Brother MFC-J4535DW INKvestment Tank Printer Review Efficient Inkjet for Home Offices

Description

Unboxing the Brother MFC-J4535DW INKvestment Tank Printer

I recently got my hands on the Brother MFC-J4535DW INKvestment Tank All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, and to say I was intrigued would be an understatement. From the moment I unpacked it, I could tell this printer was designed with efficiency and modern functionality in mind. The box came with everything needed to set it up: starter ink cartridges, guides for installation, and even a telephone line cord. The compact yet sturdy build immediately stood out, and the clean white finish added a professional touch to my home office.

Design and Build Quality

The design of this printer is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Measuring 14.6″ x 17.1″ x 9.8″, it fits comfortably on my desk without taking over the space. The controls are user-friendly, featuring an LCD touchscreen that responds smoothly to taps and swipes. I appreciated the dual paper tray system, which holds up to 400 sheets. This feature felt like a game-changer during those marathon printing sessions when constant paper refilling can be a hassle.

However, while the plastic construction keeps the printer lightweight at around 21 pounds, it doesn’t feel as premium as some higher-end alternatives. The build is functional, but I’d advise handling it with a bit of care.

Performance and Printing Quality

I tested the printing, copying, scanning, and faxing functions extensively. The printer’s 1200 x 600 dpi resolution produced sharp and crisp documents, and the colors on glossy photo paper were vibrant. I was impressed by how quickly it churned out pages—3 seconds for the first page and up to 20 ppm for black-and-white copies. The automatic duplex printing was another time-saver, making double-sided printing seamless and reducing paper waste.

One feature that stood out to me was the INKvestment Tank system, which merges high-yield cartridges with an internal ink tank. This means fewer refills and no mess. The claim of “1 year of ink in the box” might vary based on usage, but I’ve already printed a large batch of documents, and the ink levels barely budged.

Versatile Connectivity Options

With Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, NFC, and Wi-Fi Direct, the printer offers a range of ways to connect. I tested the NFC one-touch mobile printing, and it worked flawlessly with my Android phone. The Brother Mobile Connect App is also a solid addition, allowing me to print documents directly from my cloud storage and monitor ink levels remotely.

For those who enjoy smart home integration, the Alexa compatibility is a huge plus. It alerted me when ink levels were getting low and even offered to reorder ink automatically. This level of convenience is something I didn’t know I needed until I experienced it.

Positives

Here are the key benefits I appreciated during my time with the printer:

• Long-lasting ink supply reduces the frequency of cartridge replacements.
• Fast printing speeds and automatic duplex functionality enhance productivity.
• Flexible connectivity options, including NFC and cloud-based printing, make it versatile.
• The 400-sheet capacity minimizes the need for frequent paper reloading.

Pitfalls

That said, there are areas for improvement worth considering:

• The plastic construction doesn’t feel as durable as some competitors.
• It’s not the best choice for high-resolution photo printing, as the colors, while vibrant, lack the depth needed for professional photography.
• The LCD screen, though functional, could be slightly larger for easier navigation.

Market Rivals

Comparing this printer to others in its category, such as the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 and the HP Smart Tank Plus 651, highlighted some of its strengths and weaknesses. The Brother MFC-J4535DW excels in speed and paper capacity, outshining the Epson in these areas. However, Epson’s EcoTank models are known for their superior photo-printing capabilities, which the Brother doesn’t quite match.

On the other hand, the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 boasts a more premium design and is slightly quieter during operation. But it falls short in terms of connectivity options compared to the Brother. For those prioritizing smart features and all-around versatility, the Brother printer offers a more balanced package.

Cost Efficiency

In terms of value for money, this printer delivers on its promises. The low operational cost stemming from the INKvestment Tank system makes it a savvy choice for small businesses and home offices alike. While the upfront price might be a bit higher than traditional inkjet printers, the savings on ink refills and the time saved on maintenance easily justify the investment.

Overall, this all-in-one printer caters to a wide range of needs, offering reliability, speed, and convenience. Whether you’re running a small business or just need a dependable machine for your home office, it’s a strong contender worth considering.

Additional information