsletters. There's also a 50-page automatic document feeder, which reviews say is excellent for the price, plus 150- and 250-page paper trays. But there is no duplex printing, and the lack of automatic page-size detection is a detractor, reviews say. Otherwise, the features are standard for this class: a standalone fax, wired and wireless networking and direct-from-camera printing. Some reviews say color prints are a bit oversaturated. If you don't need to print larger than legal size, reviews recommend the HP Photosmart Premium Fax C309 (*Est. $250) as the best multifunction printer overall, and it prints faster as well.
PCMag.com and ConsumerReports.org do thorough testing and make it easy to see how the Brother MFC-6490cw rates against other printers. We also found good reviews at TrustedReviews.com, PC Pro and IT Reviews. There are about 50 owner reviews at Amazon.com -- most are complimentary, except for some minor criticism over color saturation.
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Our Sources
PCMag.com's review gives the Brother MFC-6490cw an Editors' Choice award, primarily because it's inexpensive given its capability to scan and print tabloid (11 inches by 17 inches) pages. Reviewer M. David Stone does say it's a bit slow but is otherwise fine for small offices on tight budgets.
Review: Brother MFC-6490cw, M. David Stone, Sept. 11, 2008
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org thoroughly tests and ranks about 40 multifunction printers, including the Brother MFC-6490cw. There is a ratings chart and a brief review, but only subscribers have access to them.
Review: All-In-One Printer Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
TrustedReviews.com produces solid testing, including speed and cost per print, and assigns each printer an overall score as well as scores in several categories. The Brother MFC-6490cw gets a rating of eight out of 10 overall (it rates six out of 10 for speed), but lack of paper-size detection is a major annoyance.
Review: Brother MFC-6490cw A3 Multi-Function Printer, Simon Williams, Aug. 25, 2008
4. PC Pro
PC Pro publishes short reviews, but hands-on testing is evident. The Brother MFC-6490cw "excels at no particular printing, scanning or copying task," but the price is "ludicrously low" for an A3 printer, says reviewer Mike Jennings.
Review: Brother MFC-6490cw, Mike Jennings, September 2008
IT Reviews is certainly credible, but its reviews are short and usually don't compare printers. This review generally likes the Brother MFC-6490cw, especially for photo prints, but the lack of auto detection on paper size is a big letdown.
Review: Brother MFC-6490cw Review, Editors of IT Reviews, Sept. 18, 2008
6. Amazon.com
The Brother MFC-6490cw gets a high average score based on about 50 owner reviews, with almost everyone rating it four or the maximum five stars. Even some positive reviews say the color saturation could be better, especially on enlargements.
Review: Brother MFC-6490cw Professional Series Color Inkjet Wireless All-in-One Printer, Contributors to Amazon.com
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