Brother debuts 3 new multi-function laser printers

On Thursday, Brother International Corp. introduced three new 5-in-1 flatbed laser multi-function printers: the MFC-8440, the MFC-8840D, and the MFC-8840DN. Each features a SuperG3 33.6Kps plain paper fax, laser printing with resolution up to 2400 x 600 dpi and speeds as fast as 21 ppm, a digital copier capable of 21 cpm, software fax ability, and a color scanner with resolution up to 9600 x 9600 dpi.

All three also offer 32MB base memory, expandable to 160MB, that can store up to 600 pages, a built-in 50-page automatic document feeder and 340 speed dial locations. In addition, they can transmit faxes directly from your Mac with the included Brother PC Fax application; Presto! Page Manager software is also included for the scan function.

While the three printers feature networking capability, it’s an optional add-on with the 8440 and the 8840D. The 8840DN model ships with a built-in NC-9100h Internal Print/Fax Server Board, which retails for US$199.99. It allows connection to a 10/100Mbit Ethernet network for workgroup printing, faxing, and scanning functions, as well as Web-based management utilities.

The 8840D and 8840DN printers differ from the 8440 with the addition of automatic two-sided printing, copy output and fax reception, as well as a 50-sheet multipurpose paper tray.

System requirements for all three printers call for Mac OS 8.6 through 9.2 or Mac OS X v.10.2.1 “Jaguar” or higher. The 8440 and 8440D will ship in late April for $449.99 and $549.99, respectively, while the 8840DN will arrive in May at a retail price of $649.99. As MacCentral posted this article, product pages were not available yet on the Brother Web site.