Brother MFC-6550 Printer Review
The Brother MFC-6550 and MFC-6550MC are a series of multifunction printers that received satisfactory reviews from experts for their affordability and ample package of features. The MFC-6550's print speed of only 6 pages per minute is one of the slower rates seen among its class of laser units. Despite its slow speeds, however, this cost-efficient device has the print, scan, copy and fax capabilities and an easy-to-use design that make it a good solution for home offices.
With a size of only 15x17x9 inches, the MFC-6550 is one of the most compact all-in-one units that can easily share a desktop with a user's PC. The design fails to incorporate a standard USB port for basic wired PC connectivity, providing users only with a built-in parallel interface. The unit's maximum media capacity of only 200 pages may also seem limited, but compared to similar models in its price range this is a decent capacity that will easily support low volumes.
Some of the unit's highlights include a 30-sheet automatic document feeder for continuous scanning and faxing, as well as automatic fax and telephone switching to receive faxes and voicemails through one line. The device also incorporates a number of tools right on its front panel such as an LCD display, an LED for alerts when toners or paper are low, and a number pad for easy dialing as well as programming up to 40 speed dial numbers.
Thanks to its use of Brother MFC-6550 printer toner and thermal technology, documents will dry quickly for extra smudge resistance and allow users to handle them directly after printing. The MFC-6550 tested on par for monochrome and graphic documents, printing with a maximum resolution of 600x600 dpi.
The device only uses one black Brother MFC-6550 toner cartridge, so it lacks color output. Yields of up to 2,200 pages for replacement Brother MFC-6550 toner cartridges make this a suitable printer for light-duty everyday use.
Offering 4-in-1 functionality and a range of control tools on the front panel, the MFC-6550 is a simple and intuitive solution for buyers that want an office-centric machine for their home. However, those who need a device capable of handling larger volumes may be hampered by this model's slow speeds.