Brother MFC-8860DN All-In-One Laser Printer Guide and Technical Review
Features
Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing, copying, scanning and faxing
Print and copy at up to 30ppm
Ethernet, High-Speed USB 2.0 and Parallel interfaces
1200 x 1200 dpi Laser Printing
50-sheet multipurpose tray
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Price Range:
Epinions: The lowest base price is $359.00
Amazon: $424.99
Review 1
Header: Excellent, Very Happy
Reviewed By: Neil
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006
fter reading reviews here I hesitated but happened to see the same machine (but without duplex capability) at a work site and that clinched it for me.
This machine is FAST. Setup is easy (I used the network connection) and the software is vastly improved over the last Brother laser I had (an HL-1270N).
The ticking noises other reviews mention is very slight and lasts just a few seconds while it heats up. Previous lasers I've had would typically whir loudly during this warm-up time - not this one. I sit next to the printer and it's really nothing. I think people have noticed it because it occurs in silence without other whiring sounds. The noise of the paper pick up (which is typical of any laser printer) is louder than the ticking (heating) sounds and the ticking stops before the first page comes out (so it lasts mere seconds). 5 seconds ticking, 5 seconds whiring and printing, page comes out. Followed by maybe 20-30 very small ticks over the next few minutes as it cools down. In comparison, my QMS color laser whirs loudly for about 15 minutes after printing a page.
What I didn't appreciate before ordering is that even the scanner has duplexing capability - fantastic! Double sided faxes and scans are simple.
Scanning works well both from the printer and when controlled from the PC. From the printer it shows the list of the available networked PC names to scan to - very nice. Pick your machine, press start, job done.
The only slight quirk I've noticed so far is that when sending double sided faxes the reverse sides are transmitted upside down. Maybe there's a setting for this somewhere. I haven't needed to read the manual AT ALL so far.
I haven't seen any sign of flickering room lights or other concerns from the power draw during heat-up. Installation couldn't have been simpler. Machine is not too heavy and is easily picked up and moved by one person.
OCR software works very well - again an improvement on the past.
Verdict (after owning a few days): Don't hesistate to buy - so far very very happy. Vast improvement over previous MFC's and lasers I've owned.
Supplies:
Remanufactured Brother TN550 / TN580 Toner Cartridge (Black)
Original New OEM Brother DR52
Original New OEM Brother TN550 Premium Toner Cartridge (Black)
Original New OEM Brother TN580 Premium High Yield Toner Cartridge (Black) 
New Compatible / Remanufactured Brother DR520 Drum Unit
Remanufactured Brother TN550 / TN580 Toner Cartridge (Black)
Original New OEM Brother DR520 Drum Unit
Original New OEM Brother TN550 Premium Toner Cartridge (Black)
Original New OEM Brother TN580 Premium High Yield Toner Cartridge (Black)
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Review 2
Header: Watch Out for Power Consumption
Reviewed By: R. Campbell "GA Volunteer"
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Great Printer with lots of neat features. HOWEVER, the printer uses 1024 WATTS or 9.1 Amps when it powers up to print a page or make a copy. This has caused me alot of problems.
I installed the printer at home in my study. I have two desktop computers, modem, router, HP P1100 color printer,Canon PC 720 Copier, desk lamps, etc. The electrical circuit for the study is a 15 AMP circuit. Everytime the printer powers up, I take a "power hit". Fortunately, I have a UPS for each computer and the UPS units kick in to keep the systems from completely shutting down.
I'm going to have to install a new electrical outlet and run the wire to another circuit in order to keep the printer.
Before you buy, you may want to add up the WATTS of all of the equipment you have on that circuit. A 15 Amp circuit has max of 1800 WATTS; A 20 Amp circuit has max of 2400 WATTS. The 8860DN will use 1024 of the WATTS on that circuit.
Here's the link to brother's web Site that will show the power consumption.
http://www.brother-usa.com/mfc/mfc_detail.aspx?AREA=MFC_1&PRODUCTID=MFC8860DN
Brother MFC 8860DN Driver Download
Resources
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