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Editor's Choice

Brother MFC-3420c

REVIEW DATE:  08.17.04

 4.0 out of 5.0

  2.0 out of 5.0

discuss  Total posts: 2

buy it here Check Prices

Brother MFC-3420c

Enlarge

by M. David Stone

Company info:
Brother International Corp., www.brother.com
Price:
$179.99 minus $30 mail-in rebate (rebate is for life of product)

Spec Data
14 ppm monochrome text; 1200 x 4800 dpi maximum printer resolution; USB connection; flatbed scanner with ADF; 600 ppi scanner optical resolution; copier and fax

Sub-Ratings:
Text:
Graphics:
Photos:

Pros:
Fast performance and high-quality output for text and graphics. 20-sheet automatic document feeder. Separate cartridge for each ink color. Built-in fax modem.
Cons:
Relatively slow for photos
Bottom Line:
With an ADF, built-in fax modem, and front panel numeric keypad, the Brother MFC-3420c offers a full set of printer, copier, scanner, and fax features. Fast performance for text and graphics, but not for photos, makes it a good choice if you are primarily interested in printing from business applications.

Review:
The Brother MFC-3420c doesn't outshine the competition in every category, but it is the most well-rounded of the bunch... Click here to read the full review.

 MEMBER RATINGS Rate it Yourself 

JustSometimes
Member rating: 
April 2, 2006
I bought my original 3420c Feb. 2004; fell in love with it, initially. However, 10 months, 2-3 ink cartridges each of those months (good thing I could pick up all 4 for under $40), and an unknown number of awakenings in the middle of the night from it's continuous self-cleanings; I became much less enamored than I previously had been, that is when "Machine Error 41" appeared. With no hassle whatsoever, Brother sent a refurbished unit (before I had sent mine back to them). I was thrilled (initially, again). I started unplugging the darn thing when not using it; even if turned off, it turned itself on so it could self-clean. Within 6 months I was calling Brother again due to "Machine Error 41". Prepared for a fight with them since I had been told they did not warranty their refurbished units beyond 30 days. I was surprised when (without a fight) they gave me the address of a local repair shop and before I could say a word, I was told to have the shop bill Brother for the costs. That made me suspicious. I did some checking and discovered their dirty little secret regarding “bad print heads”. After having it repaired (equating to a new print head installed) and only 4 months passing before it crashed again, I gave up on Brother. I’m happy with my new Lexmark x7170, but I don’t feel about it as I initially did with the Brother 3420c. If Brother ever pulls their collective ‘heads’ out, I will definitely consider a return, but not until then. Nor will I recommend any of their products until that time. Meanwhile I have 3 unused inks and the printer itself taking up space an gathering dust in a closet. Come on Brother, get a clue! I guess the last is just wishful thinking...

tluedeke
Member rating: 
March 5, 2006
Look up "Machine Error 41" on the Internet if you want to see how a business shoots itself in the head. Printer spends incredible amount of time cleaning itself and fussing around internally, so that I nearly always have to wait a substantial amount of time to print anything. The Error 41 issue is just unbelievable. If really insist on buying this printer, you'll surely end up having to replace it about every 8 months. Highly recommend avoiding this printer, and Brother, until they clean up their reliability issues.

Texstang65
Member rating: 
September 13, 2005
My printer is now a huge paperweight. This is the second inkjet I have bought in the past 2 years, because of poor ink cartridge performance. I only use about 2-3 pages per week. But if you don't unplug this thing, it cleans itself several times per day, which quickly drains the cartridges. And once any of the 4 cartridges are detected as empty, you get the error message. And HEAVEN FORBID you have a print job in waiting, or you'll never get it to shut off without unplugging. I'm never buying an inkjet printer again!!!

salawn
Member rating: 
June 3, 2005
We've owned our machine for less than 13 months and have had it replaced once and the replacement machine is now out of service so Brother is forcing us to have it repaired. We didn't even get 6 months from either machine and now of course we're out of warranty. I will never buy another Brother product.


jm1ziff
Member rating: 
January 6, 2005
This printer leaves a lot to be desired. I have had two broken printers they had to replace. Same problem. Change an ink cartridge and then the color never prints again. This doesn't happen the first time but within 3 months and a few changes it happens. First printer magenta second printer black. Also how is this for features. 1. The printer has four separate cartridges. If any one is out of ink the printer won't print. So if a color is out you can't even print black. 2. Printer will not power off if a print job is in the que. You must pull the plug. There are a few more issues. I can't believe this printer rated as a best buy. Don't buy it.........


bigdood
Member rating: 
October 25, 2004
This printer almost throws itself off the table it moves so fast... I am not kidding... I have it sitting on an end table with steel legs and it still moves the table back and forth on the carpet. Whoever designed this thing to move so fast needs to design some SHOCK ABSORBERS. :-) I printed a page on photo paper at maximum resolution when I first got the printer and I was amazed at the resolution. By far, this is the best inkjet MFC I have ever owned. PROS: Super fast, fax/copier that works without a PC, inexpensive cartridges (approx $7 per color and $12 black), 20 page document feeder that works well, great USB interface with software that works seamlessly with XP... Cons: Noisy operation, tendency for paper feed to jam (about 1 of 20 pages, especially with slicker papers), LARGE footprint on desk. I am a pretty happy camper so far (at seven months into owning a 3420-C).

 
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