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Brother MFC-6490CW

Discontinued

Reviewed

November 2010

Pros

Prints tabloid-size pages
50-page automatic document feeder
Includes fax
Two paper trays
Wired, wireless networking

Cons

Slow
No duplex printing
No automatic page-size detection
Color oversaturated

Where to Buy

for $249.99

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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 option, and the lack of automatic page-size detection is inconvenient, 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 Canon Pixma MX870 (*Est. $160) which offers auto-duplexing as well as faxing capability.

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 over 100 owner reviews at Amazon.com -- most are complimentary, except for some minor criticism over color saturation.

Where To Buy

Brother MFC-6490CW Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer

(158 reviews)
Buy new: $319.00 $249.99 16 Used & new from $229.99

In Stock.

Our Sources

1. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

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 over 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

3. TrustedReviews.com

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 8 out of 10 overall (it rates 6 out of 10 for speed), but the lack of paper-size detection is a major annoyance.

Review: Brother MFC-6490CW A3 Multi-Function Printer Review, 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 Review, Mike Jennings, Sept. 9, 2008

5. IT Reviews.com

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 over 100 owner reviews, with seventy-five percent rating it 4 or the maximum 5 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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