Quick Overview
- On the other hand, the Brother DCP-L3550CDW is a color laser printer, allowing you to print vibrant documents and images.
- The Brother MFC-L3710CW has a paper capacity of 250 sheets in the main tray and 50 sheets in the multi-purpose tray, giving you a total capacity of 300 sheets.
- The Brother DCP-L3550CDW has a slightly larger paper capacity of 300 sheets in the main tray and 50 sheets in the multi-purpose tray, for a total of 350 sheets.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and efficient printer for your home or office, Brother is a brand that often comes to mind. Two of their popular models, the Brother MFC-L3710CW and the Brother DCP-L3550CDW, offer a range of features that cater to different needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two printers to help you make an informed decision.
Printing Capabilities
The Brother MFC-L3710CW is a monochrome laser printer, meaning it prints only in black and white. However, it offers fast printing speeds of up to 30 pages per minute (ppm), making it ideal for high-volume printing tasks. On the other hand, the Brother DCP-L3550CDW is a color laser printer, allowing you to print vibrant documents and images. While it has a slightly slower print speed of up to 18 ppm, it still provides excellent quality for color printing.
Copy and Scan Functions
Both the Brother MFC-L3710CW and the Brother DCP-L3550CDW offer copy and scan functions. The MFC-L3710CW features a flatbed scanner with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, allowing you to scan documents and images with great detail. The DCP-L3550CDW, on the other hand, has an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can scan multiple pages at once, making it more efficient for copying and scanning large documents.
Fax Capabilities
The Brother MFC-L3710CW comes equipped with a built-in fax modem, allowing you to send and receive faxes directly from the printer. This feature can be particularly useful for businesses that need to communicate with clients or partners via fax. The Brother DCP-L3550CDW does not have a fax capability.
Connectivity Options
Both the Brother MFC-L3710CW and the Brother DCP-L3550CDW offer a range of connectivity options. They both support Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect them to your wireless network and print from anywhere in your home or office. Additionally, they have USB ports for direct connection to a computer or other devices. The MFC-L3710CW also supports NFC (Near Field Communication), enabling you to easily print from compatible mobile devices by simply tapping them on the printer.
Paper Handling
The Brother MFC-L3710CW has a paper capacity of 250 sheets in the main tray and 50 sheets in the multi-purpose tray, giving you a total capacity of 300 sheets. The Brother DCP-L3550CDW has a slightly larger paper capacity of 300 sheets in the main tray and 50 sheets in the multi-purpose tray, for a total of 350 sheets. Both printers support a variety of paper sizes, including letter, legal, and A4.
Cost of Ownership
The Brother MFC-L3710CW and the Brother DCP-L3550CDW have different costs of ownership to consider. The MFC-L3710CW typically has lower toner costs due to its monochrome printing capability. However, the DCP-L3550CDW may have higher initial purchase costs due to its color printing capabilities. It’s important to evaluate your printing needs and budget to determine which printer offers the best value for your money.
Which Printer is Right for You?
The choice between the Brother MFC-L3710CW and the Brother DCP-L3550CDW depends on your specific requirements. If you need a fast and efficient monochrome laser printer for high-volume printing tasks, the MFC-L3710CW is a great choice. If you require color printing capabilities, the DCP-L3550CDW offers vibrant prints and an automatic document feeder for convenient copying and scanning. Additionally, if you need fax capabilities, the MFC-L3710CW is the better option.
Final Verdict
Both the Brother MFC-L3710CW and the Brother DCP-L3550CDW are excellent printers that offer different features to meet various needs. By carefully considering the printing capabilities, copy and scan functions, connectivity options, paper handling, and cost of ownership, you can make an informed decision and choose the printer that best aligns with your requirements.
Top Questions Asked
1. Which printer has a higher print resolution?
The Brother DCP-L3550CDW has a higher print resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi compared to the Brother MFC-L3710CW’s 1200 x 2400 dpi.
2. Can I print wirelessly from both printers?
Yes, both the Brother MFC-L3710CW and the Brother DCP-L3550CDW support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to print wirelessly from your devices.
3. Which printer is more energy-efficient?
The Brother MFC-L3710CW is more energy-efficient than the Brother DCP-L3550CDW due to its monochrome printing capability.
4. Can I scan multiple pages at once with the Brother MFC-L3710CW?
No, the Brother MFC-L3710CW does not have an automatic document feeder, so you can only scan one page at a time.
5. Which printer has a larger paper capacity?
The Brother DCP-L3550CDW has a larger paper capacity of 350 sheets compared to the Brother MFC-L3710CW’s 300 sheets.