Color laser multifunction devices are more expensive than their inkjet counterparts, but they typically produce noticeably higher-quality results, as well; the MFC-9840CDW from Brother exemplifies this upgrade in both areas.

The MFC-9840CDW's print function runs at speeds up to 21ppm in both monochrome and color, and its top resolution is 2400x600 dpi, which is outstanding for a laser printer. This unit also offers a 250-sheet main paper tray, a 50-sheet secondary tray, and an optional 500-sheet paper tray. Unfortunately, there is no media card slot for printing photos directly from a card, although you can connect your digital camera to the MFC-9840CDW via a USB cable.

The MFC-9840CDW's copier runs at speeds of up to 17ppm, and it can copy in either monochrome or color. The 50-page automatic document feeder makes large copy and fax jobs easy to manage. Brother claims that the MFC-9840CDW can produce up to 35,000 print pages per month, but the recommended volume is about 10 percent of that maximum number. The unit's scanner also performs very well, offering a 1200x2400 dpi optical resolution.

One flaw of this unit is its lack of a color LCD for previewing photos and operating menus; we'd expect such a feature from a multifunction office machine in this price range. (The MFC-9840CDW does include a monochrome LCD for working through menus.) This device does, however, offer several methods for connecting to a computer, including Ethernet networking, wireless networking and USB.

Oddly, you may find it difficult to remove prints from the MFC-9840CDW's output tray without damaging them. The tray's location on the machine makes it difficult to reach and grab the printed sheets without occasionally crumpling them.

Aside from these minor quirks, the MFC-9840CDW is an outstanding unit. As with most color laser devices, it's an extremely large machine (83 pounds) and it's expensive, but its print quality and overall feature list is impressive. If you can afford the MFC-9840CDW, you'll be pleased with its performance level.


Pros: Outstanding print quality, good overall feature list, wireless networking option, high-volume capability
Cons: High price, heavy, odd output tray location, no color LCD screen

Warranty
1 year, limited