The Brother MFC-J870DW is an enhanced version of the Brother MFC-J825DW and is well-suited for personal use in any office setting. Offering faster print speeds, superior output quality, and Near-Field Communication (NFC) support, it simplifies mobile printing for users with NFC-capable smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S III.
Key Features and Functionality
The Brother MFC-J870DW includes essential multifunction printer (MFP) features like printing, faxing, scanning to a PC, standalone copying, automatic duplexing, and a 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). It supports printing from PictBridge cameras, memory cards, and USB memory keys. Users also gain access to web services like Picasa and Google Drive.
Additionally, the printer can print on printable optical discs and copy images onto them. Despite its versatility, the MFC-J870DW has a low paper capacity of 100 sheets and does not offer upgrade options, although it includes a dedicated 20-sheet tray for 4 by 6 photo paper.
Setup and Performance
Setting up the printer is straightforward, and it offers quick print speeds, delivering business applications at 4.7 ppm and 4 by 6 photos in just 59 seconds. The output quality is high, boasting text, graphics, and photo quality equivalent to or better than many other inkjet MFPs.
NFC and Connectivity
The Brother MFC-J870DW stands out as the first inkjet printer to include built-in NFC technology, enabling easy setup of wireless connections. NFC allows for seamless printing from compatible smartphones without the need for a traditional wireless connection, using the Brother iPrint&Scan app.
Although photo printing speeds through NFC, SD cards, USB, and Wi-Fi are slower compared to using PC software, the overall convenience of NFC significantly enhances the user experience.
Printing Costs and Quality
The printer's running costs are reasonable, with high-capacity ink cartridges providing a good value. Print costs are approximately 3.9p per page for black and 2.5p per page for color. The print speeds vary, achieving 18 ppm for draft black text and 5 ppm for duplex documents. Image quality remains sharp and colors authentic, although some graininess can appear in solid fill areas, and color copies may show some fading.
Comparison and Value Proposition
Compared to competitors like the Canon PIXMA MG6350 and HP Photosmart 7520, the Brother MFC-J870DW holds its own with features such as wireless printing, touchscreen controls, CD/DVD direct printing, and separate paper trays. While it may not produce the sharpest text compared to some thermal inkjets, its comprehensive feature set and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for both home and small office users.
In summary, the Brother MFC-J870DW offers a valuable combination of features and performance at a reasonable price point. Its support for NFC printing, coupled with robust basic functionalities, makes it a standout option for those seeking an efficient and versatile inkjet MFP.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Print Speed | 4.7 ppm for business applications, 59 seconds for 4 by 6 photos |
| Output Quality | High-quality text, graphics, and photos |
| Paper Capacity | 100 sheets (20-sheet tray for 4 by 6 photo paper) |
| Connectivity | NFC, Wi-Fi, USB, PictBridge |
| Special Features | Printing from PictBridge cameras, memory cards, USB keys, web services; printing on optical discs |
| Running Costs | 3.9p per black page, 2.5p per color page |
| Comparative Advantages | Wireless printing, touchscreen controls, CD/DVD direct printing, separate paper trays |
