Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Digital Color Printer Review Laser Quality and Compact Features

Description

Initial Impressions and Build Quality

I have to admit, the Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer immediately caught my eye with its solid, compact design. It fits neatly into small office spaces and doesn’t dominate the room like some bulky printers do. The 15.7″ x 10.8″ x 15.7″ dimensions make it highly space-efficient, which I appreciate in my cluttered workspace. It feels sturdy, weighing in at 33.9 pounds, and has a professional appearance that doesn’t scream “entry-level.” The LED touchscreen interface, while not overly large at 2.7 inches, is responsive and user-friendly. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done without unnecessary frills.

The inclusion of ENERGY STAR compliance and EPEAT Silver rating also adds a layer of eco-friendliness, which is a nice touch for those of us trying to be a bit more conscious about energy usage. That said, the printer’s weight makes it less portable, so it’s best suited for a station that’s permanent or semi-permanent.

Performance and Features

The performance of this printer is where it really shines. Print speeds of up to 27 pages per minute (ppm) are no joke. I tested this feature by printing a mix of text-heavy documents and colorful charts, and it didn’t flinch. The 2400 x 600 dpi resolution ensures crisp, clean text and vibrant colors. Even when I used it on thicker card stock and glossy photo paper, the results were impressive.

I also loved the automatic duplex printing feature, which is such a time-saver. Not having to manually flip pages for double-sided printing is a blessing, especially during hectic workdays. The printer also supports various media types, from envelopes to labels, making it versatile enough for both office and creative projects.

One thing that stood out to me is its dual-band wireless connectivity. Setting it up on my network was a breeze, and the Wi-Fi Direct option even allowed me to print directly from my smartphone without needing to connect to a router. This compatibility extends to mobile devices and cloud-based apps like Dropbox and Google Drive, which makes it incredibly convenient for anyone juggling multiple devices.

The Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription trial is worth mentioning, too. While I didn’t dive too deep into its long-term benefits, the idea of having toner delivered before you run out is appealing. However, it’s worth noting that unused pages roll over with limitations, which might not suit everyone.

Key Benefits

• Compact design fits small office spaces perfectly.
• 27 ppm print speed ensures fast output.
• Automatic duplex printing saves paper and time.
• High-quality resolution (2400 x 600 dpi) for clear text and vibrant images.
• Dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile printing compatibility simplify connectivity.
• Eco-friendly features like Toner Save Mode and ENERGY STAR compliance.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, there are a few pitfalls to consider.

• The 2.7-inch touchscreen is functional but feels a bit dated compared to larger and more advanced displays on competitors.
• At 33.9 pounds, it’s not exactly portable, so moving it around isn’t ideal.
• The Brother Refresh Subscription trial might not be cost-effective for those with sporadic printing needs.
• It could have benefited from an extra paper tray, as the 250-sheet capacity might not be enough for high-volume users.

Ease of Use and Setup

I found the setup process straightforward, thanks to the intuitive LED touchscreen. Connecting it to my network took only a few steps, and the USB 2.0 port provided additional flexibility for those who prefer wired connections. The voice control compatibility with Alexa is a fun feature, though I’ll admit I didn’t use it much—it feels more like a novelty than a necessity.

Navigating the printer’s settings to activate features like Eco Mode or adjust print quality was simple enough. I particularly liked the Toner Save Mode, which can stretch the life of your cartridges without noticeably affecting print quality for everyday documents. However, when I wanted the full-color vibrancy for photos or presentations, switching back to standard mode was easy.

Competing Products

In terms of direct competitors, I compared this printer to the HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw and the Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw. While both are reputable options, the Brother HL-L3280CDW holds its own in several areas. For example, it slightly edges out the HP model in terms of print speed and offers automatic duplex printing as a standard feature, which the HP lacks at this price point.

On the other hand, the Canon imageCLASS offers a better touchscreen experience, with a larger and more responsive interface. However, it’s bulkier and takes up more space, which could be a dealbreaker for some. The Brother printer also excels in energy efficiency, which isn’t as prominent in either competitor.

If you’re looking for a balance of speed, quality, and eco-friendliness, the Brother HL-L3280CDW is a strong contender.

Value for Money

The price-to-quality ratio is quite reasonable for what this printer offers. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the combination of laser-quality output, fast print speeds, and eco-friendly features makes it a worthwhile investment for small offices or home setups. The cost-efficiency of the toner cartridges, especially with the subscription model, could save money in the long run, though this depends on your printing habits.

It’s not without its flaws, but when you factor in the robust build, reliable performance, and versatile connectivity options, it feels like money well spent. If you’re in the market for a high-performing, compact color printer, this one deserves serious consideration.

Additional information