Brother MFC-9440CN Color Laser All-in-One Printer with Built-in Ethernet Network Interface

I am very pleased with my Brother MFC-9440CN. Here are some positive and negative points:

-- Positive --

It is very easy to set up. I have it configured for access through Ethernet, and it was far easer to get set up than other network printers I've installed. Other setup options are easy to understand and set. It also supports USB and parallel connections. No printer cables are provided. Software installed quickly and without problems under Windows XP.

Black and white print quality is outstanding -- as good as any printer I've ever used.

The print speed is very good.

Is a very solid machine (it takes two people to lift it). It feels like it is built to last. (see negative comment below)

Copying is easy, and there is an option to collate copies of multipage documents (they call this "stacking").

Toner cartridges are reasonably priced on a cost/page basis.

It has a front auxiliary...Read more

I was looking for a device to replace my aging HP OfficeJet D145, which started to have problems printing color. I was looking for a multi-function device that can print, fax and occasionally scan. I also wanted duplex capability, so I can save paper by printing double-sided.

I read great reviews of this unit, and I saw it in action in a local store. The only thing which I wasn't clear about was the duplex capability. Amazon lists it as having this capability, but Brother's own web site does not. Since I bought this device I can positively confirm it does NOT have duplex capabilities.

Nevertheless I was not willing to step up to its bigger brother, the 9840cdw, since it's just bigger, heavier and in my opinion not as nice looking as this unit.

I was looking for a silent machine, both when it's printing but also during its sleep time. For a home office printer I don't want more noise in it. This unit is rated at 30db noise. It's whisper quiet...Read more

You read the title right. Tech support assures me it uses up color toner even during black printing. I have tons of black toner and rarely use color but I can't even print black right now until I pay brother $XXX (edit: price removed after a while as toner prices have been dropping) for new COLOR cartridges!

The advertised costs are completely false, your will spend $XXX per toner replacement because you need to replace the color as well as black toner. I talked to two different tech support people because I really couldn't believe it. Please see the discussion on this topic, and note that the manufacturer does not disagree with me.

MUCH MORE DETAIL in the discussion.

UPDATE 11/12/09 - Recent firmware update from brother supposedly allows for B/W printing even if you run out of color toner. If that works I will temper my opinion of this printer. Thanks to Brother for hearing our comments. Note that you have to manually apply this firmware update.