Brother MFC-8710DW

Brother MFC-8710DW

The Brother MFC-8710DW is the sort of mono laser MFP that can fit nicely as a workhorse printer in a micro office, small office, or workgroup. It doesn't offer any standout features, but it prints, scans, and faxes, including over a network; it works as a standalone copier and fax machine; and it delivers enough overall—in output quality, speed, and paper handling—to make it a strong contender for any small office or workgroup with relatively heavy-duty needs. The MFC-8710DW has a lot in common with the similarly priced Editors' Choice OKI MB471 , but there are also some important differences. In addition to both printers offering print, scan, copy, and fax capability, both can print from and scan to a USB memory key. Both also offer a 50-page automatic document feeder (ADF) to supplement their flatbeds. Unlike the OKI printer, the MFC-8710DW doesn't offer duplex (two-sided) scanning with its ADF, which means you can't scan, fax, or copy duplex originals easily. On the other hand, the OKI printer's flatbed is limited to a maximum letter-size page, while the MFC-8710DW's flatbed is legal size. In addition, the MFC-8710DW supports Wi-Fi while the MB471 doesn't.