Review: Brother HL-L2350DW Series Compact Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer – Robust, efficient, and reliable monochrome printer

Comprehensive review of Brother L2350DW’s design, setup, functionalities, and cost-effectiveness for home or small business... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Brother
Connectivity Technology	Wi-Fi, USB
Printing Technology	Laser
Special Feature	Wireless
Color	Grey
Model Name	HL L2350DW
Printer Output	Monochrome
Item Weight	15.9 Pounds
Product Dimensions	14″D x 14.2″W x 7.2″H
Controller Type	Android

Introduction – A Closer Look at the Brother L2350DW Wireless Laser Printer

In my quest for a straightforward, efficient, yet modern printer, I stumbled upon the Brother L2350DW Wireless Laser Printer. My initial impression? Unassuming might just be the best way to define it. This monochrome laser printer, simple and gray, reconnects you to the industrial design reminiscent of the 90s. It doesn’t scream ‘modern technology,’ but does its look speak volumes about its functionality? Let’s dive into details.

Design – Simple and Unremarkable

Decked out in a usual blend of gray and black plastic, the Brother L2350DW isn’t exactly a stunner in the aesthetics department. Its design engenders a sense of nostalgia, resurrecting memories of simple printers occupying the office space in the 90s. But don’t be fooled by the plain-Jane exterior— this printer packs a punch.

Size – Compact and Desk-friendly

Contrary to some chunky office equipment, this printer does its part in conserving space. Measuring about 14 inches in length, depth, and a height of 7 inches, you needn’t worry about it taking over your work area. But remember, it does pack a weight of about 16 pounds—quite substantial—so a strong table or a dedicated printer cart would be the best home for this device.

First Impression Verdict

So, the Brother L2350DW may not win a beauty contest, but it exudes an appeal of practicality and purpose—exactly what you’d expect from a home office laser printer. It’s clear that Brother has prioritized function over form, crafting a simple yet effective device dedicated to your printing needs. Let’s hold onto our perceptions, though, until we explore the bells and whistles this unpretentious printer has to offer in the following sections.

Key Features of the Brother L2350DW Printer

• Single-line LCD screen display allows easy navigation
• Keypad provides quick access to intuitive menus
• Simplicity of printer equals user-friendly reliability

Delving into the heart of the Brother L2350DW printer, you quickly realize that it’s truly a product of function over form, combining simplicity and high performance. Here, I’ll critically examine some notable features of this printer.

Navigating In and Out of the 90s with the Single Line LCD Screen Display

One feature that caught my attention during my testing was the single-line LCD screen display on the printer. Now, this retro design might not necessarily be appetizing to those craving vibrant color displays, but it’s quite functional, making the printer fairly easy to navigate.

The crispness of the LCD panel conjures a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the 90s, taking you back to a time when technology was just starting to revolutionize how we work—enjoyable for sentimental folks, though some may argue it’s due for an upgrade.

Juxtaposition of Functionality and Simplicity—A Device Trapped Between Two Eras

It’s not all about the display; this printer features a basic keypad below the screen. The keys provide quick access to navigate the intuitive menus on the screen – functional without a doubt, but it does make you wish for a more modern, maybe touch-oriented approach. This is where the Brother L2350DW flaunts its humility—it makes no attempts to disguise its utilitarian roots.

The printer gets the job done and keeps you constantly aware that it’s a tool meant for productivity, not a decorative piece of electronics. Despite my slight yearning for an upgrade, there’s a definite charm in the familiarity and ease offered by the straightforward interface.

Note: It’s essential to provide an unbiased insight into this printer’s features—yes, it could do with some modern cosmetic upgrades, but it does honor the notion that “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”. The simplicity often eliminates potential complications, making it user-friendly, more enduring, and reliable. After all, who needs unnecessary bells and whistles that serve no practical purpose?

Setting up and Connecting the Brother L2350DW in a Wi-Fi Environment

• Brother L2350DW offers easy, breezy setup
• Enables straightforward Wi-Fi and USB connections
• Initial setup is user-friendly and quick

Do you remember those old contraptions which needed a degree and a half in advanced tech before you could even get them to blink a light? Well, you don’t need to worry about those nightmares resurfacing here. The Brother L2350DW packs a punch with its breezy setup. Nevertheless, it’s worth scrutinizing the process to see if the praises truly match the experience.

Out Of The Box

Getting it out of the box , you find nothing too daunting. With a keen eye for compliance, I’ve satisfied my inner critic by ensuring we follow every step in the manual. Around here, we believe in thoroughness, and every detail counts when we’re giving you a comprehensive review.

Connecting to Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi setup can be considered a cakewalk – well, for the most part. Connecting this printer to your home or office Wi-Fi network is pretty straightforward. If you’ve had any experience with setting up wireless devices, you’ll find yourself in a familiar territory. Any device that’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network can print on this baby with no trouble. You’ve heard right, even Linux users aren’t left out!

USB Connection

However, for some more traditional users preferring a hardwired connection, the Brother L2350DW doesn’t disappoint. It provides an USB port at the back which you can use to connect it directly to a single computer if need be. Not the most groundbreaking feature, but one that can prove quite handy for those who like to keep things simple.

Initial Setup

The initial setup is where the Brother L2350DW really shines . Breaking free from the shackles of exhaustive instruction manuals and confusing steps, you get it going in mere minutes. Heck, they even provide a setup video for the entire process, including the wireless setup part. Talk about convenience!

However, I do have a small gripe. In such an advanced epoch, an interactive, on-device setup guide would have been a welcome addition. It certainly would have eliminated the need to shift attention between the device and a video or a manual. Just a thought, Brother!

All in all, the setup process for this printer strikes a balance between precision and accessibility. It manages to be user-friendly, without being too crammed with redundant technological jargon.

Capacity and Output – Exploring the Brother L2350DW’s Paper Trays

• Brother L2350DW has two trays: automatic and manual.
• Automatic tray holds 250 sheets, manual tray for varied prints.
• Output tray accommodates up to 100 printed pages.

Let’s delve deeper into the capacity and output of the Brother L2350DW, which is particularly useful when understanding how this printer can fit into your workflow. We’re going to examine the printer’s two distinct paper trays and their individual capabilities.

Getting to Know the Brother L2350DW Paper Trays

The 2350 model comes equipped with two paper trays – a main automatic tray and a secondary manual tray. Each has its unique features and purpose, so let’s break these down and see what they’re all about.

The Automatic Tray

Offering practicality and convenience, the primary paper tray can hold up to a hefty 250 sheets. The paper size compatibility of this tray is quite versatile, handling everything from legal size sheets to smaller A4 or letter sizes. This tray effectively provides a ‘set-and-forget’ convenience when it comes to bulk printing jobs, eliminating the need for constant paper replacement.

The Manual Tray

On the other hand, the manual tray is designed more for variety than volume. Despite only being able to handle one sheet of paper or envelope at a time, it’s a lifesaver when you need to print on different paper types, or require to print an envelope. It’s this feature that makes it ideal for small office settings or home offices where diverse print jobs may come up.

The Output Tray

The Brother L2350DW is not just about bulk input but also about bulk output. Equipped with a slanted paper output tray designed to accommodate up to 100 printed pages, the printer is a real workhorse when it comes to handling high-volume print jobs. This is made even more significant given the printers impressively fast printing speed.

Quality of the Prints

Having a great printer is not just about volume and speed, it also depends on the quality of the output. In terms of the Brother L2350DW, it does meet the expectations. Delivering crisp and clear black and white prints, it is up to par with what you would seek from a reliable office laser printer.

Final Thoughts on Brother L2350DW’s Paper Trays and Output

In conclusion, while the Brother L2350DW’s paper handling might seem standard at first glance, it is these thoughtful design elements – the high capacity automatic tray, the practical manual tray, and the effective output tray – that makes this printer stand out. As for the print quality, it does offer professional-grade monochrome printouts, making it a sound choice for your home or office. However, keep in mind, like any other printer, it’s always important to consider what your specific needs are.

Efficiency Aspect – The Toner Usage and Cost-effectiveness of the Brother L2350DW

• Brother L2350DW offers efficient, cost-effective printing
• Choice between standard and high output cartridges
• Features efficient, double-sided printing

Today we are shifting the spotlight onto one of the least glamorous yet utterly essential part of our printer – the toner. I was particularly keen to check out the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this machine, given, let’s face it, the cost of printing can quickly become a burden if not managed well with the right printer.

A Look at the Two Types of Cartridges – TN730 and the High Yield TN760

The Brother L2350DW uses two types of toner cartridges i.e, TN730 and high yield TN760. Now, this is something that had really impressed me! Having the choice between standard and high output cartridges is delightful because it offers flexibility depending on your printing needs.

The standard TN730 cartridge proved to be quite sufficient for regular printing needs. It lets you print about 1,200 pages, which, for a home-office setup or even a small business, should be enough to cover some ground before needing a refill.

On the other hand, the high yield TN760 cartridge is an absolute powerhouse! It can pump out a staggering 3,000 pages before it calls quits. If you’re going to be doing a fair amount of printing, or if you simply like the convenience of fewer cartridge changes, this one’s going to be your best buddy.

The Magic of Doubling Up: Introduction to Double-Sided Prints

Double-sided printing is a feature I was thrilled to discover natively built into the Brother L2350DW. The ability to print on both sides of the paper – it sounds small, but don’t underestimate the impact. This feature is a super-effective way of reducing paper usage, which is not only great for your wallet but also gives you bonus points for being environmentally friendly. The printer manages this quite efficiently without compromising the speed or quality of the printout, which, if you ask me, is a win-win scenario!

In conclusion, when it comes to efficient use of toner and cost-effectiveness, the Brother L2350DW scores high on my list. Whether you’re a small business owner keeping an eye on overheads, or a student needing to print out a mountain of papers, this machine is designed keeping flexibility and savings in mind.

Assessing the Commercial Feasibility – Cap on Monthly Print Volume and Scope of Adaptability

• Brother L2350DW can print 15,000 pages monthly
• Lacks Ethernet port, focuses on wireless connectivity
• Best for small/medium enterprises using Wi-Fi

As an efficient monochrome printer, the Brother L2350DW has intriguing commercial potential that we cannot overlook. It’s important to consider what a printer can cope with in terms of monthly volume, especially if we are thinking of integrating it into a small and medium-sized corporate environment.

Monthly Print Volume

The Brother L2350DW stands out with its impressive monthly duty cycle. Deemed capable of handling a maximum print volume of 15,000 pages a month , this printer could fit perfectly into a busy office environment. The robust structure and consistent performance provide a degree of reliability that won’t let you down.

Adaptability in the Professional Space

However, despite its solid monthly volume capability and general performance, there’s an element that falls just short of perfect in the commercial sense: the lack of an Ethernet port. For companies relying on secure wired networks for printing from multiple PCs, this could be a stumbling block.

The L2350DW focuses heavily on wireless connectivity, which while convenient and modern, may not cater to the requirements of all professional environments.

Small and Medium Sized Business – The Prime Targets

Given its optimal performance and the slight limitation of connectivity mode, this printer is best suited for small and medium-sized enterprises that primarily rely on Wi-Fi connectivity. Its ease of setup, efficiency, and volume capacity make it a serious contender in this space.

In conclusion, while the Brother L2350DW displays commendable performance and a high monthly cap, the lack of an Ethernet port may render it less attractive to businesses reliant on wired networks. Nevertheless, for those embracing wireless technology, this printer would be a fantastic addition to your office arsenal.

Closing Thoughts – Deciding Whether the Brother L2350DW is Worth the Hype

• Brother L2350DW offers great print speeds and efficiency
• Design, functionality, and interface feel dated
• Alternative for color prints? Consider Brother 8360 CDW

After taking the Brother L2350DW for a spin, I have ended up with some mixed feelings. While there are evident strengths and attractive features, there are certain aspects that might be seen as drawbacks by some users. Let’s dissect these details and see if this printer truly lives up to its hype.

Pros and Cons of the Brother L2350DW

On the bright side, this printer stands out with its great print speeds, crisp outcomes, and an appreciated element of efficiency, especially when it comes to its ink usage. Not to forget the easy setup process, and vast compatibility, which gives it an edge in today’s tech-savvy environment.

On the flip side, the design, functionality, and interface feel a bit dated. Despite being perfectly functional, the small LCD screen and limited manual tray capacity can be seen as minor quirks. Additionally, the lack of an ethernet port might be a deal breaker for commercial users who would want to use it as a secure network printer for multiple employees.

So, who is it for?

Well, if you are on the lookout for a simple, reliable, and black and white laser printer for your home or small office, the Brother L2350DW comes off as a value for money. I found it to be a great fit for a small home setup where the print needs are more centered around basic daily tasks. Although it’s not suitable for heavy-duty colour printing, for black and white prints with remarkable clarity, it’s a fairly good deal.

What’s the alternative?

For those who fancy the speed and efficiency of a laser printer but can’t compromise on coloured prints, I’d recommend considering the Brother 8360 CDW. This model essentially brings the same functionality as L2350DW, with the added bonus of color prints, making it a sturdy contender in the line-up of office printers.

In the end, while the Brother L2350DW nails it in certain arenas, it could use a revamp in others. Much could be improved, like a larger, color touch screen and higher manual tray capacity, but its current offerings and price make it a decent buy for black and white printing needs.

Conclusion – Assessing the Brother L2350DW Wireless Laser Printer: Should You Get One?

In the end, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and requirements when deciding on a printer. Brother L2350DW has proved its worth in my case, but it’s always a good practice to weigh the pros and cons critically.

Key Considerations

Without a doubt, the Brother L2350DW wireless laser printer brings a lot to the table. It’s compact, efficient, and admittedly easy to use. More importantly, it’s cost-effective, especially for those who mainly need black and white prints. The high-yield toner cartridges offer fantastic value, and its overall running costs are a big positive. Plus, its wireless functionality provides lots of conveniences.

However, it’s not without its negatives. The old-school monochrome LCD display does feel a bit dated compared to today’s touchscreen interfaces. Also, there’s no Ethernet port, so it may not suit all small businesses. And let’s not forget, this printer only does monochrome. If you need color prints, this isn’t the one for you.

Final Thoughts

Brother L2350DW is a simple, reliable, and efficient black and white printer. It is well-suited for home offices or small to medium-sized businesses that don’t require color prints and do not need Ethernet capabilities.

If, however, you deal primarily with color documents and need a fast, efficient laser printer, there are alternatives like the Brother 8360 CDW, which might fit your requirements better.

At the end of the day, your decision should balance your specific requirements, budget, and expectations. Remember, no one printer fits all scenarios!

Should you buy the Brother HL-L2350DW Series Compact Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer?

Buy it if…

You Need High Volume Black and White Prints

With a maximum print volume of 15,000 pages a month, the Brother L2350DW is perfect for small and medium-sized businesses needing high volumes of black and white prints.

Cost-Effective Printing is a Priority

The Brother L2350DW uses toner cartridges extremely efficiently, making it a very cost-effective printing choice.

Wireless Connectivity Matters

You can easily connect this printer to any device connected to the same Wi-fi network. It is also compatible with a range of systems, including Linux, which increases its versatility.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re Looking for Modern Aesthetics

The Brother L2350DW’s design is basic and might not fit in with modern stylish interiors.

You Primarily Print Color Documents

The Brother L2350DW only prints in black and white. If you need color items printed, this printer won’t suit you.

Your Printer Needs to Withstand Heavy Weight

If your printer needs to be on a table or cart that can’t withstand 16 pounds, this printer won’t be a suitable choice.

FAQ

What devices can I connect to the Brother L2350DW printer?

You can connect a variety of devices to the printer, including laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and even a Linux computer.

How many paper trays does the Brother L2350DW printer have?

The printer has two paper trays. The main auto-loading tray can hold up to 250 sheets of paper and the second manual tray can handle a single sheet of paper or an envelope.

What is the print volume capacity of this printer?

The Brother L2350DW is rated to handle a maximum print volume of 15,000 pages a month.

Does this printer have the capability to print in color?

No, the Brother L2350DW is a monochrome (black and white) printer. If color prints are a necessity, it’s recommended to consider the Brother 8360CDW printer instead.

What type of cartridges does the Brother L2350DW use?

The printer uses two types of cartridges, the TN730 that can print around 1200 pages and the TN760 high yield cartridge that can print around 3000 pages.

Can the Brother L2350DW handle double-sided printing?

Yes, the Brother L2350DW can handle double-sided prints.

Does Brother L2350DW have an ethernet port?

The printer does not have an ethernet port, a feature that commercial users may miss.