Brother MFC-9440CN Review

The MFC-9440CN offers quality prints for both monochrome and color types, boasting a 2400 x 600 maximum dots per inch print resolution. Print speeds are also competitive, clocking at 21 pages per minute for monochrome and color prints, faster than most multi-function printers in its class. Varied network interface including Ethernet and USB, particularly its USB Direct feature enables easy network set up and printing. The USB Direct function allows direct connection and printing from any USB device such as digital cameras, flash drives and even mobile phones, without the hassle of transferring the files into a network computer. A 64MB memory with an optional upgrade up to 576MB is suitable for multi-tasking and high-volume printing. The MFC-9440CN also supports PCL-6 and BR-Script 3 through emulation, and supports Windows and MAC operating systems.

The MFC-9440CN is designed for high-volume tasks, particularly for printing, with dimensions of 17" x 19.2" x 19" and a weight of 72.6 lbs. It also boasts a standard input capacity of 250 sheets, with the option to upgrade for an additional 500 sheets. Multi-purpose tray has a 50-sheet capacity. Aside from high-volume printing, the MFC-9440CN is also built to address high speed faxing, with a speed of 33.6K bps, which results in a transmission rate of approximately 2 seconds per page. Autodial and broadcast location handling are also maximized, with up to 316 locations for autodial and up to 366 locations for broadcasting.

Copy function yields a respectable 17 copies per minute for both monochrome and color, with stand-alone capabilities and reduction and enlargement at 25-400%. The MFC-9440CN also has a 35-page automatic document feeder, a standard addition for this high-volume, multi-task oriented machine. Scanning with the MFC-9440CN produces a detailed 19,200 dots per inch maximum interpolated scan resolution and optical scan resolution at 1200 x 2400 dpi, which should produce quality images or graphics. The MFC-9440CN also has a 48-bit input color scan bit depth and the “scan to” feature, for a direct scan to email, image, OCR, file, FTP and USB.

The MFC-9440CN is energy efficient, with only a 495-watt consumption when copying.

One feature that the MFC-9440CN is missing is the auto duplex function, for printing on both sides of paper at the same time. Being a high volume multi-function printer, the auto duplex is a significant high-volume printer feature, especially for producing brochures, back-to-back fliers and the like. Another missing feature is a color LCD display. Not quite as important as the auto duplexing, but in a market where design even for the printer menu panel, is considered, the lack of a color LCD display panel is a bit of a letdown for the MFC-9440CN. Color copy quality, though marketed as being excellent, can certainly use more improvement.

For a high volume printer, noise seems to be inevitable, but at 54 decibels, the MFC-9440CN produces more noise than other printers with similar caliber. The MFC-9440CN’s toner rack is also quite hefty, which may be a problem with the product’s set up and toner cartridge replacement. The MFC-9440CN is also quite bulky for a multi-function printer catering to small office/business needs, especially with its weight at 72.6 lbs.