For most small offices and home offices, finding products that can grow as your needs change is difficult. It's especially difficult in a multifunction device; typically, what you see is what you get with these devices. Not with the MFC-8460N multifunction office machine, however. Brother delivers a powerful device up front, and then allows you to super-charge it later as you need more power.

The MFC-8460N is a laser multifunction device, meaning it delivers extremely sharp prints in black. Unfortunately, it cannot print in color. It can make up to 20,000 prints each month, which should exceed the needs of most small offices. The MFC-8460N initially ships with 32MB of memory (good for storing up to 600 fax pages), but you can expand it to 544MB if needed. A second 250-sheet paper tray can also be added.

This unit works very fast, offering a top speed of 30 pages per minute in draft mode when printing or copying. Print quality is outstanding in best mode, and the MFC-8460N even offers great quality in draft mode. It can print from either Macintosh or Windows computers, connecting by either USB 2.0 or Ethernet. The fax function sends documents at speeds up to 30 ppm, and multi-page faxing is easy thanks to the device's 50-page automatic document feeder.

When copying or scanning, the MFC-8460N's glass-top surface is handy. You can resize the original document at between 25 and 400 percent when copying. The MFC-8460N's scanner operates at a maximum optical scan resolution of 1200x2400 dpi.

Probably the biggest drawback to the MFC-8460N is its lack of color printing and its large size. Some users also have reported problems with the unit causing damage to envelopes while printing on them. Still, the MFC-8460N is one of the most affordable and powerful laser multifunction devices available. It will work well in a variety of office settings.


Pros: Affordable laser device, works quickly, can handle large monthly volume, sharp printouts
Cons: No color printing available, large unit, some problems with envelope printing

Warranty
1-year limited