New York, NY -- Reviewed by PrinterComparison.com in April 2010, the MFC-6890cdw by Brother is aimed at home offices or small businesses. This 4-in-1 device (print, scan, copy, fax) is anything but small, measuring roughly 13” x 21” x 19” (H x W x D) without the trays extended. Thankfully the printer can be networked via Ethernet or Wi-Fi so you don’t have to draw straws to see who is stuck with it on their desk.
The MFC-6890cdw is capable of printing 35ppm black and 28ppm color max and up to 11” x 17” sheets (and other media) with a resolution of up to 6000 x 1200 dpi. The reviewer notes that the advertised print speed is not the same as the actual print speed, but that is more the norm than it is the exception. It is also capable of scanning documents at that size which is an added convenience. It comes standard with a 50-page ADF and automatic duplexing.
One of the device’s nicest features is its 4.2” LCD touchscreen located front and center on the control panel. Seated directly below the control panel are slots for a variety of memory cards and PictBridge port for easy photo printing without a PC. Interestingly enough, the machine also comes with a built-in power cord, so you won’t ever lose it and it only needs to be plugged in. Other paper handling is done via two built-in trays, a 250-sheet capacity which will handle anything from 8.5 x 11” up to 11 x 17” and a 100-sheet capacity which is good for media 3.5 x 5” up to 11 x 17”.
In terms of ink, the machine uses four separate Innobella ink cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow). The printer actually ships with high-capacity LC65HY cartridges, but you can also purchase standard yield LC61s for the printer as well, though they are roughly half the capacity, and are not that different in price.
Overall, for what you get this machine is worth serious consideration for any home office or small business.
