The highest quality of output expected of Brother DCP-9020CDW colored copies are those that appear unusually grainy, but with light and spotts and blurry texts. While the mono copy text is a little sharper, however, the mono reproduction contrast of the color copies is poor, which gives them a cloudy appearance, despite the use of the adjustment settings that the MFP’s touchscreen interface brings. Moreover, the mono and single-sheet color copies took 17s, while the 10 pages supplied via the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) were copied in 48s.
Notable Design and Features
While Brother DCP-9020CDW is a considerable printer, the majority of the volume is in its depth. The front appears to be relatively small, which is supported by the dark grey and white paneling. On its top is a 35-sheet ADF, where the cover turns over to serve as the feed tray.
The printer can be linked directly to the internet, aside from the general functions of copy, print, and scan. With the right authentication, it will be easy to scan directly to several online storage servers, which include OneNote, Dropbox, and Facebook. There is also a 250-sheet main paper tray situated below the output slot, along with a one-sheet multipurpose feed above it. However, there is no provision for additional paper trays.
Nonetheless, LED print engines are easier to use than lasers that basically come with bright LEDs. These are running over the photoconductor drum instead of a laser beam scanned that use moving mirrors. Except for the paper feed, there are no moving parts here.
Cartridges and Links
The Brother DCP-9020CDW has a number of features that enable the use of MFP without a PC. The iPrint & Scan mobile app provides an easier way of sending the printer files or photos from an iOS or Android phone and a tablet on a similar wireless network. It also allows the download and installation of apps to the MFP to enable browsing and printing of documents that are stored on cloud services like Microsoft SkyDrive and Google Drive. The software that comes with the machine also includes Brother’s Creative Center and Web Connect as well as the PostScript and PCL drivers in emulation.
While the printer can be linked through Ethernet and USB, the wireless connection can also open up the internet and allow direct printing from any mobile device. On the other hand, the four-toner cartridges are placed directly into the machine once the scanner area has been folded back. In addition are another photoconductor drum and transfer belt that require replacing at 15,000 and 50,000-page intervals only.
The Cost of Operation and Ownership
The price of toner for DCP-9020CDW is a little expensive. The cartridges are sold at around $73 2,500-page black toner while the 2,200-page color cartridges are priced at $102 each. It brings an unusually high mono page value of 2.3p as well as a mixed black and color price of 13.4p and a full-color page cost of 14.1p.
The total ownership costs are high as well despite the fact that the low-yield users that go through the 1,000 pages worth of toner can do better than the heavy business users due to the low printer price of £237. Meantime, light users pay a more reasonable price of $684.
Brother DCP-9020CDW offers a good print quality. However, Copier Chicago experts say that the slow print speeds and its high costs are what makes this machine a poor choice for a business despite its low market price.
