New Brother MFCs

Brother on Tuesday launched a new line of low-profile color inkjet Multi-function Center (MFC) products, replacing the current flatbed MFC-210c, MFC-420cn and MFC-640cw models, respectively. Brother's new line-up features a small footprint, a stand-alone 14.4kbps fax and a 10-page auto-document feeder to complement standard robust printing, copying and scanning functions as well as media card support. They feature among the fastest print speeds in their class with 25ppm black / 20ppm color for MFC-240c/440cn, and up to 27ppm black / 22ppm color for the MFC-665cw. Both the MFC-440cn and MFC-665cw come standard with a built-in Ethernet network interface to enable the sharing of printing, scanning, faxing and media card access. All feature print resolutions of up to 6000 x 1200 dots per inch using droplets as small as 1.5 picoliters and optical scan resolution of 600 x 2400 dpi.

Conveniently located on the front panel of the machines, the PhotoCapture Center feature enables users to easily print color photos with or without a computer. This feature is compatible with all major Media Cards and includes a PictBridge interface. The MFC440cn and the MFC665cw also include the ability to scan directly to the memory card, a flip-up Color LCD display that provides the user with an easy to navigate interface as well as the ability to preview their photos before printing as well as include a Photo Bypass tray holds up to 20 sheets of 4" x 6" photo paper without removing standard paper. The MFC440cn features a 2.0-inch display, while the MFC665cw features a larger 2.5-inch display.

The high-end MFC also features a built-in wireless (802.11b/g) network interface for wireless connectivity. In addition, the high-end MFC665cw features a built-in Message Center that includes advanced features such as digital answering machine (stores up to 29 minutes), full duplex speakerphone, and a convenient telephone handset.

Innobella Ink Cartridges

All of the new Color MFCs will use Brother's new lineup of Innobella ink cartridges and photo papers. When used with the company's new print engine, the "Innobella" ink enables and empowers consumers to accurately reproduce beautiful, vibrant, radiant color images; while simultaneously enhancing image permanence and longevity.

The MFC-240c/440cn/665cw utilizes a 4-cartridge ink series to reduce ink waste by only requiring the user to replace the color that runs out. The new LC-51 series (Innobella (TM)) inks that support yields of 500 pages for black and 400 pages for each color cartridge (based on 5 percent page coverage).

The new models will be available through all Brother sales channels such as office superstores, major retailers and distributors beginning with the MFC-240c ($100) in late July, the MFC-440cn ($150) in mid-September and the MFC-665cw ($200) in late-September. They feature USB 2.0 connectivity and require Mac OS X 10.2.4 or later. All ship with Presto! PageManager with OCR functions for Macs.

by MacNN Staff