Brother has released a series of All-in-One inkjet printers lately. The MFC-990CW is the highest specification model of this batch. This printer uses the same engine as that of a similar recent series of multifunction A3 printers. This model is an amalgamation of copy, print, scan and fax functions in a compact device. Its impressive looks are lent credence to by its stark jet black colour and compact measurements of 468 × 375 × 180mm. The printer is kind of heavy with a weight around 8.6kg. The printer comes with an included DECT handset. In the printer, just above the front-loading paper tray, are memory card slots which cover cards like Compact Flash, SD, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick, etc.
As far as connectivity options on the printer are concerned, it houses a USB port at the front. You can use this port to plug in a flash drive. The printer also offers wired or wireless connection via connectivity options like Ethernet, Wireless 802.11b/g, USB, and Bluetooth. The printer is extremely user friendly and is straightforward and quick to set up. Just use the supplied software and you are good to go.
The printer houses a wide 4.2-inch touch-screen LCD that makes operating the controls on the printer a cakewalk. The screen is accompanied by huge control buttons for the four main functions. All these features make navigation and setup a child’s play. However, the design of the load tray is such that it has to be taken out every time in order to print 10 × 15 cm photos. The printer also suffers from paper jams.
As far as printing speed is concerned, MFC-990CW gives print speeds of mere 17 pages per minute on ordinary A4 paper and takes around 90 seconds to print 10 × 15cm colour print from an SD memory card. The printer gives printing speeds of 15 pages per minute for normal colour prints. The print quality is superb with sharp, vivid, and impressive colour output. The Brother MFC-990CW is available for a price of £229.99.
