Brother MFC-685CW Ink Cartridges

Brother MFC-685CW Printer Review

Talk about packing a ton of features and functions into a compact machine, the network-ready Brother MFC-685CW measures about 18x14x7 inches and weighs only 18.5 pounds, yet has the ability to wirelessly print, copy, scan, and fax. In addition, this color inkjet all-in-one device has a telephone handset and a full messaging center. Though it is not ideal for high volumes of tasks, the MFC-685CW is a perfect fit for a home office.

Photo printing is the primary feature of this machine, with the ability to print borderless pictures and a tray devoted specifically to 4x6" photo paper. The PhotoCapture center offers automatic enhancement features, such as red-eye removal, as well as editing options for users. Images can be loaded directly into the MFC-685CW via PictBridge port (which is also compatible with USB flash drives) and memory card slots. There is a flip-up 3.5" color LCD for users to select, preview, and edit images without using a computer.

Brother claims this unit can generate up to 30 pages per minute in black-and-white and 25 pages per minute in color, but testing has shown it to be a bit slower than that. Brother also boasts a maximum resolution of 6000x1200 dpi created by the drop-on-demand technology and high-grade Brother MFC-685CW printer ink, but the overall quality falls a bit short of what is expected of a photo printer, according to reviewers.

There are four Brother MFC-685CW ink cartridges that are required for operation. The cyan, magenta, and yellow printer ink supplies will yield up to 400 pages each before running out, and the black Brother MFC-685CW ink cartridge can produce up to 500 pages. Replacements are available from the manufacturer or online, where compatible Brother MFC-685CW ink can be found for a much more affordable price.

The 32 MB of memory and 100-sheet input tray are both on the small side and neither can be expanded, but for a home office, both should be sufficient. There is a 10-sheet automatic document feeder on top of the scanner lid, but it is the message center and advanced fax features that really set the MFC-685CW apart from similar inkjet models.

Compact, but jammed with a lot of useful features and functionality, the Brother MFC-685CW is a solid device to have in a home office. It allows users to perform business-related tasks efficiently as well as print personal photos. On top of that, the MFC-685CW is affordable enough for a tight budget.