Brother MFC-6490CW

Brother MFC-6490CW

This multifunction printer's wide-format capability is nice, but not its slow performance and variable print quality. Brother's color inkjet multifunction printer (MFP), the MFC-6490CW, adds wide-format printing capability to an already long list of functions. Unfortunately, extremely slow performance is the tradeoff. For $300 (at this writing), the MFC-6490CW gives you features galore. The integrated scanner takes wide-format media, as do the two input trays, which together take a generous 400 sheets of plain paper. The trays feel a bit flimsy, and their lids can be tricky. You also get a 50-sheet output tray and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). Automatic duplexing is not available, but its cousin, the MFC-6890CDW, offers it for a slightly higher purchase price. Connectivity includes USB, ethernet, and Wi-Fi. The first two ports are hidden within the machine, under the scanner unit, which is odd. Media slots take CF, MS, SD, SM, and xD cards. There is also a USB/PictBridge port. The control panel is mostly easy to understand. A 3.3-inch, color LCD shows menu items, photo images, and other info; it also divides fax buttons on the left from major-function and navigation buttons on the right--all labeled clearly.